The Firearms Act

An air weapon differs from a conventional firearm by the fact that it, and the pellets discharged, do not contain any explosive substance.

When the trigger is pulled the pellets are forced from the barrel either by the release of a coiled spring, or the discharge of compressed gas from a cylinder.

Most air weapons are of such limited power that they do not require to be licensed, however there are exceptions to this rule.

The Firearms (Dangerous Air Weapons) Rules 1969 require that certain air weapons can only be held legally on a firearm certificate. It is possible to measure the velocity of pellets, discharged from an air weapon, by the use of an electronic chronograph. From these measurements the kinetic energy of the pellet at the muzzle can be calculated. Air weapons deemed specially dangerous have a muzzle energy in excess of:

In the case of an air pistol: 6 ft/lbs
In the case of an air weapon other than an air pistol: 12 ft/lbs

Such weapons are classified as Section 1 firearms and are required to be held on a firearm certificate. These weapons are subject to all the controls and regulations pertaining to Section 1 firearms, although the "ammunition" (pellets) are not.

These rules do not apply to an air weapon designed for use only when submerged in water, e.g. harpoon gun.

Conventional air weapons, although not requiring to be held on certificate, are still subject to other legislation, particularly as to age restrictions as follows:

Under 14 years old

It is an offence to give an air weapon, or ammunition for it, to a person under 14 years of age. It is not an offence for that young person to receive it.

It is an offence for a person under 14 years old to be in possession of an air weapon, or ammunition for it, except:

1. As a member of an approved club for target shooting.
2. Whilst at a shooting gallery where only air weapons or miniature rifles not exceeding .23 calibre are used.
3. Whilst shooting under the supervision of a person aged 21 years or over, on private premises, including land, provided the missile is not fired beyond those premises.

This effectively means that a person under 14 years must be supervised by someone over the age of 21 years at all times, even within their own home and garden. If a pellet is fired beyond their own property boundaries, the child and adult both commit offences.

Under 17 years old

It is an offence for a person under 17 years old to have an air weapon with him in a public place, except:

1. As a member of an approved club for target shooting.
2. Whilst at a shooting gallery where only air weapons or miniature rifles not exceeding .23 calibre are used.
3. Where the air gun or rifle, (but not air pistol), is covered with a securely fastened gun cover and incapable of being fired.

It is an offence for a person under 17 years of age to be in possession of an air pistol in any public place except as at (a) and (b) above. A public place means any highway or place or premises to which, at the material time, the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise. You may not have an airgun in a public place without proper reason. An airgun is deemed as loaded if there is a pellet, dart or anything else in the gun or magazine, whether cocked or not.