Can you paint your guns legally? I have been trying to find a solid answer, but there always seems to be a yes but no answer. I just bought my first gun and 90% of the gun is clear. It looks pretty good, but it could use some sprucing up.

Thanks

It's a grey area and depending on who you ask you'll get a different answer. It would definitely exclude it from import / export (i.e., going to games in the US and bringing it back across the border), but it doesn't necessarily make it illegal to continue to own.

The laws are in flux right now - or rather, how they are being interpreted is changing within some government departments. If a police officer catches you with a painted gun could he seize it? Yes, but depending in the situation and the officers state of mind a clear-body gun could be seized as well.

The important thing to worry about is not how your gun looks, but how you treat it and how you act with it. If you treat it safely, always transport it properly and only use it in intelligent ways at approved locations you are likely to not have any problems, ever, regardless of the colour. If you act like an idiot and run around in public places with something that looks like an assault rifle, having a clear body won't save you.

perfect, thanks. I plan on buying a lockable case, and a barrel plug for when I am travelling with it. time to find my paints lol!

Personally, and I feel I speak for the majority of airsoft players in Ottawa, I would paint it without a worry.

Like Lymbo said just don't be an idiot.

Also orange tips are not legally required in Canada (that's a US law) but few police officers know that so it could go either way.

You don't need a locking case or even a trigger lock. Even transporting real firearms doesn't require that (just storage). A purpose built gun bag or case is recommended to keep it out of sight and make sure its not loaded when being transported. Personally I find soft cases to be much handier since they take up less room and are significantly lighter. Barrel plugs don't mean anything and aren't always easy to find for airsoft guns. I don't know of anyone who uses a barrel plug on an airsoft gun.

cool. all very good to know. I really appreciate the feed back!!!!

Thanks

If you do want a barrel plug, just get a barrel bag for a Paintball gun, i think i still have one if you want it

Painting your gun does not exclude it from bringing it back and forth across the border. I have done this so I am speaking from experience, it just needs to be modified to meet the CBSA guidelines if you plan on going to games in the states. As far as painting your gun there is no law written that says you can't that I have been able to find about in Canada.

(02-14-2012 07:20 PM)LUTNIT Wrote:  You don't need a locking case or even a trigger lock. Even transporting real firearms doesn't require that (just storage). A purpose built gun bag or case is recommended to keep it out of sight and make sure its not loaded when being transported.

This depends on the type of firearm you are transporting. Restricted firearms must be in a case, trigger locked and the case must be locked and not see through. You must also realize that some long barrel rifles are also restricted or prohib due to their 'evil' looks, i.e. AK47

(02-14-2012 07:20 PM)LUTNIT Wrote:  You don't need a locking case or even a trigger lock. Even transporting real firearms doesn't require that (just storage).

This depends on the firearm type. A restricted firearm does need a trigger lock and also a locked non-see thru case to be transported to the range.

If you are going to paint an airsoft gun to look like a real one, be sure to keep it out of sight when transporting. Just because you can transport a shotgun/rifle in open view on your car seat because it is in 'use', doesn't always mean it is wise to do so. Pull up to a Tim's with it on the seat, could get some people upset and a visit from the police.