Airgun Laws

Age Restriction on Purchasing an Air Gun   

You MUST be at least 18 years old to purchase, hire or own an airgun or ammunition.  

For under-18s, restrictions vary depending on age:   

Under-14s can only use an airgun when closely supervised by someone aged 21  at a private premises with permission, or at an approved target shooting club or gallery. I  

Those aged 14 to 18 can use an airgun unsupervised, but only on private premises with the occupier’s consent.  

Where to Shoot:   

You must only shoot on private land with permission from the landowner, at designated shooting ranges or at Airgun clubs.   

It is illegal  to let pellets cross into land where you do not have permisoin, even if this is accidental.   

In England and Wales, it is illegal to fire an airgun within 50 feet of the centre of a highway if it-   

  • Endangers, injures or interrupts someone using the road.   

When transporting  your Airgun, you must ensure that it is covered and kept in a secure gun safe, and is unloaded   

What to Shoot:   

At Home (Private Property)   

You can practice at home, but ensure that you have an effective backstop to catch the pellets. Avoid hard surfaces (like metal or stone) which can cause dangerous ricochets or pellet bounce back   

Live Quarry Shooting   

You can shoot certain pest species if you have permission from the landowner and follow the law.   

Birds– Crows, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Woodpigeon, collared dove, feral pigeon. You may only shoot birds under the General Licence for specific reasons   

  • Protect Crops   
  • Protect other wildlife  
  • Protect Public health or safety.   

Mammals- Brown rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink, rabbits  

Respecting your Quarry  

  • Only shoot within your skill and equipment limits   
  • Always aim for a clean and humane kill   
  • Practice on targets before attempting live quarry  
  • Always zero your ridle (align scope/sights) before hunting to ensure accuracy   
  • Always ensure that your air rifle is powerful enough to achieve a clean kill of your chosen quarry and do not attempt a shot of more than 30 metres.   
  • Avoid those air rifles which take excessive time to charge, load and fire.   

Shot placement tips:  

  • Mammals: Side-on headshots are best.  
  • Birds: Headshots are most humane but difficult; body shots under the wing can be effective if feathers/crop don’t block penetration.  

Never guess at what the law allows. If in doubt, contact BASC or your local police firearms licensing department.