How many people take gas or electric airsoft guns to conventions? This will be my first at DC. Just wondering as I am working on a Snake Eyes.

Thanks!

Greg

It all depends on how you use it.
If it's just going to hang from a sling as part of your costume.... shouldn't be a problem.
If you're going to weild it around its going to attract attention.
Either way, keep it unloaded at all times and if its gas....disconnect the canister.

Regardless, expect it to be peace bonded.

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Empty mags and a good relationship with con security... these two are your friends.

There was a security guy walking around the con at DC last year making sure that all guns were rendered inert.

That meant- batteries removed, gas unloaded, magazines empty, and the trigger peace bonded (in the fully pulled position) with a zip-tie.

Sometimes they just peace bond the trigger. Last year I actually had to have my PIG gun peace bonded... It doesn't even have a trigger. Figure that one out.

Con security can either be cool, or complete Nazis depending on how the con attendees act. Back in 2004 some idiot decided to play sniper from the balcony of his room in the Hyatt and snipe the stormtroopers in the lobby- that led to a complete ban on all airsoft guns for the rest of the weekend.

Last year some jerk (dressed as a SWAT team guy) decided to walk up behind one of us, put the barrel of his AEG MP5 a few inches from someone's head (can't remember who it was) and pull the trigger!

I was pissed so I sicced the con security dog on him.

So if you come across con security just follow their instructions- as long as you are cool, they will be cool.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

I have a protocol set up for such situations...It involves two other guys, a black bag, and the alley behind the hotel.

ANYONE tries to pull some $h!t like that in my presence will find out just how little sense of humor I have about that kind of crap.

For now DC has not outright banned weapons so be thankful for that, we need to just cheerfully accept the wishes of the Police and security and go on about our fun, enjoying the freedoms we do have.

Just be smart is all I can say.

M

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"Stand up for something...Or get knocked down for nothing..."

2 Cons in Baltimore, Farpoint & Shoreleave have a large Stargate turnout, and those guys are armed to the teeth.

No one has got into any trouble yet, but another Con in the same hotel tells everyone it's illegal to carry the fake weapons, but lets everyone carry knives and swords.


Back in the '80's, we used to play killer at the cons and no one ever said boo. Boy have times changed.

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Rob Slater
A08/TQ2.0.42136E1

What the Resin God said.

I'm all up for being one of the two other guys.

There's a healthy dose of common sense necessary, too-- like not pointing your guns at John Q. Public (a.k.a. non-con hotel residents and people on the street or in the food court).

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~Jay

Matt

Why limit it to 2 guys?

I am sure we can find 4 to 6 if not more fairly easy with this group.

Where do I sign up?

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SFC
Michael Larson
Minnesota-USA

A03/TQ1.0.92141E1

Since I know you are flying... heck no! Forget D*con, which you could get away with them at... think TSA.

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I've always felt that a couple of guys frog-marching a guy out of a building is much more forboding than a group of people... That looks more like a mob...
Tell you what we can have a the small two or three man team 'aquire the subject' and coordinate a back alley tribunal once outside.


M

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"Stand up for something...Or get knocked down for nothing..."

Yes the visual impact is there.

Sounds like perfect plan.

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SFC
Michael Larson
Minnesota-USA

A03/TQ1.0.92141E1

You're probably referring to the fruit-cake SWAT guy who pulled the trigger on Jennifer while she was in her Xenomorph costume. Brought the barrel right up to her face and pulled the trigger! If I didn't have self-constraint, I would've decked the SOB for such a thing.

I've never been to DC, but in my experience at cons and festivals it's always the the dipsh*ts who have no clue about weapons and weapon safety that always pull that kind of crap.

My wife and I used to go the RenFest in Tuxedo NY, and we'd always go in garb. Neither of us ever carried weapons (prop, or otherwise), but we noticed one year that everyone suddenly needed to have security inspect and apply safety ties to sheathed weapons so they couldn't be drawn... Security had always been cool with them previously. Turns out that earlier in the season some dimwit decided to brandish his sword and started making threatening moves towards people's throats because he thought it would be funny!

As far as I'm concerned a prop should be treated with the same respect as a real/functioning weapon. Weather it's a sword for stage combat, or an airsoft gun - the moment you don't respect it is the moment you endanger yourself and those around you.

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I have already talked with the TSA a couple of weeks ago. It was the office out of Memphis. I have the guidelines and will meet/talk with both again at a closer date. No problem as long as they are declared, same as a hunter taking their rifles. I was just wondering because I would not want these guns taken at DC. Since I have them they would make the Snake Eyes costume. I appreciate everyones' comments.

Thanks!

Greg

I've done the same thing with paintball equipment before, back when I used to play a lot. You can transport a real firearm, even, as long as it's declared and in your checked baggage, and there's no ammunition for it.

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CPL Sean Maio A01/TQ2.0.72156E1
Public Relations Division (Temporary Cross-Assignment)
M-56 Smartgun Operator, A/3Btn, II CMEF, USS Sephora

As has been said- if you treat the guns with respect by not pointing them at anyone who maybe unaware they are airsoft, everything should be fine. People will want to take your picture- the majority are cool about it and will want you to do an "action pose" (pointing your gun at the camera or like you are shooting an imaginary target).

Worst case senario- the con security will ask you to return the guns to your room. I think you would have to be acting totally recklessly to have them confiscated.

While we are on the subject- security is more concerned about pointy weapons like swords, spears, sharp sticks etc. D-Con gets extremely crowded at times and the con staff goes ape when they see something that could poke someone's eye out.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

I am bringing a couple of the guns and a couple cheap springers. I am trying to decide how I am going to do the sword. I have the "official" sword and really like the design. I may make a "plastic" version tracing the shape out and casting the handle. Thanks for the info.

Thanks!

Greg

I am also looking for a visor.

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CPL A08/TQ0.0.12146E1
Newell, Greg A aka Gman
Illinois - USA
UKCM
Shoot first, think never.
Good? Bad? I'm the guy with the gun.
SMMFD
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist.

That's the one.

Just to clarify- he didn't actually shoot Jen with a pellet; the gun wasn't loaded (I did hear the electric recoil though). Which is why we didn't form a lynch mob and teach him some manners.

Otherwise (like DeNiro in "Casino")... We would have exited him off the premises. Exiting him off of his feet. And using his head to open the effin' door.

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!