Air Weapons

Air Weapons - The Law & Good Practice

Current legislation - The Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 & Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006

Most air weapons are of such limited power that they do not require to be licensed; however there are exceptions to this rule:

1. Air rifles which have a muzzle energy in excess of 12ft/lbs
2. Air pistols which have a muzzle energy in excess of 6ft/llbs

These weapons are classified as Section 1 firearms and are required to be held on a firearm certificate – although the ‘ammunition’ (pellets) is not.

Conventional Air Weapons, although not requiring to be held on certificate, are still subject to other legislation –

1. It is illegal for anyone to possess a loaded Air Weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Age Restrictions

18 Years Old

1. If you are 18 years or above there are no restriction on buying an Air Weapon and ammunition and you can use it on any land over which you have permission to shoot provided the pellets are not fired beyond the boundaries.

Between the age of 14 and 18

1. An Air Weapon may be used with permission on private land, without supervision provided the pellets are not fired beyond the boundaries.

1. Subject to certain exemptions, it is illegal for persons under the age of 18 to have with them an Air Weapon or ammunition for an Air Weapon.

1. It is an offence for a person under the ago of 18 to purchase or hire an Air Weapon or ammunition for an Air Weapon.

Under the age of 14

It is an offence for anyone under the age of 14 to have with them an airgun or ammunition except:

1. If they are under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over.

1. If the weapon is being used for target shooting as a member of an approved club.
2. If the weapon is being used on private land, with permission of the occupier and under the supervision of a person aged 21 or over and provided the pellets are not fired beyond the boundaries.

PLEASE NOTE - In all cases, entering land whilst in possession of a Firearm (including Air Weapons) is an offence punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or fine of £1000.

Good Shooting Practice

When shooting live quarry, never fire until you have positively identified the quarry, and established that it is safe to do so.

Always ensure that you shoot within the legal boundaries and with the proper authorisation. 
Only use a conventional Air Weapon on suitable quarry, where you know that a clean kill is likely.  The following quarries are considered suitable for controlling using a Conventional Air Weapon:

Woodpigeon, feral pigeon, collared dove, magpie, jackdaw, jay, rook and crow, brown rat, grey squirrel, stoat, mink and rabbit.