If an air weapon, that is to say an air rifle, air gun or air pistol is capable of discharging a missile so that the missile has, on being discharged from the muzzle of the weapon, kinetic energy in excess, in the case of an air pistol, of 6 ft lb or in the case of a air weapon other than an air pistol, of 12ft lb then it is classed as a section 1 firearm and therefore a certificate is required.
Note, weapons that use a CO2 bulb system are not affected because CO2 bulbs do not contain a projectile and are therefore not classes as self contained.
- A young person below the age of 14 cannot possess an air weapon or ammunition at any time except to shoot an air weapon on private premises with the consent of the owner (as long as it does not go over the boundary), providing that they are supervised by someone who is over 21, or at an approved shooting club or gallery.
- An adult over the age of 18 can also shoot an air rifle on private premises, shooting club or gallery and does not have to be supervised.
- It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 to purchase or hire an air weapon or ammunition or for someone to make them a gift of an air weapon or ammunition.
For further information, please contact the Firearms Department
