Air Gun Laws - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Air pistols generating more than 6 ft·lbf (8.1 J) and air rifles generating more than 12 ft·lbf (16.2 J) of energy are considered firearms and as such require possession of a Firearms Certificate (FAC). Contrary to popular belief, hand guns are not banned in the UK, several variations of popular pistols are available in .22 rimfire, and you can infact own any other pistol on a section 5 firearm certificate, getting a section 5 though is not easy, generally they are only available to game keepers, and wildlife management people. Any current section 1 pistol must have a barrel length exceeding 30cm and an overall length of 24 inches, so either have a stock, or a bar extending from the grip. Pistols and rifles below these energy levels do not require licensing, and may be purchased by anyone over the age of 18. In Northern Ireland any air rifle or air pistol generating more than 0.737 ft·lbf (1 J) is considered a firearm and as such requires a FAC. The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 prohibits online or mail-order sale of new air guns; transactions must be finalised face-to-face, either at the shop where purchased, or through a Registered Firearms Dealer (to which an item may be posted and the transfer completed).

From 10 February 2011, The Crime & Security Act 2010 (S.46) made it an offence "...for a person in possession of an air weapon to fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent any person under the age of eighteen from having the weapon with him...". This legislation essentially relates to the storage of air guns and the requirement of owners to prevent unauthorised access by children. Failure to do so renders owners liable for a fine of up to £1,000.

Any person on private property (land or water) without permission is trespassing; possession of an air gun when doing so, with or without ammunition, loaded or unloaded is armed trespass, and is considered a serious criminal offence subject to heavy penalties.