Are air rifles legal in the UK?

Yes, air rifles are legal in the UK.

While there are licensing requirements in Northern Ireland and Scotland for air rifles over one joule or three-quarters of a foot pound, in England, England, and Wales, you don’t need a license to buy an air rifle under 12 foot pounds in energy. Legal restrictions apply in terms of age, but adults can own and supervise the use of air rifles by individuals under their care. If in doubt about the legalities, it’s recommended to check with your local police authority.

Watch this video on YouTube

As part of our Ask Me Anything series on our Youtube channel, Richard Saunders will be answering any questions which you may have relating to all things air rifles. Richard has decades of experience shooting and reviewing guns, and writes for some of the most prestigious airgun editorials in the UK. If you have any questions for Richard, please head over to our AMA page and fill out our form. We aim to release new videos monthly to our channel, which you can reach on the link below.

Video Transcript

“Are air rifles legal in the UK, um, are air rifles, um, illegal? Are air rifles legal to be bought in the UK, um, the answer is yes, air rifles are legal in the UK. There are licensing requirements specific to Northern Ireland and Scotland that relate to all air rifles over one joule or three-quarters of a foot pound. In England, England, and Wales, you don’t need a license to buy an air rifle that’s under 12 foot pounds in energy. Obviously, there are some legal restrictions in terms of age to buy an air rifle, and it is possible for an adult to own an air rifle and for someone who’s not an adult, otherwise known as a child, to use an air rifle under their supervision. The best thing to do if you’re in any doubt whatsoever with regards to the legalities of owning an air rifle is to check with your local police authority. Well, thanks for watching. If you found the video useful, please give us a like, maybe even subscribe. That way, you’ll get automatic notification of any new video content we put out. And if you have any questions you’d like us to have a go answering, drop us a line at alphamilitaria.com/ama, and we’ll do our best. Thanks again.”