Important Notice for the Purchase and Delivery of Airguns, Pressure Components of Airguns, and Moderators

Effective Compliance with the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA): Sections 31 and 32

Under the provisions of Sections 31 and 32 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, which were enacted through "The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Commencement No 3) Order 2007: firearms measures," specific regulations now apply to air weapons, their Pressure-Bearing component parts, and certain accessories.

Key Points to Note:

Restricted Items:

• Airguns: All airguns are classified as restricted items.

• Pressure-Bearing Parts of Airguns: This includes barrels, cylinders, reservoirs, and pistons.

• Functional Moderators (Silencers/Suppressors): Moderators that reduce the sound of discharge are also classified as restricted items.

Definition and Registration:

• Component Parts: While the VCRA does not explicitly define "component parts," the Home Office interprets this to include pressure-bearing parts such as barrels, cylinders, reservoirs, and pistons.

• Accessories: Only moderators (silencers) require registration by dealers.

Legal Requirements for Transfer:

• In-Person Transfer: It is an offence under the VCRA to transfer these restricted items through standard postal systems or to the end customer directly without the presence of both the buyer and either the seller or a representative of the seller.

• Representatives of the Seller: This can be:

1. An employee of the seller who is a registered firearms dealer (RFD).
2. Another RFD authorized by the seller.
3. An employee of the authorized RFD.

Collection and Delivery Options:

• Collection from Store: Customers are encouraged to collect their restricted items directly from the store where purchased.

• Transfer to Another RFD: Items can be transferred to a local RFD for collection, though the receiving RFD may charge a fee for this service.

• Home Delivery: We offer home delivery through our in-house team to some areas of the UK. However, please note that this service has location restrictions and incurs higher costs due to the need for dedicated transport, making it more expensive than a standard RFD transfer.

For more detailed guidance on purchasing and receiving VCRA Restricted Transfer items, please refer to our comprehensive guide here: VCRA Restricted Transfer Items Buying Guide

The TAIPAN SLASH Self-Indexing PCP Air Rifles operate within the legal definition of “self-indexing” as opposed to “semi-automatic.” While these rifles are Sub 16 Joules and therefore UK legal at the time of listing, the legal distinction is narrow and subject to change. As a former importer and distributor of self-indexing rifles, we are well-informed about the scrutiny these platforms receive. Many UK police forces take differing views on their legality, regardless of power level.

👉 We strongly recommend checking with your local firearms licensing department before purchasing.

📦 We will not accept returns or offer refunds due to police refusal, seizure, or legal complications once the item has been delivered.

⚙️ Known Traits of Self-Indexing Rifles

Self-indexing rifles—regardless of brand—share several quirks and limitations:

Regulator Refresh Issues: Firing in quick succession can lead to inconsistent air pressure, resulting in shot-to-shot variation in velocity and accuracy.

Air Loss Around Magazine: Because self-indexing systems fire through the magazine rather than a sealed breech, expect some air escape with each shot.

Pellet Sensitivity: Ammunition must be carefully selected. Some shapes or lengths may jam the indexing mechanism or cause cycling faults. This is a known and expected limitation.

Gap Jump: The munition must jump a short distance from the magazine into the barrel, meaning accuracy can be more pellet-dependent than conventional designs.

These characteristics apply to all self-indexing platforms—even premium models like the Steyr Pro X.

🔧 Warranty & Support Policy

Incorrect ammunition usage that damages the rifle will not be covered under warranty.

We do not warranty or accept returns based on accuracy complaints, power variation, or misuse.

These rifles are precision-built and not intended for home modification or DIY repair.

If you experience a technical issue, you must contact TAIPAN directly before attempting any repairs. Any unauthorised tampering will void your warranty and support eligibility.

Owning a self-indexing rifle is a responsibility. These are complex, finely-tuned machines that require finesse, care, and realistic expectations. If you’re unsure whether this type of rifle is suitable for your needs—or your region—please ask before buying.