How to Take Off an Orange Tip on an Airsoft Gun

In ideal circumstances, all airsoft gun owners understand the laws regulating the use, ownership, and transportation of airsoft guns. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, and there are times when kinetic energy airsoft guns require the illegal removal of the standard, brightly colored orange muzzle tip. To further educate on the matter, this article presents an exhaustive exploration of 8-12 of the most pertinent themes related to the topic.

Historical Context

In accordance with United States Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, all airsoft guns, with few exceptions, have been artificially manufactured since March 2002 with a large, brightly colored orange muzzle tip. This measure was put in place to help differentiate airsoft guns from true firearms.

International Regulations

In countries outside of the United States, regulations vary from nation to nation and region to region. Generally, however, brightly colored muzzle tips are mandated on airsoft guns to avoid the possibility of confusion with true firearms.

For example, in Canada, airsoft gun owners must follow certain restrictions, including the mandate that airsoft guns must have a bright orange or red tip before they can be legally used in Canada. Practically speaking, this requirement coincides with the United States, where the orange tip is not removable; it has been federally mandated by the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Key Milestones

Over the past two decades, much has changed with regard to airsoft safety regulations. Initially, end caps were available in many colors for airsoft guns, and it was legal to shoot airsoft guns in public. This changed in 1998 when, in the case of U.S. v. Fingal, a conviction was made against a man shooting an airsoft gun in public. This decision, among several others, caused airsoft guns to be more closely monitored in the United States and other parts of the world.

Safety Innovation

In the wake of the U.S. v Fingal decision, several manufactures and companies began to create safety alternatives for the sale and use of airsoft guns. One such solution was the orange muzzle tip mandated by the Office of Consumer Affairs, which could not be removed.

To this end, other manufacturers opted for a barrel plug technology. This involves a large foam establishment that is inserted into the muzzle of the airsoft gun. So long as the barrel plug remains in the gun, it is considered compliant in most United States regulations.

Popular Trends

As previously mentioned, barrel plugs have become increasingly popular as alternatives to the mandatory orange muzzle tips. This is because the barrel plug not only serves as a safer alternative, it is easier to remove.

Online Communities

Given the prevalence of orange muzzle tips and barrel plugs in today's airsoft industry, online communities have begun to form where enthusiasts discuss the merits of both solutions and share knowledge on the topic.

Forums, Reddit threads, and social media posts are filled with conversations from hobbyists discussing the pros and cons of both orange muzzle tips and barrel plugs. Interestingly, barrel plugs have been praised by many of these enthusiasts for their authentic look.

Potential Pitfalls

Despite their popularity, orange muzzle tips and barrel plugs both present potential downsides. It is important to be aware of these drawbacks before implementing either solution in one's airsoft gun.

Orange Tips

The biggest downside of orange tips is simply that they are unable to be removed. While this involuntary attribute might be seen as an advantage for the individuals and law enforcement alike, one should realize that the orange tip can interfere with accuracy.

This is because the orange muzzle tip, while small, can still impede the flight of the BB leaving the gun. This can make it slightly more difficult to hit your target.

Barrel Plugs

Although more versatile than orange muzzle tips, barrel plugs do have their own set of drawbacks. Because the barrel plug sticks out much further than the orange tip, it can also interfere with accuracy, in addition to making the gun more susceptible to foreign materials entering the muzzle.

Additionally, barrel plugs must be reinserted every time the gun is reloaded, which can become cumbersome and time-consuming during a game. Finally, barrel plugs are also prone to being damaged or lost, which can be an expensive mistake to replace.

Insights

From a historical standpoint, the legality of airsoft guns has evolved due to the potential for confusion with real firearms. To this end, Consumer Product Safety laws have mandated the use of a bright orange muzzle tip or barrel plug for many airsoft guns.

Nowadays, online communities praise the use of the barrel plug as a way to achieve the most realistic and aesthetically-pleasing look for one's airsoft gun. However, it is important to remain aware of the potential drawbacks associated with both solutions before selecting your muzzle tip.

Having examined the most pertinent themes related to airsoft muzzle tips, it is clear that each solution has its own merits and drawbacks. Therefore, it is ultimately up to the individual user to decide which option best suits his or her needs.

Closing Remarks

Airsoft guns are a popular hobby and must abide by certain laws regarding the orange muzzle tip or barrel plug. Before making a selection, it is important to be aware of the historical context, key milestones, popular trends, and possible pitfalls related to the topic. By understanding the nuances of these features, each individual can make the appropriate decision for his or her needs.

References

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Title 16 - Consumer Products: Part 1201 - Registration of Manufacturers and Importers of Toy,look-alikes, and Imitation Firearms. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID7c58e7f2745b040dc99e75b30ba866ec&mctrue&nodept16.3.1201&rgndiv5

Canada Firearms Centre. (2020, February 18). Airguns/Airsoft. Retrieved from https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/airguns

Buizert, M. (2016, April 9). Orange Tips on Airsoft Guns: Pros & Cons. Retrieved from https://ownersguide.com/blogs/orange-tips-on-airsoft-guns-pros-cons