Confirm replica rifles and machineguns are not allowed for cosplay?

[mprojekt]

After digging through the forum, it seems that carrying replica rifles and machineguns as part of a costume (Full Metal Alchemist or Full Metal Panic spring to mind) are banned or very severely frowned upon.

I may have been looking in the wrong place, but I can't seem to find the rules for Fanime 2008.

I would love get official confirmation of said ban or an official word on what -would- be acceptable so that I'll know in advance not to run out and buy a parade rifle or an airsoft rifle to go with my FMA uniform.  I can live without the toy rifle.

If it turns out that a replica rifle is OK in certain areas, then "Hooray!" for getting to have a complete outfit for my first Fanime cosplay!   :D



While I am at it: what about a pistol that can be peace-bonded into a holster?   Historically, it seems like this would be OK but again, official word would be great.

Thanks!

[mprojekt]

Hmm...

It's been a few days since I posted the question to [email protected].  Does anyone know how long it takes con staff to respond to emails or the forums?

[Tony]

Oh, it can take a while. We're almost always revising the weapons/prop policy, anyway...

I can't say this with authority, but replicas are generally not allowed. There may be exceptions if you're participating on stage in the masquerade, but I kinda doubt it.

Official word should pop up on the website eventually...

[mprojekt]

Oh, it can take a while. We're almost always revising the weapons/prop policy, anyway...

I can't say this with authority, but replicas are generally not allowed. There may be exceptions if you're participating on stage in the masquerade, but I kinda doubt it.

Official word should pop up on the website eventually...

Thank you, Tony.

Oh well.    ;D

Better to know and stay within the guidelines than be ignorant and do something that will get me in trouble.

[Mister_E]

Oh yeah, I remember the Imperial Scout Trooper from last yeat had a Blaster Pistol and I asked during the Black and White Ball/Rave if I could hold it he said it was okay but the Staff made him strap it to his boot holdster with them purple binder things. Becuse of course it looked like a real gun.

[mprojekt]

I wonder...

I know it would be VERY cheesy but what about Nerf guns?  I could very easily add weathering and paint effects to make a Nerf gun seem a bit less... well.. plasticky.  It would still be the same color and configuration though.

Would completely repainting the Nerf gun (leaving the orange tip of course) be allowable or does that make it too close to a replica?

My only other brainstorm is a prop gun of unrealistic proportions and made out of foam.