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UK Online Firearms Law

FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY - PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE WHERE NECESSARY.

Information for Potential Clients on UK Firearms Laws for Online Sales

In the UK, the sale and transfer of firearms are heavily regulated. All businesses involved in the manufacture, sale, or transfer of shotguns, firearms, or ammunition must register as a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) with the local police. This includes online sales where firearms are shipped to buyers.

Registering as a Firearms Dealer

To register as an RFD, you must:

  1. Complete application form 116 from your local police.
  2. Submit the application to your local Chief Officer of Police with the appropriate fee.
  3. Provide detailed information about your business, including all premises where the business will be conducted.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of firearms legislation.
The Chief Officer may impose reasonable conditions on your licence and has the authority to amend these conditions as necessary. You must keep detailed records of all transactions involving firearms and ammunition, and allow police inspections upon request.

 

Firearm Certificates and Shotgun Licenses

Buyers of firearms must possess the appropriate certificates:

  • Firearm Certificate (Section 1) : Required for most firearms.
  • Shotgun License (Section 2)     : Required for shotguns.

Please note that SellMeGun.com does not allow the promotion, listing, sale or purchase of Section 5 / Section 7 Firearms.

It is illegal to sell firearms or ammunition to anyone under the age of 18, or to individuals who are intoxicated or of unsound mind. The sale must be recorded in the dealer's register, including the buyer's certificate details and personal identification.

 

Use of Registered Firearms Dealers for Transfers

All firearms purchased online must be shipped to a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) who will handle the transfer to the buyer. The buyer must collect the firearm in person from the RFD, presenting their certificate and identification. This ensures compliance with UK laws and provides an additional layer of security.

Licensing and Police Requirements

For firearms or shotguns to be legally owned or transferred, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Police Notification: Notify the police of the transfer of firearms within 48 hours.
  2. Secure Storage: Firearms must be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.
  3. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all transactions for at least five years.

Airguns

Airguns are a popular category of firearm in the UK and are commonly used for target shooting, pest control, and recreational shooting. However, while airguns are more readily accessible than other classes of firearms, they are still subject to important legal restrictions and safety obligations. The laws governing airguns in the UK vary depending on their power, method of propulsion, and the age of the user.

1. Types of Airgun Propulsion

There are three primary types of airgun propulsion systems used in the UK:

  • Spring-Piston (Springer) Airguns
    These operate by compressing a spring and piston mechanism upon cocking the gun. When the trigger is pulled, the spring is released, pushing the piston forward and compressing air behind the pellet. This type is widely regarded for its simplicity, reliability, and independence from external power sources.

  • Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Airguns
    PCP airguns use compressed air stored in an onboard cylinder. They are refilled via a hand pump, scuba tank, or compressor. PCP airguns offer higher consistency and accuracy, often with multi-shot capabilities, and are favored for competitive shooting and advanced use.

  • CO₂-Powered Airguns
    These use disposable or refillable carbon dioxide cartridges to propel the pellet. CO₂ guns are convenient and require less physical effort to operate but can be sensitive to ambient temperature, affecting their performance.

2. Legal Regulations for Licensed and Unlicensed Airguns

The legal status of an airgun in the UK is primarily determined by its muzzle energy:

  • Unlicensed Airguns

    • Rifled air rifles with a muzzle energy below 12 ft·lb (16.27 joules), and air pistols below 6 ft·lb (8.13 joules), can be owned without a firearms certificate (FAC) in England and Wales.

    • In Scotland, however, all airguns (except those under 1 joule, e.g., BB toys) require an Air Weapon Certificate (AWC), regardless of power.

    • Northern Ireland requires a firearms certificate for all airguns, irrespective of power level.

  • Licensed Airguns

    • Any airgun exceeding the 12 ft·lb (rifles) or 6 ft·lb (pistols) energy threshold is legally classified as a firearm and requires a firearms certificate (FAC) under UK law. These high-powered airguns are tightly controlled and subject to the same licensing conditions as conventional firearms.

It is a criminal offence to modify an airgun to exceed the legal energy limits without appropriate licensing.

Additionally, all airguns are subject to general laws regarding misuse, safe storage, and transportation, particularly the Crime and Security Act 2010, which requires airguns to be kept securely to prevent unauthorised access by persons under the age of 18.

3. Age Restrictions and Legal Requirements for Purchase

Strict age-related laws are in place to control the sale and possession of airguns:

  • Minimum Age for Purchase:
    A person must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase or own an airgun, airgun pellets, or ammunition.

  • Under 18s:

    • Persons under the age of 18 may use an airgun under the direct supervision of someone over 21, but may not purchase or own one.

    • It is an offence to sell, hire, or gift an airgun or ammunition to anyone under 18.

  • Proof of Identity and Age:
    Retailers are legally obligated to verify both the identity and age of purchasers prior to completing any sale involving an airgun or airgun ammunition. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, or other government-issued photographic ID confirming the buyer is aged 18 or over.

These requirements are in place to promote responsible use and prevent misuse of air-powered weapons. Failing to comply with age verification regulations can result in prosecution for both the buyer and the seller.

 

Distance Selling Regulations

The sale of firearms online must comply with the UK’s Distance Selling Regulations, which include providing clear information about the product, the terms of sale, and the right to cancel the purchase. However, due to the nature of firearms, certain restrictions apply:

  • Firearms must be transferred through an RFD.
  • Buyers must have the necessary certificates.
  • Adequate identification and proof of certification must be verified before completing the sale.

Conclusion

Complying with UK firearms legislation is crucial for anyone looking to sell firearms online. Ensuring that all sales go through Registered Firearms Dealers, maintaining accurate records, and verifying buyers' certifications are key steps in adhering to the law. For more detailed guidance, consulting the GOV.UK firearms licensing page is recommended.

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