UK Airgun Law

[RJackson]

Just a quick thing I've been thinking about.

I still haven't decided which Air rifle I should get for my first, but I've been reading up a lot. I read this morning on this forum got their brand new rifle chrono'd in at over 12ft/lbs, and that member has no FAC (forgive me, I cannot remember the thread nor the member I'm referring to).

This begs the question to me: When somebody receives an air rifle, and they do not have a FAC; what are they to do in order to ensure it is legal?

If they had it chrono'd and found it to be over 12ft/lbs, should they call the local police and have them come pick it up (I'm guessing travelling with it would certainly be a no-no). And what would the Police do with it? Will they allow the owner to have a gunsmith reduce it's power? Would it be permanently confiscated? Would the owner be prosecuted in any way?

Another question that just popped in my mind: would the Police chrono a brand-new air rifle for somebody? To ensure it's within the legal limits. If not, how should a user get their rifle chrono'd.

Of course, when I decide on the rifle I shall get: I don't expect it to be over 12ft/lbs; but I would want to make sure it's legal, and make sure the police know I'm being sensible with it: I'm sure they'd have much greater trust and respect for somebody making sure their rifle is within legal limits, than somebody who just presumes their rifle is legal.

Thanks,

[stationaryserpent6]

New rifles are prone to it if you get dieseling. Probably settle down to a legal level after a few shots.

[pistolpete]

Sorry all for being not up to speed,whats the basics of the licence for the air rifle,Back shooting after a 25 year break,


Thanks Peter

[JohnN]

Just to go back to my original question .... I have received some advice from the BASC Team and it's crystal clear

I have copied their advice here so that anyone in the same position as me (looking to return airguns from abroad) will be forewarned:

>>I am afraid that the gun will be seized by UKBA on entry to the UK in post or if carried in your luggage and it will be sent away for testing, if it is found to be over 12 ft lbs it will result in criminal prosecution for possession of a Section 1 firearm. Its power rating cannot be changed in the UK, if a rifle is over 12 ft lbs then it even if it is reduced in power it does not affect its classification i.e. it is still a section 1 firearm. With pistols the limit is 6 ft lbs and these become prohibited firearms when over that limit and attract a 5 year sentence for possession. Crossman are renowned for being over the limit in the USA, I would be inclined to purchase one in the UK and ensure that the dealer checks the muzzle energy prior to purchase.<<


More advice:


>>Unfortunately as I suspected once the air rifle is a firearm it stays a firearm even if it is converted to fire below 12ft lbs.
S.7 (2) Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 states:
Any weapon which-
(a) Has at any time since the coming into force of section 2 above, been a weapon to which section 1 of the principle Act applies;
Or
(b) would at any previous time have been such a weapon if those sections had then been in force, shall, if it has, or at any time has had, a rifled barrel less than 24” in length, be treated as a weapon to which section 1 applies notwithstanding anything done for the purpose of converting it into a shotgun or an air weapon.<<


Looks like my airguns will remain in the US (I chronoed the guns - rifle is 14ftlbs and the pistol 8ftlbs - glad I checked!)

[thelaughingcrow]

I was wondering if there is actually a requirement to have the air rifle in a bag when going to and from a club/permission.

I dont plan on trying it, but is there anything specifically within the legislation which mandates the rifle being concealed?

[PandaMan]

the law states the gun must be unseen. So technically, you could make a quick gun slip out of old curtains. As long as it is sealed (velcro, zip) and it cannot be seen, then it should be ok
I'd wait until more people reply before trying that though. I don't know if I'm 100% correct

[Mike2]

PandaMan

the law states the gun must be unseen

You were right to be cautions, as that's I'm afraid that's not the case (unless you're answering from outside the UK?)

In the UK the law relating to possession of a firearm (which in this case includes and airgun) in a public place is under Section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, which (as has been stated elsewhere) means that you must have a reasonable excuse for having the gun in a public place.

It is a perfectly reasonable excuse to be in a public place if you are taking your gun from your home to somewhere where you have permission to shoot for example.

Yopu can get guidance about this (and many other matters) from the Home Office Guidance to the Polcie on Firearms Law, which can be found at
http://www.basc.org.uk/en/utilities/...D197523083F073

See page 117 about possessing firearms in a public place.

[mick 1986]

I also have not seen any laws that state the rifle MUST be covered in public! If that were true wouldn't EVERY firearm have to be covered in public?

[dude]

I'm from the West Midlands and i had the query as i do a lot of hiking and canoeing and i want to take my air rifle on the tours and on the way ask landowners for permission to shoot. But my concern was, 'am i legal to carry this air rifle between farms?'. So i phoned the fire arms unit and spoke to a pleasant chap. He stated that, ' So long as the rifle is not loaded, saftey on and most importantly in a case and of course you're of legal age, you can legally carry the rifle'. You may get a few concerned looks, so try and be descreet. But you are legal. But to confirm for yourself, telephone your local police unit and speak to the fire arms unit.

[nickw]

i will be walking as i dont drive, my rifle is in a padlocked bsa over the shoulder rifle bag, is this acceptable to be carried in public

i asked the salesman in the gunshop where i bought mine he said it was fine to walk down the street with it in a gun bag, as long as it wasnt loaded and he said it's best to keep your pellets in a different compartment from the gun. i guess thats incase it cocks and loads itself