Air rifles are a popular choice for target shooting and pest control in the UK. Many people enjoy using these weapons for sport and recreation. But are they legal?
In the UK, air rifles are legal to own and use, but there are strict rules and regulations that govern their possession and operation. The laws aim to ensure public safety while allowing responsible use. Different rules apply in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Air rifles come in various types and power levels. The legal limits for air rifle power and who can own them depend on factors like age and location.
It’s crucial for air rifle owners to know and follow these rules to stay on the right side of the law.
Key Takeaways
- Air rifles are legal in the UK with certain restrictions and regulations
- Age limits and licensing requirements vary across different parts of the UK
- Air rifles must meet specific power limits to be legally owned without a firearms certificate
Legal Framework Governing Air Rifles in the UK
Air rifles in the UK are subject to specific laws and regulations. These rules aim to control ownership and use while balancing safety concerns with legitimate sporting and pest control needs.
Firearms Act 1968
The Firearms Act 1968 forms the foundation for air rifle laws in the UK. It sets out key definitions and restrictions. Air rifles with a muzzle energy of 12 foot-pounds or less don’t need a firearm certificate.
This act also sets age limits for air rifle use. People under 18 can’t buy or hire air rifles. Those aged 14-17 can use them under adult supervision.
The law requires air rifle owners to take reasonable precautions to prevent access by unauthorized persons, especially those under 18.
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006
This act brought changes to air rifle regulations. It raised the minimum age to buy or receive an air rifle as a gift from 17 to 18.
The act made it illegal to sell realistic imitation firearms. This includes some air rifles that look like real guns. Exceptions exist for certain activities like historical reenactments.
It also gave police more power to deal with people carrying air rifles in public without good reason. This aims to reduce threatening behavior and misuse.
Policing and Crime Act 2017
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 further tightened air rifle rules. It made it illegal to possess certain powerful air rifles without a firearms certificate.
This act focused on air rifles that exceed the 12 foot-pound energy limit. These more powerful air guns are now treated like regular firearms.
The act also introduced new rules for storing air rifles safely. Owners must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access, especially by young people under 18.
Ownership and Use Regulations
Air rifle ownership and use in the UK is subject to specific rules. These cover age limits, permits, and safe handling practices.
Minimum Age Requirements
In the UK, air rifle use is restricted based on age. People under 14 can’t buy, hire, or receive air rifles as gifts. They also can’t shoot without adult supervision.
Parents who buy air rifles for kids under 14 must control the guns at all times. This rule applies even at home or in the garden.
Teens aged 14-17 have more freedom. They can borrow air rifles and ammo on private land if they have permission. Still, they can’t buy their own guns or ammo until they turn 18.
Certification and Permits
Most air rifles in the UK don’t need a special permit. But there are limits. Air rifles must have a muzzle energy under 12 foot-pounds. Any gun over this limit needs a firearm certificate.
To own an air rifle, you must be at least 18 years old. You also need to follow safety rules to keep others from using your gun without permission.
In some parts of the UK, like Scotland, you need an air weapon certificate for any air gun. This rule applies even to low-powered models.
Transport and Storage Requirements
Safe storage of air rifles is crucial. When not in use, keep your air rifle in a locked cabinet or gun safe. This prevents theft and stops others from using it without permission.
For transport, air rifles should be in a secure case. Make sure the gun is not loaded. Keep ammo separate from the gun.
In public, air rifles must be covered up. Don’t carry them in plain sight. This could cause alarm and may be illegal.
At home, store your air rifle where kids can’t get to it. Use a gun lock for extra safety. Never leave an air rifle loaded when it’s not in use.
Air Rifle Categories and Power Limits
Air rifles in the UK are divided into two main categories based on their power output. These categories determine whether a license is needed and how the air rifle can be used legally.
Low-Power Air Rifles
Low-power air rifles are those that produce muzzle energy not exceeding 12 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) or 16.27 joules. These air rifles do not require a license in England and Wales.
Adults can buy and use these rifles without special permits. They are popular for target shooting and pest control on private property.
Low-power air pistols fall under stricter limits. They must not exceed 6 ft-lbs (8.13 joules) of muzzle energy.
These power limits help balance safety concerns with the interests of airgun users.
High-Power Air Rifles
Air rifles that produce over 12 ft-lbs of muzzle energy are classified as firearms in the UK. To own and use them legally, you need a Firearm Certificate.
These high-power air rifles are subject to the same strict regulations as other firearms. You must have a valid reason for ownership, such as hunting or sport shooting.
Storage requirements are more stringent for high-power air rifles. When not in use, they must be kept in a secure gun cabinet.
The power output of these rifles makes them suitable for hunting larger game. However, their use is more restricted due to safety concerns.