Firearms frequently asked questions

Air weapon sectionDo I need a certificate for an air weapon?

Generally low powered air guns, air rifles and air pistols do not require to be held on a firearm certificate, unless they are of a type declared especially dangerous by the Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969.

The Rules provide that any air weapon is especially dangerous, which is capable of discharging a missile with a kinetic energy in excess of:

  • In the case of an air pistol: 6ft/lbs or

  • In the case of an air weapon other than an air pistol: 12ft/lbs

Such air weapons, exceeding these prescribed limits, can only be lawful held on a firearm certificate and are subject to all the rules and regulations pertaining to all Section 1 firearms.

Control of sale of air weapons

Section 31 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 states that traders in air weapons are required to register with the police to become a Registered Firearm Dealer and comply with licensing regulations.  The Act may have discouraged many from continuing to trade in air weapons.

To register as a firearm dealer the applicant is required to pay £150.00 and be subject to a substantial business test, provide security and keep a register.

Good Reason

Firearm certificates differ from shot gun certificates in that each individual weapon held on the firearm certificate, needs to be authorised for its use. It is for this very reason that an applicant is required to satisfy the Chief Officer of Police, of his/her reason for requiring that firearm for that purpose. The Chief Officer of Police must be satisfied that the firearms requested, are suitable for the reasons stated.

Firearm certificate applications fall mainly into two categories, target shooting and hunting.

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