Carrying Your Air Rifle in Public
If there’s one thing that sets the world of air rifles apart, it’s the care and precision that shooters put into every detail, from the rifle they choose to the way they handle, maintain and transport it. At Air Arms, that commitment to responsibility has always been at the heart of what we do. Whether you own one of our entry-level air rifles or one of our advanced models, understanding the law around air guns is just as important as choosing the right rifle for target shooting, pest control or recreational shooting.
Safe handling protects not only your rifle but also the sport's reputation. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what the law says about carrying an air rifle in public, including when it’s allowed, what counts as a reasonable excuse, and how to transport your rifle safely and legally wherever you shoot.
Understanding the Law Around Air Rifles
Air rifles are popular for target shooting, pest control, and recreation in the UK, but they are firearms under the Firearms Act 1968. Rifles with muzzle energy under 12 ft-lb don't require a licence, but carrying one in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.
So, can you carry your air rifle in public? The short answer is yes, but only under very specific conditions. Adults (18+) can carry an air rifle in public only with a reasonable excuse (e.g., to a shoot) and if securely transported. Under-18s face absolute prohibitions in public. This guide (with an England and Wales focus) covers the rules to ensure compliance.
Understanding the Law
Section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968 prohibits the possession of an air weapon in a public place without a reasonable excuse. 'Public place' includes roads, paths, parks, car parks, and vehicles (even parked). Police view air rifles as weapons until you prove otherwise. Rifles with over 12 ft-lb require a Firearm Certificate (FAC), which has stricter rules.
For most shooters, that means you can only take an air rifle into a public place if you have a reasonable excuse. You must also make sure it’s unloaded, safely stored in a secure case, and kept out of sight.
What Counts as a “Reasonable Excuse”?
Excuses must directly link to lawful use; courts decide, but examples include:
- Travelling to/from a shooting club, range, competition, or gunsmith
- Going to land with landowner permission (written ideal)
- Taking a new rifle home from a dealer (keep receipt)
It’s always worth carrying some form of evidence, such as a permission letter or club card. Police treat air rifles as weapons until proven otherwise, so being calm, clear and prepared will help if you’re ever stopped.
What the Law Means in Practice
Even if you have a valid reason to carry your rifle, you must handle it properly. Keep it unloaded, uncocked, and stored in a secure case or gunslip. Ammunition should be in a separate bag or box. Always keep the rifle out of sight – never carried openly or visible through a car window.
A public place includes anywhere the public can access: roads, paths, car parks, and even your vehicle. Sitting in a parked car with a rifle still counts as being 'in public'.
Whether you’re travelling with a single-shot springer or one of the PCP air rifles from the Air Arms collection, the same rules apply. A little preparation and care show you’re a responsible airgunner.
Spring-Powered or PCP? The Rules Are the Same
Air rifles come in many designs, but all are subject to the same public carriage rules. Spring-powered rifles use a coiled spring inside the action, which compresses when cocked and decompresses when fired. PCP rifles, on the other hand, use pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) systems filled with highly pressurised air stored in air or gas cylinders.
Because the gun pressurises internally before each shot, PCP models are known for being smooth and virtually recoilless, offering high levels of precision and power. They’re filled externally using hand pumps, a car tyre, or even a scuba tank, depending on your setup. But legally, there’s no difference – both types are treated as firearms when it comes to storage and transport.
In Summary, the rules are identical: Both are firearms for transport. PCPs (pre-charged pneumatic) use high-pressure air cylinders and secure them to prevent movement (e.g., strapped in a boot). Depressurise if safe (follow manufacturer). Cylinders aren't legally distinct but may be hazardous goods for operators (declare if needed). No loose cylinders.
Learn more about spring-powered and pcp air rifles here.
Carrying Your Air Rifle Safely
If you’re heading out to a permission or target-shooting session, the golden rule is safety first. Always:
- Unload and uncock your rifle
- Store it in a secure case or padded slip
- Keep ammunition separate
- Ensure it’s out of sight in your car (preferably in the boot)
This applies to all airguns, whether you’re shooting for sport, practice or pest control. Even a single-shot rifle must be secured. If the police stop you, explain your reason clearly and show proof.
Transport Rules for PCP Air Rifles
PCP air rifles and their air cylinders need particular care. The air inside is highly pressurised, similar to what’s stored in a scuba tank, and must be handled responsibly. Always secure your rifle and cylinder so they can’t roll or move while driving.
Some shooters choose to partially depressurise their rifles for travel, but this should only be done following the manufacturer's instructions. If unsure, seek expert advice from your local gun shop or the manufacturer.
When using ferries or other transport services, remember that air cylinders may be classed as hazardous goods. Always declare them if required and keep documentation handy.
Public Transport, Flights, and Ferries
Public possession is legal with an excuse and secure transport, but operators often prohibit:
- Trains/Buses/Coaches: Banned by policy (e.g., National Rail forbids air weapons); no routine luggage allowance. Prior approval is rare: use a private vehicle or an RFD transfer.
- Airlines: Possible in checked baggage (unloaded, locked hard case, declared 72+ hours ahead), but many ban PCP cylinders as hazardous.
- Ferries: Often classify cylinders as hazardous; check and declare.
If refused, don't proceed; arrange alternatives.
In summary, travelling with air rifles on public transport is rarely allowed. Trains, buses and coaches generally ban air weapons, even in luggage compartments. Airlines may allow them in checked baggage, but they must be unloaded, locked in a hard case, and declared in advance. Many airlines and ferry companies refuse to carry PCP air cylinders for safety reasons.
When in doubt, check the operator’s policy before travelling. If refused, arrange home delivery or an RFD transfer instead.
Under-18 Rules and Supervision
Age restrictions are strict.
- Under 14s cannot own or use air rifles without direct supervision by someone aged 21 or over.
- 14–17-year-olds can shoot unsupervised on private land (with permission) but cannot carry air rifles in public without a supervising adult.
- They cannot buy or hire rifles or ammunition – these must be gifted or loaned by an adult.
The supervisor is liable for breaches. Under-18s cannot receive gifts if they enable unsupervised public possession.
If Stopped by Police
Remain calm: Explain your excuse, show evidence, and allow inspection (prove unloaded/cased). Cooperation demonstrates responsibility.
Where You Can Shoot
You can only shoot on private land with landowner permission. Pellets must stay within the boundaries of that property. Shooting across other people’s land or public property is an offence.
There are also distance restrictions. It’s illegal to shoot within 50 feet (15 metres) of a road’s centre if doing so could endanger or interrupt anyone using it.
For pest control and small-game hunting, ensure you have permission and use the appropriate rifle and shooting accessories. Legal quarry includes species like rats, grey squirrels, and rabbits. Birds and other wildlife are protected unless covered by a general licence.
At Home: Storage and Security
At home, the law still applies. Owners must take “reasonable precautions” to prevent anyone under 18 from accessing air rifles or air pistols. This means:
- Locking rifles in a cabinet or cupboard
- Keeping ammunition separate
- Storing both out of sight
Failure to do this can lead to prosecution under the Crime and Security Act 2010. Even though most air rifles don’t need a licence, responsible storage is essential.
Choosing the Right Air Rifle
The UK market offers a diverse selection of air rifles for every skill level. At Air Arms, we provide an extensive range – from entry-level air rifles to high-performance PCP rifles designed for competition. Each rifle combines craftsmanship, innovation, and quality.
Our rifles are delivered through trusted dealers and local gun shops, with ongoing service and expert advice available for every customer. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a spring-powered model or the smooth accuracy of a PCP air rifle, there’s a setup to suit your style of shooting.
Understanding how your rifle’s stock, action, and coiled spring or air cylinder work makes you a better, safer shooter. Knowing when the trigger or spring decompresses helps you appreciate the engineering that makes modern Air Arms rifles so reliable.
Responsible Shooting: Protecting the Sport
You and every airgunner play a part in protecting the sport. Safe behaviour and respect for others are what keep airguns accessible and trusted in the UK. Whether you’re out on the range, in the field, or packing your rifle for a weekend session, always follow the same checks – rifle unloaded, pellets separate, reason valid, and case secure.
If in doubt, contact your local firearms department or gun shop for clarification. Laws can change, and staying informed is part of being a responsible owner.
You can learn more about Air Rifle Laws here.
