AIRGUN LAWS

When it comes to using Air Rifles and Pistols, everything you do MUST be within the guidelines set by the legal system. Those who are trying to keep the country safe for those who reside here have set these laws in place.

Although we may not agree fully with all of the laws, they are there for a reason and MUST be obeyed. Violating these laws WILL end up by incurring serious penalties, whether it results in a fine or a jail sentence.

Listed below are some of the offences specified by the current law:

• Trespassing with an Air-Weapon
• Discharging an Air-Weapon within 50 feet from a public road. (15metres)

• Persons under 17 can only possess an Air-Weapon if;

-Under supervision by an adult of 21years or over;

-At an approved shooting club or miniature rifle range;

-On private property and if they are over 14 years with written consent from the landowner.

• To lend an Air-Weapon to somebody under 17 years other than the above circumstances.
• To make gift of an Air-Weapon to somebody under the age of 17 years.
• For somebody under 17 years to buy an Air-Weapon and/or Ammunition for themselves or to sell on to someone under the age of 17 years.
• Someone less than 17 years old may only possess an Air Rifle under the direct supervision of an adult 21 years or over at an approved shooting club or Miniature rifle range.

The legal power limit for air rifles is 12ftlb or less, and Pistols of 6ftlb or less.

This was set by the home office as part of the “Firearms Acts 1968-1997” and anyone caught with a weapon over the legal limit will be subject to a legal inquiry and a possible jail sentence or serious fine. This will be classed as a Firearms offence.

The only accurate way to check that any weapon is within the legal limit is by having it tested on a machine called a ‘Chronograph’, and to arrange this, you should contact your local Gun Dealer or Air-rifle Club, who will know where the nearest chronograph is to be found.

Written by Stefan Polatajko, with thanks to Hazel Pollock, B.A. for her assistance.

The information in this section is based on the guidelines set in the ‘Firearms Consultation Paper May 2004’.