‘Keep It Legal! – UK Airgun Law – The Basics
So you’ve decided to get into airguns. Congratulations, for a whole world of challenging sport awaits! If you’re new to the scene, then we know it can be baffling and daunting in equal measure. A raft of questions need answering, and there’s much to learn, but it really is one of those sports which can be enjoyed at all levels. In other words, the complexity and level of detail is all down to you and your requirements.
BASIC LEGALITIES
We’re here to help, and with our regular blogs, we’ll guide you through each stage. We’ll be keeping you informed periodically, of the latest developments within the airgun industry, whilst assisting with the fundamentals along the way. But before we get too carried away along this exciting path, there really is one area which simply cannot be overlooked- and that’s the laws governing airgun use and ownership in the UK mainland.
Scotland sits as a footnote for the purposes of this blog, with their sad and misguided implementation of airgun certification back in 2016. A hammer to crack a nut for sure! But for the rest of us in England and Wales, airgun law remains relatively light touch. That said, it is of course imperative that we appreciate and understand, the safety aspect and the damage and injury that our treasured airguns can inflict in the wrong hands. OK; it can seem a dry topic, and overly restrictive in places, but respect the sentiment of UK law governing our fun, and we wont go far wrong. So let’s take a closer look.
AGE RESTRICTIONS – UNDER 14
Firstly, let’s look at the age at which we can get involved. Youngsters under the age of 14 ‘may not buy, hire, borrow or receive an airgun or ammunition as a gift. Parents wishing to buy airguns for persons under 14 must never allow them to be in possession of the airgun or ammunition whilst unsupervised, even when it is not in use. However, the young person can use the airgun under the supervision of someone of, or over 21 years of age, on private premises with the appropriate permission’. It’s worth noting that in the eyes of the law, if a pellet goes outside these premises onto someone else’s property, both the youngster and the adult supervisor effectively commit an offence.
AGE RESTRICTIONS – 14-17
Youngsters aged 14-17 years may not buy or hire an airgun or ammunition or receive them as a gift. However, they may borrow one from a person over 18, and use it on private property, with the occupier’s consent, without supervision. A person within this age group may not carry an airgun in a public place at any time unless supervised by a person of or over 21 years, and only when they have a good reason for doing so.
SECURITY & STORAGE
It’s illegal to leave an airgun loaded and unattended, and whilst it may sound obvious, treat this as a golden rule, and absolute safety will be maintained. Basically, a disaster can’t happen if we prevent it in the first place. It’s also an offence for a person in possession of an airgun to fail to take ‘reasonable precautions’ to prevent someone under the age of 18 from gaining unauthorised access to it. Individual situations dictate just what form those ‘precautions’ take, but where children are involved, a locked gun cupboard is highly recommended. Where very young children are concerned, it might be sufficient simply to store the gun up high and out of reach. Store the airgun separately and away from ammunition, as recommended, and again we’re just creating another level of safety, which can only be a good thing.
UK AIRGUN POWER LIMITS
In the UK, legal kinetic power limits are set at 12ft/lbs for air rifles, and for guns below this limit, no certificate or licence is required. Any air rifle or airgun capable of producing power above this limit, is then classed as a Section 1 Firearm and will require a firearm certificate. For air pistols, the legal power limit is set at 6ft/lbs. Again, exceed this limit, and certification is required.
WHERE CAN I USE MY AIRGUN?
As far as location goes, the law states that we are free to use our airguns on private premises, as long as we have permission from the owner/ occupier. There is also a stipulation in law that it is illegal to ‘discharge a firearm (airgun) within 50ft of the centre of a public highway, if it injures interrupts or endangers a person using the highway’. So shooting in the back garden is absolutely fine, with the obvious proviso that it’s illegal to let ammunition stray from the boundary of the premises on which we are shooting at any time. Basic safety criteria needs to be applied, but that’s another blog in itself, so we’ll return to that soon.
Shooting clubs and official ranges are great places to shoot too, as invariably these offer a safe, structured environment where we can shoot alongside like minded enthusiasts. Young shooters are encouraged here too, and it’s one of the best places to learn disciple and safety, which enhances our enjoyment in the long run.
The law states that ‘it is an offence to have an air weapon in a public place without lawful authority, or reasonable excuse’. Obviously moving about our business is fine, as long as the gun is properly cased and out of sight, and here is where it pays to be respectful and safe at the same time, keeping a relatively low profile, until we arrive at our authorized shooting venue.
ENJOY THE JOURNEY
As usual, laws are often well intended but effectively restrictive; but in England and Wales, airgun sport and recreation continues to play a big part in many of our lives. With the right guidance and encouragement most of us can get out and enjoy what this brilliant sport has to offer, and with more choice of hardware than ever before, we have so much to celebrate.
So for now, enjoy your shooting, and we’ll see you soon……on a lighter note we promise!.
Range & Country
