Air guns are less powerful than real steel weapons, but they can still produce fatal wounds which is why each country has its own set of rules when it comes to using them.
In the UK, the rules are different from one region to another. For instance, if you need a license to carry and use air rifles in Scotland and Northern Ireland, in Wales and England things are a bit more relaxed. Here, you don’t need a license for most air guns (expecting the super powerful ones).
Still, before you purchase any type of air gun (rifle, pistol, shotgun, or anything else) it’s best to check with the local authorities to make sure you are not outside the law. For instance, air guns that can be used legally must be limited at 12ft.lb muzzle energy for air rifles and 6ft.lb for air pistols.
Also, starting with 2004, in the UK it is not legal to transfer, buy, or sell an air weapon that has a self-contained gas cartridge. If you already owned one of these when the law was first enforced, you were requested to apply for a permit in order to use it.
Who Can Own & Use an Air Rifle in the UK?
Besides the regulations that target the weapons, there are regulations designed for the shooters or owners. As such:
- You must be at least 14 years old to own an airgun.
- You cannot purchase an air rifle or an air pistol if you are not 18 years of age.
- The law lets you shoot on your private land (plinking) but you are not allowed to do so within 15m of a road if it would cause nuisance or danger.
- When shooting on private land, you must appreciate the correct shooting range, so the pellets won’t leave said land. So, you shouldn’t let your pellets reach your neighbours’ property (which is quite difficult in the city).
- If you are under 14, you cannot shoot an airgun without the supervision of an adult over 21.
Where Can You Use an Airgun?
The safest locations to use an airgun is at the shooting range, hunting grounds, or on private property with the owner’s permission.
Now, if you go hunting, you should know how to choose a rifle that fits the type of game you want to pursue. Start by browsing this list of air rifles to learn more about the features you should consider.
You should never carry an air rifle or pistol in a public place without reasonable excuse and you should never use it in an altercation. In the UK, any air gun, regardless of power, is considered a firearm by the law in the case of a criminal offence.
When you transport your gear from home to the hunting ground or other locations, use a secure case that doesn’t allow for the weapon to be fired without your consent.
Finally, you are allowed to use an airgun to get rid of pests, as long as the landowner or tenant agree with this activity.
Wrap Up
As you can see, airguns are strictly regulated in the UK, but this is the result of horrific accidents and even attacks that led to the loss of innocent lives. These are not toys and people want to make sure they are not treated as such!