Young people and air weapons
Read our guidance on the use of air weapons by young people, including your responsibilities as an adult in managing access to airguns.
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Firearms Young people Young people and firearms
Section 1 firearms – including rifles, muzzle-loading pistols/handguns and certain types of shotguns
Incorporating amendments from the Policing and Crime Act 2017
No one under the age of 14 may use a Section 1 firearm, except for target shooting as a member of a Home Office approved rifle club, or at a shooting gallery where no rifles larger than .23 inch calibre are used (eg. at fairs).
At the age of 14 a person may hold a firearm certificate and may then be given firearms and ammunition within the conditions on the certificate.
The law does not set a minimum age at which the holder of a firearm certificate may shoot without adult supervision. That is left to the discretion of the parent or guardian.
On reaching the age of 18, the holder of a firearm certificate may hire or purchase firearms and ammunition in accordance with the conditions on that certificate.
Section 11A of the Firearms Act 1968 now outlines the new rifle lending provisions.
For full details on how to comply with the law, read more about borrowing rifles.
Got a question? Email us on firearms@basc.org.uk or call 01244 573 010.
© BASC June 2023
Read our guidance on the use of air weapons by young people, including your responsibilities as an adult in managing access to airguns.
Explaining the law around antique and imitation firearms, including those referred to as curiosity pieces or ornaments.
Lachlan Nisbet, partner at Brabners lawyers, advises you to be aware of accepting a caution for a minor offence, as these can give licensing officers a reason to revoke your certificates.
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© 2023 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
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