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

CO2-powered airguns offer convenience and ease of use, but like any pressurised system, they require proper handling and maintenance to ensure performance and longevity. At Vector Air, we test every CO2 airgun prior to sale for leaks and full function. If your order is being collected or shipped within a few days, we’ll often leave the CO2 capsule installed and ready to use – just point, shoot, and enjoy. However, if you don’t plan to use the gun immediately, you must remove the CO2 capsule or shoot it until fully depleted.

🔧 CO2 Storage Do's & Don'ts

• Never store your airgun with a CO2 capsule installed.
  Leaving CO2 under pressure compresses internal seals, causing long-term damage and leading to excessive audible leaks over time. Always remove or fully exhaust the capsule after use.

• Expect some CO2 loss.
  CO2 is highly sensitive to temperature. Even with no mechanical fault, you may return to a gun after a few days only to find the gas has escaped. This is normal and not a fault – CO2 contracts and expands with heat, and small seal fluctuations can release gas slowly over time.

• Avoid extreme temperature environments.
  Never store your CO2 airgun in hot places like car boots, conservatories, or lofts. High temperatures increase pressure inside the capsule and can stress seals. Likewise, cold environments can reduce power output and performance.

🛠 CO2 Maintenance Tips

• Lubricate every 5 capsules – or before storage.
  Apply a single drop of high-quality silicone oil to the tip of your next CO2 capsule before insertion. This lubricates the internal seals and the piercing pin, preventing drying, cracking, and corrosion. We recommend doing this:

  • Every 5 CO2 capsules

  • Before long-term storage

  • If the gun hasn’t been used for a while

• Use CO2 capsules with internal lubricants.
  We recommend UMAREX branded CO2 capsules with lubricant pre-applied. They offer consistent performance and internal conditioning.

• Inspect every capsule.
  Never use CO2 cartridges that show visible rust or surface corrosion. Rust particles can damage the internals of your airgun and lead to seal failure.

• Keep it clean.
  Wipe down your airgun after use to remove moisture and debris. Store in a dry, temperate environment away from direct sunlight.

🧠 A Few Final Notes

• CO2 airguns are not suitable for cold weather use – you’ll experience reduced power and inconsistent shot count.

• CO2 is not refillable – never attempt to refill used cartridges. Always dispose of them safely.

• Always use the correct cartridge size (typically 12g) as specified by the manufacturer.