Air weapons (air rifle, air gun, air pistol) If it is not a lethal barrelled weapon, an air weapon is exempt from the requirement to hold a firearms certificate provided it is not designed or adapted for use with a self-contained gas cartridge system, or declared by the Secretary of State as specially dangerous.
Air weapons are not licensed in England and Wales, but have restrictions on their sale. Air guns, air rifles and air pistols are exempt from the certification requirement if they are not of a type declared 'specially dangerous' by legislation.
If you've just bought your first air rifle, or you're looking to get one and you're wondering whether you can shoot in your back garden, the short answer is yes, you can.
What is the most powerful air rifle you can have without a licence?
Legal limit air rifles
Mike Morton, editor of Airgun Shooter explains: “The legal limit for an air rifle that doesn't require you to have an FAC for your air rifle is a muzzle energy of 12 foot pounds for a rifle (six for a pistol).
If you are 18 years or older there are no restrictions on buying an air rifle and ammunition, and you can use it wherever you have permission to shoot.
Do You Need a License for a 22 Air Rifle? Ask Me Anything
Can anyone buy an airgun UK?
Pistols and rifles below these energy levels are still termed firearms and are dealt with under the Firearms Act, but do not require licensing in England and Wales, and may be purchased by anyone over the age of 18.
Air weapons with muzzle energy greater than 12 foot- pounds may only be held on a firearms certificate issued by local police forces. Air pistols with muzzle energies greater than six foot-pounds (and certain other air weapons) are prohibited and may not be possessed without the authority of the Home Secretary.
What is the most powerful air rifle allowed in UK?
Generally the ideal power level is just over 11 ft lb (15J). For an air rifle that is more powerful than 12 ft lb, (16.25J) you must have a firearm certificate. Never shoot at partially obscured quarry or shoot at quarry which could escape into cover before it can be retrieved.
It is critically important that your air gun is not loaded or cocked when transporting in public. Even a cleaning pellet left in the gun can be classified as “a loaded weapon”, so don't take this one (or any of these) lightly!
However, culling pigeons as a form of pest control is rarely successful. Any shooting which does take place needs to be compliant with a general or individual wildlife licence. In addition, it is important to note that only those which hold a specialised licence are able to remove a pigeon nest.
Yes, an air rifle CAN be used for home defense, but may not be readily available unless you're checking the tank on a regular basis. A break barrel like the Hatsan . 30 cal or Gamo Magnum swarm . 22 would be more than powerful enough to severely injure or even kill a perpetrator at close range.
In England & Wales, anyone over the age of 18 years can own an air weapon without a license. Recently, in Scotland they have introduced an Air Weapon license. There are strict power limits for Air Weapons. Guns which exceed these limits are reclassified as firearms.
When the rifle or pistol is in the car, never keep it loaded, and it is a good idea to keep your ammunition in the glove box. Also, it is recommended that you keep all magazines unloaded. It is perfectly legal to transport your rifle in your car, but it must be stowed either in the boot or in a case.
You must get a certificate to use a shotgun, rifle or other firearm. You don't need a certificate for: air rifles up to 12ft lb in power. air pistols up to 6ft lb in power.
Is it illegal to shoot an air rifle in your back garden UK?
Airguns may be used only on land where the user has full permission to shoot. This may be your garden, or private land owned or leased by an individual or club. Remember, wherever you shoot, you must ensure that all of your pellets remain within the boundary of the land to which your shooting permission applies.
In Scotland only you can shoot greylag geese, in England, you can shoot ringnecked parakeets but not monk parakeets, and in Northern Ireland only you can shoot starlings. Can you shoot a duck, pheasant, partridge or grouse in your back garden? Yes you can.
What I.D is required to buy an air rifle or airgun? You must produce a form of I.D. that includes your photo, name, date of birth, and current address - for example a photocard drivers licence, passport with recent utility bill. When do you deliver?
The lethal control (killing) of pigeons, seagulls and other wild birds in the UK is legislated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), courtesy of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Chapter 69), which effectively reports that it is illegal to kill or injure any wild bird, including pigeons ...
'No' is the short answer. You do not need a license to buy or own an Airsoft Replica Gun, also known as a RIF (Replica Imitation Firearm). However, the retailer needs to ensure you have a reason for purchasing before they can sell you one. This is typically known as an Airsoft defence.
airgun, it's possible to hunt in almost any space, as long as the pellet doesn't leave the boundary of the property and you have permission. That said, caution and common sense are key if shooting in an overlooked garden.
