Air rifles are popular in the UK, often used for things like pest control, target shooting and other recreational activities. It’s important to understand the legal requirements for owning and using an air rifle - our guide gives you detailed information on air rifle types, licensing requirements and age restrictions to help you stay compliant with UK law.

What is an air rifle?

An air rifle is a type of gun that uses compressed air or gas to propel pellets or BBS, unlike traditional firearms that use gunpowder. Air rifles are generally used for things like target shooting and pest control.

What are the main types of air rifle?

Air rifles come in various types, each with unique characteristics:

  • Pre-charged pneumatic air rifle: Pre-charged pneumatic or PCP air rifles use compressed air stored in a cylinder, usually refilled via a pump or scuba tank. They’re accurate and consistent, often used for competitive shooting.
  • Spring powered air rifle: Spring powered air rifles use a coiled spring and piston, with fewer components and an overall simpler design. Affordable and reliable, these are commonly used by beginners.
  • Gas ram air rifle: Gas ram air rifles are similar to spring-powered rifles, but they use a gas-filled piston, making them more durable and consistent.
  • CO2 air rifle: CO2 rifles are powered by CO2 cartridges which need to be replaced regularly - these are popular for casual and semi-professional target shooting.

Do you need a licence for an air rifle?

Whether or not you need a licence for an air rifle depends on the rifle’s power as well as where you are in the UK, as laws differ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Air rifles below a certain threshold are considered less dangerous while those above are subject to certain regulations.

What licence do you need for an air rifle in England and Wales?

The law in England and Wales as set out by The Firearms (Dangers Air Weapons) Rules 1969 only requires that you have a licence to operate higher-powered air rifles 

  • Low-powered air rifles: Air weapons that don’t fire missiles with kinetic energy in excess of 6ft. lb. for air pistols and 12 ft. lb. for air weapons other than air pistols are classed as low-powered. These do not require a licence.
  • High-powered air rifles: Air weapons that fire with kinetic energy higher than this are classed as high-powered, and as such require a firearm certificate.

Do you need a licence for an air rifle in Scotland?

As outlined in the Air Weapon and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, you will need an Air Weapon Certificate or Air Weapon Permit to purchase or acquire any air weapon in Scotland.

Do you need a licence for an air rifle in Northern Ireland?

If you want to possess an air gun legally in Northern Ireland, you will need to gain police approval, as outlined in The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. You’ll need to apply at least four weeks prior to your proposed visit if you are coming from abroad.

All airguns and CO2 guns that have a discharge kinetic energy greater than one Joue or 0.737 ft. lb. require a Firearm Certificate (FAC).

How to apply for a licence for an air rifle

To apply for a licence for an air rifle, you’ll need to do or have the following:

  1. Determine which licence you need: In England and Wales you’ll need a Firearm Certificate (FAC) for high-powered air rifles. In Scotland you’ll need an Air Weapon Certificate (AWC), while in Northern Ireland you’ll need a Firearm Certificate (FAC).
  2. Prepare the required forms: In England and Wales you’ll need the Form 201 application, while in Scotland you’ll need an AWC application, and in Northern Ireland you’ll need to use the PSNI firearms application process. 
  3. Provide details: You will be required to show proof of identity, usually a passport or driver’s licence, as well as a passport sized photograph, two character references and details about the firearm.
  4. Demonstrate a legitimate reason for ownership: You might be required to justify why you need an air rifle, for example if it’s for pest control or sports - you may need to be part of a recognised shooting club.
  5. Obtain a medical form: You’ll need a form from a doctor to show that you are medically sound, which will be passed on to the police department who will decide. It usually checks for things like acute stress reactions, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, dementia, mania, bipolar disorders, pyschotic disorders, personality disorders, neurological disorders, alcohol or drug-related abuse, or any other conditions that may be relevant.
  6. Pass a background check: If you’ve had a sentence of three months to three years you’ll be prohibited from a licence for five years from your release date, while sentences longer than three years will prohibit you from owning a firearm for life.
  7. Arrange secure storage: You’ll need to demonstrate that the rifle will be stored securely, usually in a lockable gun cabinet that is securely bolted to the wall or floor.

How much does an air rifle licence cost?

The cost of an air rifle licence varies by location:

Air rifle licence costs in England and Wales

You’ll need to pay £88 for a grant, and £62 to renew the grant. Changing your licence, such as adding a firearm or changing your address, will cost £20, while getting a replacement certificate costs £4.

Air rifle licence costs in Scotland

The cost of an air weapon certificate in Scotland is £72, while renewal is £48. Changing your licence costs £20.

Air rifle licence costs in Northern Ireland

The grant of a firearm certificate in Northern Ireland costs £98, while variations will cost £15 to £30. Duplicate and updated certificates cost £14.

Is an air rifle considered a firearm?

In the UK, air rifles are considered firearms, but low-powered rifles (under 12 ft. lb. for rifles and 6 ft. lb. for pistols) are exempt from firearm licences in England and Wales - though not in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Are there age restrictions on air rifles in the UK?

Yes, there are strict age restrictions on air rifle ownership and use:

  • If you’re under 14, you cannot own an air rifle, but you can use one under direct supervision of someone aged 21 or over on private premises.
  • If you’re aged 14 to 17, you can own and use an air rifle on private premises, but you cannot purchase or hire an air rifle or ammunition.
  • If you’re 18 and over, you can purchase, own and use air rifles and ammunition so long as you meet the legal requirements outlined above.

Can you buy air rifles online?

You can buy air rifles online, but regulations apply - you’ll usually need to upload an ID via an online portal to prove you meet age requirements.

What penalties are there for misusing an air rifle in the UK?

Depending on the offence, penalties range from heavy fines of up to £5,000 for lesser crimes to life imprisonment if going armed to commit a crime with the intention of using it to endanger life.

FAQs

Do I need a licence to own or use an air rifle in Scotland?

Yes, in Scotland, you need an Air Weapon Certificate to own or use an air rifle. This is mandated by the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

Can minors use air rifles?

In all parts of the UK, minors under 18 can use air rifles under adult supervision on private premises, but they cannot buy, hire, or own air rifles or their ammunition.

Can I use an air rifle for pest control?

Yes, you can use an air rifle for pest control, such as shooting rats or other vermin, provided you have the landowner's permission and follow the relevant laws and guidelines.

What are the penalties for not having the required licence in Scotland?

In Scotland, possessing or using an air rifle without the required Air Weapon Certificate can result in a fine or up to 2 years of imprisonment.