Air weapons

On this page:

1. Overview

2. Air weapons that are firearms

3. Using an air weapon

4. Who cannot use air weapons

5. Safety

Overview

Air weapons shoot projectiles using compressed air or gas.

Common air weapons include:

• BB guns
• pellet guns
• airsoft guns (used in airsoft sports)

In England and Wales, most air weapons of this type do not need a firearm certificate. But you must be over 18 to buy or hire one.

Air weapons that are firearms

There are certain air weapons classed as firearms. These are dangerous, so you'll need permission to use them.

Air weapons are firearms if they are 'lethal barrelled'. In other words, if they have muzzle energy greater than one joule (0.7ft/lbs).

You'll need a firearm certificate if:

• your air rifle has muzzle energy greater than 12ft/lbs

Air pistols with a muzzle energy greater than 6ft/lbs are prohibited. They cannot be licensed. To use one, you need permission from the Home Secretary.

Please note that these rules apply to England and Wales. Other countries may have different regulations.

Using an air weapon

You can use air weapons for:

• target shooting
• vermin control
• hunting small ground game

You can only shoot on private property. Always make sure you have the landowner's permission. Trespassing on private property while carrying a weapon is a serious offence.

Air weapon offences

It is an offence to:

• endanger human life
• damage or destroy someone's property
• fire a pellet beyond the boundaries of the property you're shooting on
• injure, interrupt or endanger a road user by firing a pellet within 50 feet / 15 metres of the centre of a public road
• kill certain wild animals and birds (read about illegal hunting)
• kill or injure a pet, or knowingly cause a pet animal to suffer
• buy or hire an air weapon if you're under 18
• give or sell an air weapon or ammunition to someone under 18
• store an air weapon in a way someone under 18 could access it
• use an air weapon if you are prohibited from having firearms

Who cannot use air weapons

You can never use an air weapon if:

• you had a prison stay (or suspended sentence) of more than three years

You can use an air weapon five years after your release date if:

• your prison stay (or suspended sentence) was less than three years and more than three months

Age restrictions

If you're under 18, you cannot own or hire an air weapon. But there are specific situations where you may be able to use one.