Call 0845 113 5000 for all non-emergencies and enquiries
Age restrictions
Young Persons
A person under seventeen is prohibited by section 22 of the 1968 Act from purchasing or hiring any firearm or ammunition as defined by sections 1 of the 1968 Act.
A person under fourteen may not be granted a firearm certificate in any circumstances. However there may be some occasions where a parent is granted a certificate or an existing certificate is varied, in respect of a child under fourteen, for example the child will be participating in competitive target shooting.
A person under seventeen but over fifteen may similarly acquire, other than by purchase or hire shot guns to which section 2 of the 1968 Act applies providing that they are in possession of a valid shot gun certificate.
A young person holding a firearm or shot gun certificate may reach the age of seventeen during the life of the holder that they may not purchase or hire any firearm or ammunition before the date of their seventeenth birthday.
| Under 14 | Under 15 | Under 17 | Under 18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase any firearms or ammunition | No | No | No | Yes |
| Possess section 1 firearm - Exemptions | No - Unless carrying for sporting purposes. Whilst at a rifle club. Whilst at a minature rifle range | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Receive gift of section 1 firearm | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Possess assembled shot gun - Exemptions | No - Unless under supervision of a person over 21 years, shotgun is in a secure gun cover | No - Unless under the supervision of a person over 21 years, shotgun is in a secure gun cover | Yes | Yes |
| Receive shotgun as gift | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Possess air weapon - Exemptions | No - Unless at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range, under supervision of a person 21 years or over | No -- Unless at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range, under supervision of a person 21 years or over | No - - Unless at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range, under supervision of a person 21 years or over | No - - Unless at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range, under supervision of a person 21 years or over |
| Receive air weapon as a gift | No | No | No | No |
| Possess air weapon in a public place - Exemptions | No - Unless whilst at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range or under the supervision of a person 21 years or over | No -Unless whilst at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range or under the supervision of a person 21 years or over | No - Unless whilst at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range or under the supervision of a person 21 years or over | No - Unless whilst at a rifle club, at a miniature rifle range or under the supervision of a person 21 years or over |