UK Airgun Law

[andyhawkx3]

Looks like there giving us a chance to show we, are responsible ..if any kids get hold of our guns now ....well who knows what will happen

[bainsey0]

as far as i am aware as i also dont drive and use public transport and as long as it is in a closed gun bag or case and you are acting mature and sensible nobody should have any reason to call police and if they see you they may ask what you have and do usual checks to make sure your legally allowed a air rifle and send you on your way

[andyhawkx3]

as far as i am aware as i also dont drive and use public transport and as long as it is in a closed gun bag or case and you are acting mature and sensible nobody should have any reason to call police and if they see you they may ask what you have and do usual checks to make sure your legally allowed a air rifle and send you on your way

Think your missing the point, this is about your gun being locked up, and out of the way of under age juveniles (Kids) So there not getting hold of your gun (guns) while you are not there to supervise them ...a zipper bag, will not suffice

[pintosal]

If I drive a car past a speed camera at 32.9mph in a 30mph zone, I will not be prosecuted.

Also, if I drive on the motorway at 76.9 mph and am clocked by the police, I will not be prosecuted, unless I committed some other offence - eg driving carelessly.

So, while the speed limit is strictly defined, and I am actually breaking the law if I exceed speed limits at all, there is a generally accepted leeway of 10%.

Does a similar leeway apply to the 12ft lb? So if I own an air rifle with muzzle energy of (lets say) 13ft lb, then would I be prosecuted simply for owning it?

[andyhawkx3]

If I drive a car past a speed camera at 32.9mph in a 30mph zone, I will not be prosecuted.

Also, if I drive on the motorway at 76.9 mph and am clocked by the police, I will not be prosecuted, unless I committed some other offence - eg driving carelessly.

So, while the speed limit is strictly defined, and I am actually breaking the law if I exceed speed limits at all, there is a generally accepted leeway of 10%.

Does a similar leeway apply to the 12ft lb? So if I own an air rifle with muzzle energy of (lets say) 13ft lb, then would I be prosecuted simply for owning it?

No Lea-way over 12ft/lbs this is the maximum power, anything above is an unlicenced FAC. ...most sub 12's are set at 11.30ft/lbs so if you use a heavy pellet in a pcp or light pellet in a springer your power does not exceed the 12ft/lbs maximum limit for a none licenced airgun.

[Jack]

If I drive a car past a speed camera at 32.9mph in a 30mph zone, I will not be prosecuted.

Also, if I drive on the motorway at 76.9 mph and am clocked by the police, I will not be prosecuted, unless I committed some other offence - eg driving carelessly.

So, while the speed limit is strictly defined, and I am actually breaking the law if I exceed speed limits at all, there is a generally accepted leeway of 10%.

Does a similar leeway apply to the 12ft lb? So if I own an air rifle with muzzle energy of (lets say) 13ft lb, then would I be prosecuted simply for owning it?

Does just prove how unuseful the law is and how much they can turn it to be in their favour if they want to!

[JohnN]

No Lea-way over 12ft/lbs this is the maximum power, anything above is an unlicenced FAC. ...most sub 12's are set at 11.30ft/lbs so if you use a heavy pellet in a pcp or light pellet in a springer your power does not exceed the 12ft/lbs maximum limit for a none licenced airgun.

OK, I have read this thread with interest, and now have a conundrum. I am returning to UK to live this summer from USA, where I own a Crossman G1 Extreme rifle and a Daisy Powerline 008 pistol (both .177). Using the very useful power calculators on this site (thanks), I reckon the guns are under 12 and 6 Ft-Lbs respectively, but when I come to UK Customs in Heathrow to declare them in my bags, are they going to take them from me because I cannot 'prove' these ratings? Would it be better for me to get a gun licence and therefore remove any ambiguity? If so, I would be grateful for any advice on how to get licenced when not living in UK. Any help would be much appreciated - I would really hate to leave these guns in the US. Cheers

[Andy]

OK, I have read this thread with interest, and now have a conundrum. I am returning to UK to live this summer from USA, where I own a Crossman G1 Extreme rifle and a Daisy Powerline 008 pistol (both .177). Using the very useful power calculators on this site (thanks), I reckon the guns are under 12 and 6 Ft-Lbs respectively, but when I come to UK Customs in Heathrow to declare them in my bags, are they going to take them from me because I cannot 'prove' these ratings? Would it be better for me to get a gun licence and therefore remove any ambiguity? If so, I would be grateful for any advice on how to get licenced when not living in UK. Any help would be much appreciated - I would really hate to leave these guns in the US. Cheers

There is no licence for airguns in the UK, guns over the limit require a firearms certificate. You would need to have land past for use with fac airguns by the police in the first place, you would be better of just making sure they are under the limit as there is no FAC for a pistol running over 6ft/lbs, in the UK they are a prohibited weapon.

[JohnN]

Thanks for the advice, Andy. You have obviously spotted I'm new to this sport . Er .... how do I make sure they are under the limit and then prove this to Mr 'Gleeful' Customs man when I arrive in Heathrow? It's a genuine question as I want to ensure I remain within the law, but don't want to give up perfectly usable (and enjoyable!) kit.

[Jackal]

Surely the British Consulate should be able to advise you? Customs/import paperwork and such?

Might be worth getting the guns checked by a local shop and a letter for each being signed to validate the power?

Oh...and start a new thread so the mods can clean this one up for us.

Good luck on your quest.