Buying a RIF: Accepted Defences
To buy a realistic imitation firearm (RIF) in the UK you need to be 18 or over and have a valid defence. UKARA is the best known, but it isn't the only one — we accept several player registration schemes, airsoft site memberships and production use. Choose yours in the cart before checkout and we'll check it before your order is sent.
How long does checking take?
Some defences take longer to verify than others, and we won't send a RIF until yours is confirmed:
- UKARA and most player schemes — usually checked with no extra delay, so your order follows the normal dispatch schedule.
- Skirmish Wycombe regulars — checked against our own game records, usually the same day.
- Some schemes, and memberships of other airsoft sites — we may need to contact the scheme or site directly. Allow a few extra working days, depending on how quickly they reply.
- Theatre, film or TV — checked once we've received your supporting paperwork.
Need it by a certain date? WhatsApp us before you order and we'll tell you how long your defence is likely to take.
Frequently asked questions — buying airsoft guns in the UK
Q: What is a RIF?
A realistic imitation firearm is an airsoft gun that looks like a real firearm — in practice, one that isn't mostly brightly coloured or transparent. Under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 a RIF can only be sold to someone with a valid defence.
Q: Which defences do you accept?
Player registration schemes: UKARA, UKASA, BAC, Sportsman Association, Airsoft Verify, Airsoft Defence and SWAT Pass — give us your membership number in the cart. Airsoft site members — give us the site name and your membership number and we'll check with the site. Skirmish Wycombe regulars who aren't registered yet — give us the name and email you book games with and we'll check our records. Theatre, film or TV productions — give us the production or company name and we'll contact you for supporting paperwork.
Q: My scheme or defence isn't listed — can I still buy?
Possibly. We look at other schemes and defences case by case — WhatsApp us or email sales@titanforgeairsoft.com before you order and we'll tell you what we need.
Q: I don't have a defence yet — how do I get one?
The most common route is UKARA: play at a registered airsoft site at least three times, with your visits spread over at least 56 days, and the site registers you. Titan Forge Airsoft is on the same site as Skirmish Wycombe Airsoft, a UKARA-registered site in High Wycombe. Registration is free and lasts for one year, after which a single game renews it for another year.
Q: What is a two-tone airsoft gun?
A two-tone airsoft gun is one where at least 51% of the visible surface is a bright colour (typically orange, yellow, blue or green) rather than a realistic finish. Two-tone guns can be sold to anyone aged 18+ without a defence. Shop two-tone guns.
Q: What age do I need to be to buy an airsoft gun in the UK?
You must be 18 or over to buy any airsoft gun in the UK. RIFs need both: aged 18+ and a valid defence.