Can someone help, I am looking for a model shop online that stocks Pistol and Rifle models
I am not after replicas or pre built ones as they are not legal in Victoria, Australia. and I prefer to actually build something rather than buy off the shelf.
If possible, the shop to accept payPal for Payment…
I would suggest consulting Australian Customs for a clarification on this. The fact sheet (PDF Format) regarding Replica Firearms states the following:
The fact sheet states that you will require an import permit (B709A) to import such items.
I suspect that a model kit which builds up into a full scale (or near full scale) replica, even if non-functional, falls within this description.
Consider that the “classic” Transformers Megatron is a prohibited import to Australia due to its resemblance to a handgun even though it’s bright chrome coloured and slightly undersize compared to the real deal.
At least we can still have the real thing over here.
I do recall years ago that there were some 1:1 plactic kits of various firearms available. I do not remember which manufacturer it was, but I think it must have been Japanese. I wouldn’t mind finding some of these again, particularly anything M-16 related. Good luck in your quest.
I wouldn’t call it PC. Most of the concern over hyperrealistic toy/replica guns was that they were being used in roberries and that police couldn’t tell if a suspect was holding a real weapon or a replica. No cop is going to want to be in the postion of trying to decide if the .44 some guy is weilding is real or plastic, But when it comes to making the final decision, with often miimal time to decide, they don’t want a dead guy holding a plastic gun.
If a goblin mugs you with a zinc starter pistol, has no crime occured because the perp did not use a “real” gun? The problem is that it can be easier to attack the image of the problem rather than the problem itself. The mens rea of the criminal is the issue. Consider a wooden sword. The “average” person might not see that as very threatening. But, old Mushashi Myamoto, back in the day, used a wooden sword to quite deadly effect.
But, I have to admit some bias, from hanging about with reenactors and military vehicle collectors, too.
Personally I find it interesting that Australia has outlawed guns - and cirme against the weak like seniors and women has increased. Instead of building model guns I suggest you lobby to have the real thing brought back.