Guns and replicas

Here's a condensed version of current UK gun law:

• You need a licence to possess firearms and shotguns in the UK.
• Each weapon must be certificated and registered with the owner's local police force.
• Hand guns are currently illegal in the UK, though muzzle-loading hand guns are permitted.
• It's the owner's responsibility to ensure a firearm is passed on to the holder of a current firearms or shotgun licence, and that the relevant police force is told of any change of ownership.
• Transporting weapons is also a primary concern for police forces.
• Manufacturing, importing or selling "realistic" replica guns is illegal in the UK.

The relevant law is the Firearms Act 1968. See also Met Police - firearms licensing.

It's illegal to shoot protected wild species and domestic animals (except, as a last resort, dogs chasing farm animals). Wild birds are protected too. See Met Police - illegal hunting.

Air rifles

Some air guns must be licensed, according to their muzzle energy.

Any air gun using a self-contained gas cartridge system is prohibited - it's an offence to manufacture, sell, purchase, transfer or acquire one.

• Advice on air rifles: https://basc.org.uk/codes-of-practice/air-rifles-code-of-practice/
• Advice on the legality of airsoft weapons: https://www.bespokeairsoft.co.uk/blog/demystifying-airsoft-gun-laws-uk.html
• Advice on the legality of BB guns: https://www.theukrules.co.uk/rules/legal/police/faq/weapons/bb-guns/

England and Wales

Air rifles count as firearms when used or carried for illegal activities - see Youngmans - what you need to know about the law.

Air rifles over a certain bore need a licence, so should not be given to anyone without one. There are age restrictions on both purchasing and carrying air rifles in public places, and on supervising young people using firearms.

Scotland

Since 31 December 2016, anyone who wants to use, possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon in Scotland needs a valid Air Weapon Certificate, or a temporary permit such as a Visitor Permit, unless they're otherwise exempt.

This applies to most air weapons with a muzzle energy over 1 joule (0.74 ft/lbs), up to 12 ft/lbs (16.27 joules) for air rifles or air guns, or up to 6 ft/lbs (8.13 joules) for an air pistol. There are some exceptions, for example paintball guns or airsoft weapons.

Offers of guns

Many moderators understandably feel uneasy about allowing guns to be offered or requested on their groups, and choose not to allow firearms posts of any kind. Although it's the gun owner's responsibility to ensure it's passed to a licensed owner, it's the moderator's responsibility to ensure nothing posted is illegal.

If you have a "no firearms" rule, you can reasonably refuse any post for air rifles.

If a weapon of this kind is posted on your group and, having read the above, you still want to allow it, you must be confident it isn't illegal before approving it - all offers and requests on Freegle must be legal. If in doubt, reject the post to be sure the law isn't being broken.

If you do allow a post, it's recommended you remove any reference to shooting live creatures, or you'll likely get a flood of complaints.

Communities in country areas may well be more relaxed about air rifles than those in cities.

Sample disclaimer

We advise adding a disclaimer to the footer of posts offering firearms, along these lines:

Disclaimer

Freegle provides a list server service for the use of its members and cannot be held responsible for any transactions that take place between Members. It is the responsibility of the individual member to ensure that items posted on the list are done so within current UK legislation. Items such as firearms or shotguns require a license and it is the member's responsibility to ensure that relevant licences are held by the party that is replying to the post. Further information can be found at http://www.askthe.police.uk.

Alternative ways to dispose of guns

Unwanted guns can be surrendered to a gunsmith (registered firearms dealer) or a local police station - but contact them first to arrange this, since carrying an unlicensed gun is an offence in itself.

There are also plenty of internet forums and shooting clubs that help with selling or passing on guns. If you're rejecting an offer, you could suggest the member gives the item to a local gun club.

Back to Specific Items

See also Tasers and stun guns