Do I need a Licence for a PCP air rifle?
If you've clicked on this article, it's because you've stumbled upon the wonderful world of PCP air rifles and want to learn a bit more about them. Whether you're wanting a PCP because it's the perfect air rifle for you or because it's the best air rifle for what your needs are, there is one important question you'll need to consider first - Do I need a licence for a PCP air rifle?
Well, you're in luck! In this blog, we're going to take an in-depth look into PCP air rifles and the law and find out if you need a licence for one.
Introduction to PCP Air Rifles
Air rifles have been used for hunting, target shooting, and other recreational purposes for centuries. However, with technological advances, air rifles have come a long way from their traditional spring air rifles or CO2 air-powered counterparts. One of the most popular modern air rifles is the Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifle. In this blog, we will explore what exactly a PCP air rifle is and why it has gained such popularity.
What is a PCP Air Rifle?
Before we dive into the legality of owning PCP air rifles, let's first understand what it is and how they differ from other types of air rifles. So, what is a PCP rifle? PCP stands for Pre-Charged Pneumatic and is a type of air rifle that uses compressed air as its power source. Unlike traditional spring-piston or CO2-powered air rifles, PCP air rifles utilise a high-pressure air reservoir that is charged before use. This compressed air is released with each shot, propelling the pellet or bullet out of the barrel at high speeds.
How Do PCP Air Rifles Work?
A PCP air rifle consists of two main components: a high-pressure air reservoir and a firing mechanism. The reservoir, usually located under the barrel or in the stock, is filled to a recommended pressure (typically 2000–3000 psi) using a hand pump, scuba tank, or portable compressor. When the trigger is pulled, a small amount of compressed air is released into a chamber behind the pellet, propelling it out of the barrel at high speed. This process repeats for each shot until the reservoir needs refilling, with many PCP rifles offering multiple shots per fill depending on the model and power setting.
Licences and PCP Air Rifles
The legality of owning and using a PCP air rifle depends on your country and its regulations, as well as the rifle’s intended use (e.g., target shooting, hunting, or pest control). In many countries, low-powered air rifles require no specific license, but high-powered models may be regulated as firearms. Below, we focus on UK regulations, which impose specific restrictions on ownership and use.
Who Can Get a Firearms Certificate?
In England and Wales, individuals aged 14 and older can apply for an FAC, allowing those under 18 to use high-powered PCP air rifles (above 12 ft-lbs) under strict conditions. However, FACs for under-18s are rare and typically granted for specific purposes, such as competitive shooting, with parental consent and police approval.
To apply for an FAC, you must meet these criteria:
- Genuine Reason: Provide evidence for needing a high-powered air rifle, such as membership in a shooting club, permission to shoot on land for pest control, or participation in competitive shooting.
- Background Checks: Undergo police checks, including criminal record reviews, medical history (e.g., mental health), and character references from non-family members.
- Interview: In some cases, a firearms licensing officer may conduct an interview to assess your knowledge of firearms laws, safety practices, and suitability.
- Secure Storage: Demonstrate that you can store the air rifle securely (e.g., in a locked gun cabinet) to prevent unauthorised access.
If you borrow a high-powered PCP air rifle (above 12 ft-lbs), you must hold a valid FAC, as possession without one is illegal, even temporarily.
Why is the FAC in Place?
The FAC ensures public safety by vetting individuals who possess or use high-powered air rifles. The application process evaluates an individual’s responsibility, mental stability, and understanding of firearm safety. By requiring an FAC, authorities can:
- Monitor ownership of high-powered air rifles.
- Prevent unauthorised access, especially by unsuitable individuals.
- Intervene if concerns arise about the owner’s behaviour or intent.
This system promotes responsible use and reduces the risk of misuse or accidents.
PCP Air Rifles and Safety
Understanding the power and licensing requirements of PCP air rifles is crucial, but safety is equally important. While PCP air rifles differ from traditional firearms, they require careful handling to prevent accidents. Follow these safety guidelines:
- Ensure the Rifle is unloaded: Before storing, always check that no pellet is in the barrel or chamber, even if the rifle is pressurised. Do not fire the rifle solely to “depressurise” it, as this requires a safe backstop.
- Follow Fill Pressure Limits: Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended fill pressure (typically 2000–3000 psi). Over-pressurising can damage the rifle or cause safety hazards.
- Use Clean, Dry Compressed Air: Only fill the reservoir with breathing-quality compressed air or nitrogen from a trusted source. Other gases can damage the rifle or pose risks.
- Secure Storage: Store the PCP air rifle in a locked gun cabinet, inaccessible to unauthorised individuals, especially children.
- Safe Handling: Treat the rifle as if it were a firearm. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and never carry a loaded rifle in a public place (illegal in the UK).
- Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses when shooting to protect against ricochet or pellet fragments.
- Safe Shooting Environment: Use a proper backstop or shoot in a designated range to prevent pellets from causing injury or damage.
For hunting or pest control, ensure you have the landowner’s permission, even with an FAC, as this is a legal requirement in the UK.
Final thoughts
The licensing requirements for PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) air rifles in the UK depend on the rifle’s muzzle energy and the user’s age. PCP air rifles with a muzzle energy of 12 ft-lbs or less (or 6 ft-lbs for air pistols) can be owned by individuals aged 18 or older without a Firearms Certificate (FAC). Those under 18 may use such rifles with the landowner’s permission on private premises, but individuals under 14 require supervision by someone aged 21 or older.
For PCP air rifles exceeding 12 ft-lbs (or 6 ft-lbs for air pistols), an FAC is required for both ownership and use, regardless of age. This applies to anyone possessing the rifle, including those borrowing it temporarily. For example, a person under 18 who holds an FAC (possible from age 14 in England and Wales, though rare) may use a high-powered rifle, but supervision alone does not exempt the FAC requirement for rifles above 12 ft-lbs.
To ensure compliance, always consult your local firearms licensing authority for the most up-to-date regulations, as rules may vary slightly in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. For guidance on applying for an FAC, including requirements like a genuine reason (e.g., target shooting or pest control), background checks, and secure storage, contact your local police force or visit their official website.
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