Air Rifles and Their Legality
Air rifles are highly popular in the UK, valued for pest control, conservation, and recreational target shooting. However, their legal ownership and use are subject to strict regulations to ensure safety. This article outlines the laws surrounding air rifles in England and Wales, with notes on Scotland and Northern Ireland, where laws differ.
- Are Air Rifles Legal?
Yes, air rifles are legal to own in the UK, but their ownership and use are governed by specific regulations based on their power (measured as muzzle energy in foot-pounds, or ft/lb) and the user’s age. Understanding these rules is essential before purchasing or using an air rifle.
To understand what kind of air guns you can legally own, you'll need a better understanding of the types of air rifles you can get and what differentiates them.
What are the regulations?
Muzzle energy
- Sub-12 ft/lb air rifles: These do not require a Firearms Certificate (FAC) and can be owned by anyone aged 18 or older without a licence. They are commonly used for target shooting or pest control.
Over 12 ft/lb air rifles: These are classified as Section 1 firearms under the Firearms Act 1968 and require an FAC.
The application process involves a police background check, medical history review (via your GP), and a “good reason” for ownership (e.g., pest control or target shooting).
Typically, one referee is required to vouch for your suitability, though police may request additional references.
Note: The type of air rifle (e.g., spring-powered, PCP, CO2, or gas ram) does not determine whether a licence is needed—only the muzzle energy matters. Many air rifles of all types are designed to operate below 12 ft/lb to avoid licensing requirements.
Age Restrictions
- Over 18: Adults can purchase, own, and use air rifles. No licence is needed for sub-12 ft/lb rifles, but an FAC is required for those exceeding 12 ft/lb.
- Ages 14–17: Individuals in this age group can use air rifles (and ammunition) on private premises with the landowner’s permission, without supervision. However, they cannot buy, hire, or receive air rifles or ammunition as gifts. A parent or guardian aged 18 or older can purchase and store air rifles for them. In public places, they must be supervised by someone aged 21 or older and have a reasonable excuse (e.g., transporting to a shooting club).
- Under 14: Children under 14 can use air rifles on private premises with the landowner’s permission, but only under the supervision of a responsible adult (no specific age mandated for private land). They cannot buy, hire, or receive air rifles or ammunition. The supervising adult is responsible for ensuring safe use.
Regional Variations
The legal framework for air rifles varies across the UK, with significant differences in Scotland and Northern Ireland compared to England and Wales. Below is a detailed breakdown of the regulations in each region:
England and Wales
In England and Wales, air rifles with a muzzle energy of 12 ft/lb or less are not classified as firearms and do not require a Firearms Certificate (FAC). They can be purchased and owned by individuals aged 18 or older without a licence. Air rifles exceeding 12 ft/lb are classified as Section 1 firearms under the Firearms Act 1968, requiring an FAC. The FAC application process involves:
- A background check by the police, including a review of criminal history.
- Submission of medical information via your GP to assess physical and mental suitability.
- A “good reason” for ownership, such as pest control or target shooting at an approved club.
- Typically, one referee to confirm your suitability, though additional references may be requested.
Shooting must occur on private land with the landowner’s permission, and users must ensure pellets do not cross property boundaries. Carrying an air rifle in a public place without a reasonable excuse (e.g., transport to a shooting club or gunsmith) is an offence.
Scotland
In Scotland, air rifle laws are stricter due to the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. Unlike England and Wales, all air rifles, regardless of muzzle energy (including sub-12 ft/lb models), are classified as air weapons and require an Air Weapon Certificate (AWC) from Police Scotland. Key points include:
- Application Process: To obtain an AWC, you must be 18 or older, submit an application to Police Scotland, provide a “good reason” (e.g., pest control, target shooting, or sporting use), and undergo a background check, including medical history. One referee is typically required.
- Age Restrictions: Individuals aged 14–17 can use air weapons on private land with permission, but only under supervision unless they hold their own AWC (available from age 14 with parental consent). Those under 14 can use air weapons only under the supervision of an AWC holder aged 21 or older.
- Exemptions: An AWC is not required for specific activities, such as shooting at an approved club, event, or gallery range, or for air weapons used in theatrical performances or agricultural pest control by employees with landowner permission.
- Penalties: Possessing an air weapon without an AWC can result in up to 7 years’ imprisonment. Carrying an air weapon in public without a reasonable excuse (e.g., attending an approved shooting event) is also an offence.
- Contact: For guidance or to apply, contact Police Scotland via their website or local firearms licensing team.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, air rifles are subject to the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, which imposes stricter regulations than in England and Wales. Key points include:
- Licensing: Air rifles with a muzzle energy exceeding 1 joule (approximately 0.74 ft/lb) are classified as firearms and require a Firearms Certificate from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). This applies to most air rifles used for shooting, as even low-powered models typically exceed this threshold.
- Application Process: Applicants must be 18 or older, provide a “good reason” (e.g., target shooting or pest control), and undergo a rigorous background check, including criminal and medical history. A referee is required, and the PSNI may conduct a home visit to assess storage arrangements.
- Age Restrictions: Individuals under 18 cannot own air rifles. Those aged 16–17 can use air rifles under the supervision of a certificate holder aged 21 or older, with landowner permission for private land. Those under 16 require similar supervision and cannot possess air rifles independently.
- Storage and Use: Air rifles must be stored in a secure gun safe, and ammunition must be kept separately. Use is restricted to private land with permission, and carrying in public without a valid reason (e.g., transport to a shooting range) is prohibited.
- Contact: For details or to apply for a certificate, contact the PSNI Firearms and Explosives Branch.
Note: Always check the latest regulations with the relevant authorities, as laws may be updated. For Scotland, visit the Police Scotland website; for Northern Ireland, contact the PSNI.
Importance of Safety
Air rifles, even sub-12 ft/lb models, can cause serious injury or death if misused. The Home Office has reported incidents, including fatalities, involving air weapons, particularly when accessed by children or used irresponsibly. Responsible ownership is critical, requiring:
- Secure Storage: Store air rifles in a locked gun safe or cabinet, with ammunition kept separately, to prevent unauthorised access, especially by children. Avoid storing rifles in outbuildings to reduce the risk of theft.
- Safe Handling: Always treat air rifles as loaded, never point them in an unsafe direction, and only load when ready to fire. Use an effective backstop for target shooting to prevent ricochets.
- Supervision: Ensure children under 18 are supervised appropriately, and educate all users on safe practices to prevent accidents. Adherence to safety guidelines and legal requirements is essential to protect users, bystanders, and property.
Safety Handling
The Home Office recommends the following for safe air rifle use:
- Treat all air rifles as if they are loaded.
- Never point an air rifle in an unsafe direction.
- Only load the rifle when ready to fire.
- Ensure the target and background are safe before shooting.
- Do not rely solely on safety mechanisms, as they can fail.
- Never leave a loaded air rifle unattended or drop it.
- Store air rifles and ammunition separately in a locked gun safe.
- Keep air rifles in the home, not outbuildings, for added security.
- Use additional measures (e.g., trigger locks) to prevent unauthorised use.
Other Restrictions
- Criminal History: Under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968 (applicable in England, Wales, and Scotland), individuals with certain criminal convictions are prohibited from possessing air rifles. A custodial sentence of 3 years or more results in a lifetime ban; sentences of 3 months to 3 years impose a 5-year ban from the date of release. In Northern Ireland, similar restrictions apply under the Firearms Order 2004.
- Storage: Air rifles should be stored in a locked gun safe or cabinet, with ammunition stored separately, to prevent unauthorised access. Storing rifles in outbuildings is discouraged but not illegal in England and Wales.
- Carrying in Public: It is an offence to carry an air rifle in a public place without a reasonable excuse, such as transporting it to a shooting club, gunsmith, or dealer. The rifle must be unloaded and in a secure case.
What Are You Allowed to Shoot?
- Target Shooting: Join target shooting clubs (see BASC for details) or practice on private land with the landowner’s permission. An effective backstop (e.g., a soft soil bank or a brick wall with a carpet to prevent ricochet) is required to ensure safety.
- Live Quarry: In England and Wales, shooting pest species (e.g., woodpigeons, certain corvids) is legal under general licences issued by Natural England or Natural Resources Wales, provided you have landowner permission and a suitable air rifle (typically 10–12 ft/lb for humane kills).
- Always check the latest general licence conditions, as they are updated annually. Shooting must be for specific purposes, such as preventing damage to crops, livestock, or public health, or for conservation. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, similar permissions apply, but compliance with AWC or Firearms Certificate conditions is mandatory.
What Offences Are in Place?
There are over 30 offences related to air rifle misuse, including:
- Shooting beyond premises boundaries: Even on your own land, shooting beyond boundaries is an offence. Supervising adults are liable if they allow under-18s to do so.
- Carrying in public without a reasonable excuse: This includes unloaded rifles not in a case.
- Intent to cause damage or harm: Using an air rifle to damage property, endanger life, or harm protected species is illegal and carries severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
- Armed trespass: Carrying an air rifle on private land without permission is a serious offence.
Final considerations
With all this information, we can have a much better understanding of the ins and outs of legally owning and using an air rifle in the UK. Airguns are not toys - they can hurt you. Rules and laws are in place to avoid severe damage, injury or death. Air rifles need to be treated with caution and respect not only by legal, qualified adults, but also by any children interested in making a hobby of the sport.
Depending on their power, air rifles are classified as a firearm in the UK and require a Firearms Certificate (FAC). Because of this, it is vital to understand and abide by the laws and rules in your jurisdiction.
There are hurdles and restrictions put in place for a reason. Due to the danger and nature of air rifles, transparency and responsible behaviour can help prevent any misunderstandings and accidents. Always ensure that you check the regional law in your area. The information in this article highlights legislation throughout England and Wales.
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