AIRGUNS :-
The Anti-social Behaviour Bill which came into force on 20th January 2004 effectively bans airguns that use a self-contained gas cartridge system. Some of these guns, often called 'Brococks', can be converted to fire live ammunition. Owners of pistols or rifles, powered by a self-contained gas cartridge system, will have three months to apply for a firearm certificate if they wish to keep their guns. They will not have to demonstrate "good reason" for ownership, as is the case with other firearm certificate applications. The new law does not ban airguns which use capsules of compressed carbon dioxide or compressed air chambers which are an integral part of the gun.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Sec 37 amends Section 19 of The Firearms Act 1968, which deals with possessing certain firearms in a public place.
A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on him) he has with him in a public place
(1) a loaded shotgun
(b) an airgun (whether loaded or not)
(c) any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm, or
(d) an imitation firearm.
Airgun age limits: Previously, there were certain provisions, which allowed the possession of airguns by persons over the age of 14 years. The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Sec 38 affectively changes this age to 18 years.
The Penalties for breaking current UK law with regard to airguns are outlined below (NB. these are only a guideline to the penalties and may be subject to change in the near future)
Carrying a loaded airgun in a public place 6
months imprisonment and / or £5,000 fine.
Trespassing with an airgun 3 months imprisonment and / or £2,500 fine.
Trespassing on private land with an airgun 3 months imprisonment and / or £2,500
fine.
Owning, possessing or using an airgun after being sentenced to 3 months or more
in custody 3 months imprisonment and / or £2,500 fine.
Sentenced for up to 3 years also carries a 5 year ban on use of firearms,
if the sentence is 3 years or more the ban on the use of firearms will be for
life.
Killing or injuring any bird or protected animal unless authorised £5,000 fine.
Firing an airgun within 15m / 50ft of a public highway £1,000 fine.
Selling or hiring an airgun or ammunition to person under 18 6 months
imprisonment and / or £5,000 fine.
Making a gift of an airgun or ammunition to person under 18 £1,000 fine.
Having an airgun or ammunition with intent to damage property 10 years
imprisonment.
Having an airgun with intent to endanger life Life imprisonment and / or
appropriate fine.
Using an airgun to resist or prevent arrest Life imprisonment and / or
appropriate fine.
Threatening others with an airgun (even if unloaded) to cause them to fear
unlawful violence 10 years imprisonment and / or appropriate fine.
UNDER 18 YEARS OLD :-
It is illegal to carry an airgun or airgun ammunition in a public place, even if it is in a secure cover.
It is an offence to possess an airgun or an imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
It is an offence for an unsupervised person aged between 14 and 18 to fire airgun pellets beyond the boundaries of private land on which they have permission to shoot.
SHOTGUNS :-
Under 15 :- You can only shoot under the direct supervision of an adult over 21.
Age 15 to 17 :- You can be loaned or given a shotgun and cartridges but you cannot purchase them. You can use a shotgun without supervision provided you have a current shotgun certificate.
Over 17 :- You can buy a shotgun provided you have a shotgun certificate.
NB :- A shotgun certificate is required at any age unless the following applies :-
You are shooting with the occupier of land and using their gun, in their presence and on their land or you are shooting at a police approved Clay shoot.
FIREARMS :-
Under 14 :- You may not use a section 1 firearm except for target shooting as a member of a Home Office approved rifle club.
Age 14 to 17 :- At the age of 14 you may be granted a firearms certificate and be given firearms & ammunition in accordance with the conditions specified on the certificate.
Over 17 :- You may buy a firearm & ammunition in accordance with the conditions set out on your certificate.
To learn more about the use of guns please visit the Firearms Law Guidance to the Police 2002 page on the Home Office website, the link is shown below (adobe acrobat reader will be needed)