Current Legislation
Providing the muzzle energy of an air rifle is not more than 12 Ft/lbs or for an air pistol, not more than 6 Ft/lbs, then they are not covered by the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969. Any air rifle or air pistol having a muzzle energy greater than these figures means that they are classified as a Section 1 Firearm and must therefore be held on a firearms certificate. Recent legislation, namely the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 has had an important impact on existing firearms legislation: 1. Prohibition of any self-contained gas cartridge gun e.g. Brocock™ 'TAC' guns. 2. Age limits for air guns 3. Possession of firearms in a public place. Be aware that it is an offence to give an air weapon or ammunition for it to anyone under the age of 17 years, although it is not an offence for that person to receive it ! It is also an offence for any person under the age of 17 years to be in possession of an air weapon or ammunition for it, unless: (a) they are a member of an approved target shooting club. (b) they are at a shooting gallery where only air weapons or miniature rifles not exceeding .23 calibre are used. (c) they are under the supervision of a person aged 21 years or over, or are shooting on private land or premises, providing the missile is not fired beyond those premises. No supervision is required for a person of 14 years of age if that person is on private premises with the consent of the owner. Except for (a) and (b) above, it is an offence for a person under 17 years of age to be in possession of an air pistol in any public place. A public place being any highway, place or premises to which, at the material time, the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise. You also may not have an airgun in a public place without proper reason. If there is a pellet, dart or anything else in the gun or magazine, then the airgun is considered to be loaded even if it is not cocked. Never trespass by going onto private land without permission, be aware that trespassing whilst in possession of any firearm (and this includes air guns) is a serious criminal offence which is punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a £1000 fine. Discharging a firearm or an airgun within 50 feet of the centre of a highway is an offence. A highway being a road, public footpath or bridle-path. The offence is complete if a member of the public is injured, endangered or just alarmed by the incident. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, all birds and animals are protected by law and only 'authorised' persons who have proper permission can lawfully shoot them - a popular misconception is that anyone can shoot birds which are considered vermin! The following are generally considered suitable quarry: Crow, magpie, jay, collared dove, woodpigeon, feral pigeon, rook, jackdaw, grey squirrel, rabbit and brown rats. Only shoot at quarry when you know that a clean kill will follow.
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