Post by BullDog on May 12, 2013 15:44:28 GMT
About UKARA
UKARA was formed as a response to the drafting of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill in 2006 which later became an Act of Parliament.
UKARA is an association of UK Airsoft Retailers brought together to protect themselves from prosecution and enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms ( RiF's ) to the largest of the permitted purchaser groups in the UK, Airsoft Players.
The onus is on the seller of a RiF to make sure they only sell to a legitimate purchaser, prosecution could result as a failure to do this.
The Governments desire was to have a third party system in place which would track sales to legitimate purchasers of RiF's, checking their eligibility.
UKARA interest was to provide such a system and make it free to sites and players, and as inclusive as possible for the future of their market, without which they would not exist.
This has benefited all players and game sites, as it has produced a framework acceptable to the Government to allow Airsoft as a sport to remain viable.
The UKARA database keeps a record of all participating Airsoft players and game sites, and is used by retailers and the UKBA for verification of sales and imports.
Game site registration
If your an Airsoft game site that wishes to be become UKARA registered, please download the form below and return completed with your Airsoft Public Liability Insurance to the address found at the bottom of the page (please review the operational parameters 1 to 9).
Please arrange with your insurance company for permission for UKARA to contact them by phone, to confirm insured status if required. Forms should be completed and returned by the Senior game site operator, please do not duplicate returns.
Once processed your site name, web URL and address will be added to the approved sites list for the customers benefit. This will show sites that can be attended to obtain validation, and you will be issued with a UKARA stamp for validating player forms.
Please use membership numbers which are in the format of XXX12345 - three alpha characters followed by five numeric characters. The exact site-specific format should be agreed at time of registration.
Confidential information will be held on a secure database and will only be used for confirming your membership of the UKARA scheme. Failure to follow validating procedure in a professional manner will mean an immediate termination of your approved status. There is currently no charge for Game Site registration.
To register with UKARA as a gamesite you must follow these operating parameters.
1) Must have, and keep more than 20 registered eligible players ( within 6 months except in special circumstances ).
2) Must have a venue, or authorisation to use a venue.
3) Must have third party liability for the game of Airsoft appropriate to the terms of operation.
4) Must run proper Airsoft Skirmishing games with players shooting players in scenarios.
5) Must keep accurate records of all its members and their details accessible for scrutiny.
6) Shall only register new players who have played 3 games over a period of time of more than 56 days ( 2 months) who are over 18 and have verified their home address & date of birth.
7) Must not register players on behalf of other game sites.
8) Will not register parents or guardians of under age players except where they qualify by right.
9) Should realise that should legal action be taken against a retailer in association of a sale, player verification will be a major issue.
Retailer Application Page
All applications must be made in writing to the address at the bottom of the page. Please include a return address.
The "Applications Office" will return a form to be completed - before applying you must be able to comply with section 6.
1) Applicants must have verifiable commercial premises.
2) Must retail Airsoft products as one of their main product lines.
3) Must have a business cheque account.
4) Shall have a business insurance policy relating Airsoft to protect the retailer, employee and the customer, with product liability.
5) Must provide 2 Trade References from Airsoft Retailers or Wholesalers.
6) Must have all the first 5 before making an application.
7) The business must display full contact details.
8) The business must have a published fully comprehensive list of terms and conditions of sales, which must include the legal requirements for, sales, returns, repairs, and a complaints procedure on its web site, or in its shop.
9) Must not be acting as a sales office for a non UK firm.
10) Must be a retailer and not a wholesaler.
11) Must keep all processed player forms as hard copies and make available if required, or return to UKARA Admin if membership is terminated by either side.
Player registration
To become a UKARA registered airsoft player you are required to take part in three games in no less than two months at your local registered gamesite. You must be over 18 years of age and able to provide some form of identification such as Passport, Drivers License or Bank Statement.
Please download and fill in the PDF form at the bottom of the page, and present to your local gamesite to be stamped with the sites UKARA verification stamp.
As soon as its been completed the player should then post it to there preferred UKARA retailer.
You will then be add to the database - once this has been done any future orders to a registered UKARA retailer can be checked for compliance to the VCR Act. The "Player" will remain on the Database for 12 months until it will need a renewal update by the players game site. Or unless there has been a substantiated claim that they should be removed due to misconduct.
Once you have been registered you should receive an email from the UKARA database when your registration has been successfully entered ( providing you supplied a legible current email address), please allow a period of time for retailer to process your application form.
Click Here to download PDF File!
Postal Address
UKARA Admin
Hollygrove
Morwenstow
Bude
EX23 9JL
UKARA was formed as a response to the drafting of the Violent Crime Reduction Bill in 2006 which later became an Act of Parliament.
UKARA is an association of UK Airsoft Retailers brought together to protect themselves from prosecution and enable a safe method of selling Realistic Imitation Firearms ( RiF's ) to the largest of the permitted purchaser groups in the UK, Airsoft Players.
The onus is on the seller of a RiF to make sure they only sell to a legitimate purchaser, prosecution could result as a failure to do this.
The Governments desire was to have a third party system in place which would track sales to legitimate purchasers of RiF's, checking their eligibility.
UKARA interest was to provide such a system and make it free to sites and players, and as inclusive as possible for the future of their market, without which they would not exist.
This has benefited all players and game sites, as it has produced a framework acceptable to the Government to allow Airsoft as a sport to remain viable.
The UKARA database keeps a record of all participating Airsoft players and game sites, and is used by retailers and the UKBA for verification of sales and imports.
Game site registration
If your an Airsoft game site that wishes to be become UKARA registered, please download the form below and return completed with your Airsoft Public Liability Insurance to the address found at the bottom of the page (please review the operational parameters 1 to 9).
Please arrange with your insurance company for permission for UKARA to contact them by phone, to confirm insured status if required. Forms should be completed and returned by the Senior game site operator, please do not duplicate returns.
Once processed your site name, web URL and address will be added to the approved sites list for the customers benefit. This will show sites that can be attended to obtain validation, and you will be issued with a UKARA stamp for validating player forms.
Please use membership numbers which are in the format of XXX12345 - three alpha characters followed by five numeric characters. The exact site-specific format should be agreed at time of registration.
Confidential information will be held on a secure database and will only be used for confirming your membership of the UKARA scheme. Failure to follow validating procedure in a professional manner will mean an immediate termination of your approved status. There is currently no charge for Game Site registration.
To register with UKARA as a gamesite you must follow these operating parameters.
1) Must have, and keep more than 20 registered eligible players ( within 6 months except in special circumstances ).
2) Must have a venue, or authorisation to use a venue.
3) Must have third party liability for the game of Airsoft appropriate to the terms of operation.
4) Must run proper Airsoft Skirmishing games with players shooting players in scenarios.
5) Must keep accurate records of all its members and their details accessible for scrutiny.
6) Shall only register new players who have played 3 games over a period of time of more than 56 days ( 2 months) who are over 18 and have verified their home address & date of birth.
7) Must not register players on behalf of other game sites.
8) Will not register parents or guardians of under age players except where they qualify by right.
9) Should realise that should legal action be taken against a retailer in association of a sale, player verification will be a major issue.
Retailer Application Page
All applications must be made in writing to the address at the bottom of the page. Please include a return address.
The "Applications Office" will return a form to be completed - before applying you must be able to comply with section 6.
1) Applicants must have verifiable commercial premises.
2) Must retail Airsoft products as one of their main product lines.
3) Must have a business cheque account.
4) Shall have a business insurance policy relating Airsoft to protect the retailer, employee and the customer, with product liability.
5) Must provide 2 Trade References from Airsoft Retailers or Wholesalers.
6) Must have all the first 5 before making an application.
7) The business must display full contact details.
8) The business must have a published fully comprehensive list of terms and conditions of sales, which must include the legal requirements for, sales, returns, repairs, and a complaints procedure on its web site, or in its shop.
9) Must not be acting as a sales office for a non UK firm.
10) Must be a retailer and not a wholesaler.
11) Must keep all processed player forms as hard copies and make available if required, or return to UKARA Admin if membership is terminated by either side.
Player registration
To become a UKARA registered airsoft player you are required to take part in three games in no less than two months at your local registered gamesite. You must be over 18 years of age and able to provide some form of identification such as Passport, Drivers License or Bank Statement.
Please download and fill in the PDF form at the bottom of the page, and present to your local gamesite to be stamped with the sites UKARA verification stamp.
As soon as its been completed the player should then post it to there preferred UKARA retailer.
You will then be add to the database - once this has been done any future orders to a registered UKARA retailer can be checked for compliance to the VCR Act. The "Player" will remain on the Database for 12 months until it will need a renewal update by the players game site. Or unless there has been a substantiated claim that they should be removed due to misconduct.
Once you have been registered you should receive an email from the UKARA database when your registration has been successfully entered ( providing you supplied a legible current email address), please allow a period of time for retailer to process your application form.
Click Here to download PDF File!
Postal Address
UKARA Admin
Hollygrove
Morwenstow
Bude
EX23 9JL
Popular UKARA Questions
These are taken straight from the UKARA website Q&A section/news feed.
Use the find function of your browser (CTRL+F) to find what you are looking for if you do not wish to read this in it's entirety, but we would appreciate it if you did. This is to stop repeat questions appearing on the forum
This guide has been compiled over a number of months, some of the information may no longer be valid or accurate, though we do try and update regularly. Please read thoroughly.
A RIF or in other words a black gun requires you to be 18+ and have a valid defence.
An IF or in other words a two-tone requires you to be 18+ only.
I am a member of the Armed Forces can I buy a RIF?
There are no exceptions to the legislation for members of any of the services, the crown servant section refers to purchase for the crown by crown servants not individuals. Service personnel are still required to become a member of an insured Airsoft Site or Club to be eligible to purchase RIF's. The same can be said for shotgun licenses etc. they are not a valid defence.
Due to service commitments I cannot play enough times when at home on leave to qualify/how quickly must I play the 3 games?
The time period over which you have to play your 3 games is at the discretion of the participating game site providing the 3 games are not played in a time that is less than 2 months, the maximum time period is 12 months.
I am under 18, can my parents buy me a RIF?
Not unless they are members of one the approved purchasing groups, it would appear that there is no problem of a gift from an eligible purchaser to a minor.
I am under 18 can, I buy an Imitation Firearm or "Two Tone"?
No you cannot, an IF cannot be purchased by a person under 18 years of age.
Who are UKARA?
UKARA are a group of Airsoft retailers who have formed an association to protect their businesses and enable the sale of Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF's), to the newly restricted recognized and approved customers resulting from the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA).
Why have they set up the UKARA Scheme?
Under the new act it is the responsibility of the seller to verify that the purchaser is approved, and they may be prosecuted if they fail to do this with due diligence.
How will the UKARA scheme do this?
UKARA has set up an Independent Data Base which will be used to list eligible purchasers and allow UKARA retailer members to check sale recipients are bona fidi.
Who are the eligible purchasers?
The only groups of persons now allowed to purchase RIF's are Film, TV, Museums, Theaters, Crown Servants, and persons engaged in Re-enactment activities, and airsoft skirmishing. All these purchasers must be over 18 years of age.
What must Re-enactment people and Airsoft players do to show the are bona fidi?
Both these groups must show that their activities are covered by third party liability insurance and that they are over 18, in the case of Airsoft Players they must also show that they are regular players at an accredited game site. Which means they must be a member of a game site with the appropriate Airsoft Insurance cover.
How do players become members of an approved game site and eligible to buy RIF's?
The games site has to record you as a member and preferably issue you with a membership card.
To qualify as an airsoft skirmisher you must be a regular player at that game site having attended not less than 3 times in not less than 2 months and no more than 12 months.
Why the UKARA scheme?
The UKARA scheme allows certified game sites to join a list on the UKARA web site to show they are participating in the UKARA scheme, this then means that they can approve UKARA player application forms, the game site having been registered and issued with a validating stamp and recognized signature.
Why is this an advantage?
If the player downloads a Player application form from the UKARA web site he can have this confirmed by his UKARA registered game site and then send it to any UKARA retailer with his first order, who will then enter the players details on the UKARA Data base. This then means that he can then order from any UKARA member retailer and providing he includes his UKARA game site numbers he can be verified and thus sold to.
My game site is not on the UKARA game site list, can I still register with UKARA?
No, if your game site is not on the UKARA list then you cannot get your player form validated, you would need to wait till your site joins, or go to a UKARA approved game site.
Will UKARA use my personal information for other purposes?
No, your information is protected under the DATA protection Act and may not be divulged to any third party unless authorized by you, if you are at any time unhappy you may have your details expunged from the record. It is only there to allow retailers to confirm you are eligible to purchase.
Can I have my RIF sent to a different address?
No, RIF's must be sent to the registered postal address of the player.
How do I purchase from a UKARA dealer at their shop premises?
If you take suitable ID such as a drivers license passport etc. along with your UKARA Players number the retailer can check that you are the registered buyer by checking the Data system.
What do I do with my players application form?
Once you are a member of a UKARA game site and have been a regular there for more than two months, having played at least 3 times, you can get your form verified and then send it off with your next order to a UKARA retailer.
You will have to do this by post, and if your actual order is via the net or phone make sure you reference the two together, posting a day in advance of your order would probably also help. Your form can also be sent to a Core or Associate retailer as it makes no difference, though please do not post directly to the UKARA Admin.
When they process your order they can add you to the Database, and once this has been done you can order from any UKARA retailer quoting your UKARA site membership number. Please remember RIF's can only be sent to your registered address.
Why don't UKARA change the law concerning painting and purchasing of Imitation and Realistic airsoft guns?
UKARA is a retailers association and although we did put forward our views to the Government of the day when the Violent Crime Reduction Bill was being drafted we did not get all our ideas accepted and ultimately we did not draft the bill nor have any ability to change the current Act only Government can make and revise UK law.
I am under 18 can I own an Airsoft gun and play airsoft?
There is no legal restriction to the ownership or use of an airsoft gun whether RIF or IF related to age you may not purchase a RIF or an IF if you are under the age of 18.
There is no restriction other than game site own rules and insurance cover as to the age of a player of Airsoft.
Can my parent buy me an airsoft gun?
They can buy an IF but not a RiF unless they are a member of an insured game site, although if you are under 18 you can be given or win a RIF or IF.
Is a red tipped, or cammo painted gun legal to import as an IF?
No to class as an IF a gun must be 51% government approved bright colour or clear see through plastic.
Accepted bright colours are:
- Bright red
- Bright orange
- Bright yellow
- Bright green
- Bright pink
- Bright purple
Could you give me more information on how to obtain a Airsoft license?
There is no such thing as an Airsoft License (or A "UKARA") you can become a member of an insured game site and if appropriate register through that game site onto the UKARA database.
If I/I have/I am going to, import from Hong Kong, USA, etc will Customs impound my gun?
If you cannot prove that you are an eligible importer the Boarder Agency will impound and destroy your import without compensation, if you are an eligible importer e.g. a member of an insured airsoft game site, (and UKARA registration helps a great deal) make sure that you have clear information put on/with your import proving your eligibility.
I want to buy RIFs not to play Airsoft but to use in my back garden or hang on the wall?
The VCRA was expressly designed to eliminate RIFs from the UK, Airsoft players only got a "Special Defence" because they proved that they needed them for the realistic element in playing Airsoft.
I have changed my registration details e.g. moved or a different email address what should I do?
Your first course of action is to contact the game site that you are registered with as a member, tell them of your change of address or other details and ask them to update you on their own records and on the database, to which they should have access through their own players section.
Use the find function of your browser (CTRL+F) to find what you are looking for if you do not wish to read this in it's entirety, but we would appreciate it if you did. This is to stop repeat questions appearing on the forum
This guide has been compiled over a number of months, some of the information may no longer be valid or accurate, though we do try and update regularly. Please read thoroughly.
A RIF or in other words a black gun requires you to be 18+ and have a valid defence.
An IF or in other words a two-tone requires you to be 18+ only.
I am a member of the Armed Forces can I buy a RIF?
There are no exceptions to the legislation for members of any of the services, the crown servant section refers to purchase for the crown by crown servants not individuals. Service personnel are still required to become a member of an insured Airsoft Site or Club to be eligible to purchase RIF's. The same can be said for shotgun licenses etc. they are not a valid defence.
Due to service commitments I cannot play enough times when at home on leave to qualify/how quickly must I play the 3 games?
The time period over which you have to play your 3 games is at the discretion of the participating game site providing the 3 games are not played in a time that is less than 2 months, the maximum time period is 12 months.
I am under 18, can my parents buy me a RIF?
Not unless they are members of one the approved purchasing groups, it would appear that there is no problem of a gift from an eligible purchaser to a minor.
I am under 18 can, I buy an Imitation Firearm or "Two Tone"?
No you cannot, an IF cannot be purchased by a person under 18 years of age.
Who are UKARA?
UKARA are a group of Airsoft retailers who have formed an association to protect their businesses and enable the sale of Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIF's), to the newly restricted recognized and approved customers resulting from the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA).
Why have they set up the UKARA Scheme?
Under the new act it is the responsibility of the seller to verify that the purchaser is approved, and they may be prosecuted if they fail to do this with due diligence.
How will the UKARA scheme do this?
UKARA has set up an Independent Data Base which will be used to list eligible purchasers and allow UKARA retailer members to check sale recipients are bona fidi.
Who are the eligible purchasers?
The only groups of persons now allowed to purchase RIF's are Film, TV, Museums, Theaters, Crown Servants, and persons engaged in Re-enactment activities, and airsoft skirmishing. All these purchasers must be over 18 years of age.
What must Re-enactment people and Airsoft players do to show the are bona fidi?
Both these groups must show that their activities are covered by third party liability insurance and that they are over 18, in the case of Airsoft Players they must also show that they are regular players at an accredited game site. Which means they must be a member of a game site with the appropriate Airsoft Insurance cover.
How do players become members of an approved game site and eligible to buy RIF's?
The games site has to record you as a member and preferably issue you with a membership card.
To qualify as an airsoft skirmisher you must be a regular player at that game site having attended not less than 3 times in not less than 2 months and no more than 12 months.
Why the UKARA scheme?
The UKARA scheme allows certified game sites to join a list on the UKARA web site to show they are participating in the UKARA scheme, this then means that they can approve UKARA player application forms, the game site having been registered and issued with a validating stamp and recognized signature.
Why is this an advantage?
If the player downloads a Player application form from the UKARA web site he can have this confirmed by his UKARA registered game site and then send it to any UKARA retailer with his first order, who will then enter the players details on the UKARA Data base. This then means that he can then order from any UKARA member retailer and providing he includes his UKARA game site numbers he can be verified and thus sold to.
My game site is not on the UKARA game site list, can I still register with UKARA?
No, if your game site is not on the UKARA list then you cannot get your player form validated, you would need to wait till your site joins, or go to a UKARA approved game site.
Will UKARA use my personal information for other purposes?
No, your information is protected under the DATA protection Act and may not be divulged to any third party unless authorized by you, if you are at any time unhappy you may have your details expunged from the record. It is only there to allow retailers to confirm you are eligible to purchase.
Can I have my RIF sent to a different address?
No, RIF's must be sent to the registered postal address of the player.
How do I purchase from a UKARA dealer at their shop premises?
If you take suitable ID such as a drivers license passport etc. along with your UKARA Players number the retailer can check that you are the registered buyer by checking the Data system.
What do I do with my players application form?
Once you are a member of a UKARA game site and have been a regular there for more than two months, having played at least 3 times, you can get your form verified and then send it off with your next order to a UKARA retailer.
You will have to do this by post, and if your actual order is via the net or phone make sure you reference the two together, posting a day in advance of your order would probably also help. Your form can also be sent to a Core or Associate retailer as it makes no difference, though please do not post directly to the UKARA Admin.
When they process your order they can add you to the Database, and once this has been done you can order from any UKARA retailer quoting your UKARA site membership number. Please remember RIF's can only be sent to your registered address.
Why don't UKARA change the law concerning painting and purchasing of Imitation and Realistic airsoft guns?
UKARA is a retailers association and although we did put forward our views to the Government of the day when the Violent Crime Reduction Bill was being drafted we did not get all our ideas accepted and ultimately we did not draft the bill nor have any ability to change the current Act only Government can make and revise UK law.
I am under 18 can I own an Airsoft gun and play airsoft?
There is no legal restriction to the ownership or use of an airsoft gun whether RIF or IF related to age you may not purchase a RIF or an IF if you are under the age of 18.
There is no restriction other than game site own rules and insurance cover as to the age of a player of Airsoft.
Can my parent buy me an airsoft gun?
They can buy an IF but not a RiF unless they are a member of an insured game site, although if you are under 18 you can be given or win a RIF or IF.
Is a red tipped, or cammo painted gun legal to import as an IF?
No to class as an IF a gun must be 51% government approved bright colour or clear see through plastic.
Accepted bright colours are:
- Bright red
- Bright orange
- Bright yellow
- Bright green
- Bright pink
- Bright purple
Could you give me more information on how to obtain a Airsoft license?
There is no such thing as an Airsoft License (or A "UKARA") you can become a member of an insured game site and if appropriate register through that game site onto the UKARA database.
If I/I have/I am going to, import from Hong Kong, USA, etc will Customs impound my gun?
If you cannot prove that you are an eligible importer the Boarder Agency will impound and destroy your import without compensation, if you are an eligible importer e.g. a member of an insured airsoft game site, (and UKARA registration helps a great deal) make sure that you have clear information put on/with your import proving your eligibility.
I want to buy RIFs not to play Airsoft but to use in my back garden or hang on the wall?
The VCRA was expressly designed to eliminate RIFs from the UK, Airsoft players only got a "Special Defence" because they proved that they needed them for the realistic element in playing Airsoft.
I have changed my registration details e.g. moved or a different email address what should I do?
Your first course of action is to contact the game site that you are registered with as a member, tell them of your change of address or other details and ask them to update you on their own records and on the database, to which they should have access through their own players section.
Transporting RIFs
This will be a long read, so if you want to skip it all; you're fine as long as you have a reason that you can prove, and always comply fully with police commands; you don't want to end up like that Brazilian lad who got shot a few years back.
Now the long version:
The transportation of concealed airsoft replicas is perfectly legal provided you have a valid purpose/reason for transporting them. This can include many things; taking them somewhere to be repaired, taking them somewhere to skirmish etc, taking them somewhere for any legitimate and legal use. The key thing is that you must have some sort of reason.
It should be noted that you'll have to be able to in some way explain-away or prove your reason. My advice would be to let people at your destination know that you're coming (so pre-book skirmishes, ring any stores you're going to before you go, let people know how you'll be arriving) and keep any invoices/receipts/booking confirmations and a phone number for where you're going on you.
In all likelihood you'll never be stopped, people travel the London subway daily carrying RIFs (going to and from Wolf Armouries) and are rarely stopped. If you suspect a police officer or some other authority figure is trying to stop you, or you are directed to stop, do so, and when questions, comply entirely. If they wish to check your bags, tell them you have a Replica Imitation Firearm and to avoid causing any alarm, that they should take you somewhere private to have a look at it. Whatever you do, do not try to avoid an officer, do not try and evade officers etc. If you try to avoid them, they will see you as more suspicious, thus meaning you will definitely be stopped. If you try to run or ignore an order to stop, you will likely be shot, or tracked down by CO19 and arrested.
When packing guns and equipment, do so as if they were real weapons; do not carry loaded mags in the same compartment of a bag as the gun. Do not leave batteries plugged in or magazines inserted etc. Leave the gun on safety.
Generally speaking, if you observe the above; good gun safety discipline, awareness of a need to avoid causing a panic and a willingness to comply, most officers will check you out and send you on your way. In fact, most police, once they've finished with their official "duty" will ask you nicely if they can hold the gun and have a fiddle with it; they're usually really interested. You're under no obligation to do so, but I would always let them. It gives you an opportunity to make them more aware of something they're told to respond negatively to; you'll be doing a lot to help airsoft out as a whole, and may even get someone into the sport.
If they are not convinced, ask them if you may handle the gun and point out the differences, make sure you point the muzzle toward the floor and maintain good trigger discipline etc; if possible, turn the gun over etc without picking it up. Explain that it cannot be modified to fire real ammunition, show them the chamber (i.e. the bottom of the hopup).
If they are still not convinced, they will probably arrest you for an S.5. firearms offense. They will search you, cuff you, read you the caution and take you to a station, you'll be let out on bail, they will keep the gun and have a firearms expert examine it, after which the charges will be dropped (when they discover it's a toy) and they'll return it to you. It may go down slightly differently, but as horrible an experience as it would be, try to be compliant and helpful, it's much better for you.
The above case is extremely unlikely, but if it does occur, they are liable for any damages caused to the gun whilst they inspect it. I'm not sure about cost of bail, missed skirmish costs etc, but if they arrest you, you'll have access to a lawyer who knows firearms law extensively so he'd set you straight.
Now the long version:
The transportation of concealed airsoft replicas is perfectly legal provided you have a valid purpose/reason for transporting them. This can include many things; taking them somewhere to be repaired, taking them somewhere to skirmish etc, taking them somewhere for any legitimate and legal use. The key thing is that you must have some sort of reason.
It should be noted that you'll have to be able to in some way explain-away or prove your reason. My advice would be to let people at your destination know that you're coming (so pre-book skirmishes, ring any stores you're going to before you go, let people know how you'll be arriving) and keep any invoices/receipts/booking confirmations and a phone number for where you're going on you.
In all likelihood you'll never be stopped, people travel the London subway daily carrying RIFs (going to and from Wolf Armouries) and are rarely stopped. If you suspect a police officer or some other authority figure is trying to stop you, or you are directed to stop, do so, and when questions, comply entirely. If they wish to check your bags, tell them you have a Replica Imitation Firearm and to avoid causing any alarm, that they should take you somewhere private to have a look at it. Whatever you do, do not try to avoid an officer, do not try and evade officers etc. If you try to avoid them, they will see you as more suspicious, thus meaning you will definitely be stopped. If you try to run or ignore an order to stop, you will likely be shot, or tracked down by CO19 and arrested.
When packing guns and equipment, do so as if they were real weapons; do not carry loaded mags in the same compartment of a bag as the gun. Do not leave batteries plugged in or magazines inserted etc. Leave the gun on safety.
Generally speaking, if you observe the above; good gun safety discipline, awareness of a need to avoid causing a panic and a willingness to comply, most officers will check you out and send you on your way. In fact, most police, once they've finished with their official "duty" will ask you nicely if they can hold the gun and have a fiddle with it; they're usually really interested. You're under no obligation to do so, but I would always let them. It gives you an opportunity to make them more aware of something they're told to respond negatively to; you'll be doing a lot to help airsoft out as a whole, and may even get someone into the sport.
If they are not convinced, ask them if you may handle the gun and point out the differences, make sure you point the muzzle toward the floor and maintain good trigger discipline etc; if possible, turn the gun over etc without picking it up. Explain that it cannot be modified to fire real ammunition, show them the chamber (i.e. the bottom of the hopup).
If they are still not convinced, they will probably arrest you for an S.5. firearms offense. They will search you, cuff you, read you the caution and take you to a station, you'll be let out on bail, they will keep the gun and have a firearms expert examine it, after which the charges will be dropped (when they discover it's a toy) and they'll return it to you. It may go down slightly differently, but as horrible an experience as it would be, try to be compliant and helpful, it's much better for you.
The above case is extremely unlikely, but if it does occur, they are liable for any damages caused to the gun whilst they inspect it. I'm not sure about cost of bail, missed skirmish costs etc, but if they arrest you, you'll have access to a lawyer who knows firearms law extensively so he'd set you straight.
