Anyone over the age of 18 can obtain an airgun if its muzzle energy is below that of 10 Joules. If is over 24 Joules the airgun subject to notification regime in the Police. Cannot be bought online, but some gun shops deliver them with their own supplier legally.
In the UK it is illegal to use them for home defence, if you live in another country then airgun laws will vary. Talking about different countries, in Europe and the UK, the revolver is called HDR 50 while in America, it goes under the name TR 50.
The regulations regarding air pistols in the UK are (relatively) simple: Air pistols in the UK are subject to the firearms acts, under the Firearms (Dangerous air weapons) rules 1969. An air pistol must produce more than 1 Joule, but less than 6 foot pounds (8.13 Joules) of muzzle energy.
The 20 joule rifle is considered powerful and dangerous. For this reason, it is necessary to present various proofs to obtain it and to be an experienced shooter to use it. The 20 joule pellet rifle is not lethal, but it can still cause serious damage.
177 (4.5mm) Air Rifles have a pellet range from approx 7 to 17 grains, which gives a maximum of 875 fps with a 7 grains pellet and 560 fps with a 17 grain pellet. .
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.
Airgun power The legal muzzle-energy limit for air rifles is 12ft.lb and for pistols, 6ft.lb. You do not require any form of licence for sub legal-limit airguns. For rifles producing more than 12ft.lb, a Firearms Certificate (FAC) is required. Air pistols that produce more than 6ft.lb are prohibited.
One joule represents (approximately): The amount of electricity required to run a 1 W device for 1 s. The energy required to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s2 through a distance of 1 m. The kinetic energy of a 2 kg mass travelling at 1 m/s, or a 1 kg mass travelling at 1.41 m/s.
7.5 joules is 5.5 foot pounds. A typical 14.3 grain . 22 pellet going at ~420 fps would produce 5.5 foot pounds. A pellet with this amount of energy would be able to penetrate several centimeters into flesh, and would be able to kill most small game with proper shot placement.
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.
1. Air Guns of . 177 caliber that produce less than 20 joules of energy do NOT require a license. This covers all guns used in Sport Shooting as per ISSF norms.
What is the most powerful air rifle allowed in the UK?
Always ensure that your air rifle is powerful enough to achieve a clean kill of your chosen quarry and do not attempt shots of more than 30 metres. Generally the ideal power level is just over 11ft-lb (15J). For an air rifle that is more powerful than 12ft-lb, (16.25J) you must have a firearm certificate.
2.1 All weapons used will have to pass a chronograph test using the weight BB you intent to shoot and conform to the following limits: Full Auto weapons, Pistols & Shotguns MAX 1.15 joules. Semi Auto Locked (DMR's) MAX 1.88 joules. Bolt Action Rifles MAX 2.32 joules.
In summary, to purchase an airsoft gun in the UK, you must have a valid defense, such as membership in a registered airsoft site or participating in airsoft activities. Additionally, you must be 18 years or older to purchase an airsoft gun.
The main focus in this material is on fatalities and from the graphs one can read that deaths are thought to occur (but then with low probability) in the range of 100 to 140 Joule. For low weights (less than 1 kg), the DROPS limit is approximately 100 Joule but for a weight of 10 kg the limit is about 140 Joule.
The kinetic energy of a punch varies greatly. While beginners might only be able to muster a measly 37.5 joules of energy, experts can deliver over 400 joules, an amount roughly equal to getting shot by a handgun!
Thunder and lightning can be both a beautiful and frightening phenomenon – Find out how much energy lightning generate below… With an average bolt of lightning striking from cloud to ground containing roughly one billion (1,000,000,000) joules of energy, that is a lot of power in every lightning bolt!
Air rifle: The missile discharged from the muzzle has a kinetic energy in excess of 12 foot lbs. Any air rifles which exceed this limit must be held on a firearms licence.
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.
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.
Everyone under the age of 18 is required to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied to the venue by an adult.
Airsoft is a fun and exciting sport that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork. While the legal age to play airsoft in the UK is 18 years old, minors can participate in airsoft games under the supervision of a responsible adult.
