Air Gun Safety

AIRGUNNERS BE AWARE

FIREARMS ACT SECTION 21

Prohibits the possession of a firearm and ammunition (under any circumstances), by a person who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to a term of imprisonment(or its equivalent for young persons) of 3 months or more. The prohibition applies in all circumstances, including handling and firing at an approved shooting club or at a clay pigeon shoot where a certificate is not ordinarily required. It applies to the possession or use of other categories of firearms and ammunition such as AIRGUNS or shot gun cartridges for which a certificate is not needed.
 
A sentence of 3 months to 3 years attracts a 5 year prohibition, shorter ones no prohibition but a longer one means a life ban.

AIRGUN LAW

UNDER 14 YEARS OLD
People in this age group may not own an airgun or pellets but may use them if supervised by someone over the age 21 years old

14 TO 18 YEARS OLD
People in this age group can’t own an airgun or pellets and are not allowed to buy them by themselves. However, they may use them without supervision. If travelling in public places with an airgun they must be supervised by someone over 21 years old.

OVER 18 YEARS OLD
Can buy and own airguns and pellets and use them unsupervised.

LICENSING OF AIRGUNS
No licence is required for airguns as long as the muzzle energy is below the following limits.
Pistols  6ft/lbs
Rifles  12ft/lbs
It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their airgun remains below these limits.

GENERAL
Do not load an airgun in a public place.
Always gain written permission before shooting on private property.
Keep discharged pellets within the boundaries of the ground in which you are shooting.
You must be 50ft away from the centre of a public highway before discharging a pellet
Be aware of Section 21 of the Firearms Act. It is also an offence to assist someone in breach of this Act.

AIRGUN SAFETY

  • Never point an airgun at anyone, even when unloaded.
  • Always carry an airgun in public cased or boxed.
  • Always treat your airgun as if loaded.
  • Ensure your airguns are stored securely and safe & away from anyone under the age of 18.
  • Store ammunition separately.
  • Never load an airgun until it is safe to fire it.
  • Only touch someone elses airgun with their consent
  •  Always check an airgun is unloaded when you first pick it up.
  • Never leave or put a loaded airgun down (discharge safely)
  • Never let young children use an airgun unsupervised.
  • Never crossfire on any range.
  • Ensure discharged pellets stay within the boundary you are shooting in.
     BE SAFE NOT SORRY​