Currently, Northern Ireland has lower Feet Per Second (FPS) and Joule limits for airsoft guns than mainland UK. This disparity restricts the performance of airsoft equipment in Northern Ireland, potentially hindering the enjoyment and competitiveness of the sport. In mainland UK, the legal limit is 1.3 Joules for full auto guns and 2.5 Joules for bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles (source: UK Airsoft Retailers Association). However, in Northern Ireland, these limits are significantly lower. The Limits in NI are 328 FPS and 1 Joule for all Airsoft guns.

I and many others believe that extending the FPS and Joule limits from mainland UK to Northern Ireland would provide a fairer playing field for all airsoft enthusiasts across the United Kingdom. It's time to harmonize these regulations across all regions of our country. The loosening of these restrictions in Northern Ireland means that players could try out newer playstyles and bring more business to these airsoft fields. This petition aims to bring the new limit for all airsoft guns in NI from 328 FPS to 350 for Automatic Airsoft guns and 500 FPS for semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles. For indoor/CQB sites the legal limit should only be 350 FPS at most in order to prevent Injury. For airsoft guns with an FPS above 350 at an outdoor site there should be a minimum engagement distance.

This may also attract more people to the hobby which may encourage more cross-community friendships. I have witnessed this firsthand, with most if not all airsoft players not caring about others political stances. Airsoft could also be considered a form of exercise which will encourage healthy habits.

Northern Irish players are also put at a disadvantage when attending large airsoft events on the UK mainland as the discrepancy in Northern Irish and Mainland limits is too large to allow for fair games.

I started this petition because I believe Northern Irish players should not have to comply to limits imposed by the government for no good reason. I know many players who would play games with snipers if it were a viable play style.

Please sign this petition if you agree that it's time to extend these limits to ensure fairness in our sport across all parts of our nation.