by BoogeyMan » Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:58 pm
Good job to any of you calling the police ahead of time if you're going to do a skirmish, backyard thing, etc. Keep in mind, dispatchers really do not know laws & ordinances, so don't take their word as gold. Make sure you talk to an officer or a supervisor to clarify what you are doing is within the laws of your area. Also, there are some cities in the Portland metro area that have city ordinances against discharging firearms (to include airsoft replicas, bb guns, etc). Although Oregon is an open carry state, yet again, some cities in the metro area have ordinances against open carry. My suggestion, out of sight, out of mind. If you're going to do a skirmish, put a big sign out that says something to the extent of "Airsoft Game" or whatever, just so people driving/walking by don't see a bunch of guys in camo with guns and think there's some sort of terrorist camp or militia being formed. With the recent increase of violent crimes against officers, a lot of cops will be on edge seeing people with guns...at a distance, they look real. Try not to be offended if the officer goes on the defensive and starts giving you commands. I have found orange tips painted on real guns before, so orange tips on airsoft guns, mean nothing to me.
This should go without saying, but use common sense guys. Don't create a bad name for airsoft. A lot of good people have been working hard over the last several years to get us some good exposure and it'll only take a few stupid people to ruin that good reputation.