Replica Gun City Ordinance Poll for Portland

[Matt]

As many of you know, Beaverton has a city ordinance in place to discourage the use of replica firearms in public places within city limits. Last Monday, Mayor Sam Adams posted on Facebook to ask if we should consider a similar ordinance in the City of Portland. No formal plans or proposals have been made, right now they are simply researching the possibility.

For those who don't know about the Beaverton ordinance, . It boils down to this; it's unlawful to display/brandish a replica firearm in a public place, penalties increase if the replica has had it's orange muzzle removed or painted over. Keep in mind, this ordinance really changes nothing for those who follow . You should already be safely and responsibly transporting your AEG in a case, box or carry bag to and from games especially if you live within city limits.

The only possible hassle I could see this being to any of us would be if we could get fined or penalized for test firing our replicas in the privacy of our own back yard. But the back yard does not fit my definition of "public" and I would hope there would be no loopholes around that.

I'll be on public radio on Tuesday morning at around 9:30am talking about the hobbyist perspective of this topic. You can stream live from or tune to 91.5fm (). Our rules already pretty much enforce what this ordinance is making punishable by law, and I think that's a great testament to our community's stance on safety and safe replica handling.

What do you guys think of it? Do those of you from Beaverton have any perspective to give? Has the ordinance hindered your ability to enjoy Airsoft? I'd like to hear your experience with it, as there may be drawbacks or related fallout that I'm not aware of.

[Evil Zergling137]

Well, obviously no police time is going to be wasted enforcing this unless there is a complaint or something else going on.

The key is "display/brandish". You can still discreetly carry your guns from your car to your house/appt (or to and from games) without breaking that. The AP rules are unnecessary to comply with the rule.

Also, how does it compare to the rules for real firearms? It might be the same now in Beaverton.

[Matt]

Edit: it's Tuesday, not Monday.

[Gator]

I typically take my guns in bags to events/games. But i never usually shoot my guns in my backyard because my neighbors are all pricks.

[Russkie]

No. I have yet to see gun control work. It only keeps honest people honest.

Our time and money would be better spent on educating people on good firearms handling. Sadly, that won't happen since there is no money to be made there. It's all about revenue, not safety.

[Ivan Daylovich™]

[Highlife]

I seriously doubt that an ordanance would stop someone from commiting suicide by cop, or keep scum bags from knocking over convenience stores. Maybe the city should just make more green bike boxes, then everyone in the city can be inconvenienced equally.

[pdx650]

Wish I was at home, at noon, to stream the show since I am currently in Eastern Virginia, but I must be at work.

[Russkie]

[Orwell]

In short: This is the kind of ordinance that lets politicians say "I made a difference!"

I have a group of friends (I use the term loosely,) who are 12 - 16 and who play with their BIG5 airsoft toys in the streets near their houses in Portland. These kids are smart enough to do what a cop says without arguing, and have never had an incident with police, despite having made eye contact with multiple officers while playing their game.

They're kids. They're having fun. No one cares. With an ordinance like this, however, they'd be number 1 on every officer's todo list. New laws are always enforced more strictly.

This kind of ordinance doesn't provide any measurable public service. It just (potentially) inconveniences the older folks and screws with the kids. I don't see it as helpful at all.

[chapped]

[Junto]

Works fine in Beaverton and has been AP policy for even longer. Glad you get to talk about it on the radio, Matt. Any good exposure for the hobby is always welcome.

[Matt]

[McNair]

It's illegal to "discharge" a bb gun/air rifle in city limits of pretty much everywhere.
So if this is to stop kids from playing in the city with guns that aren't clearly marked as replicas is rather redundant.

[drpepper475]

it only takes one mistake to ruin it for everyone. i always use a gun bag and am careful with my replicas that dont have orange tips. hopefully this doesnt get taken any further.