The Firearms laws lays down age limits, which
vary for different types of firearms and ammunition:
Air Guns
- 18 - minimum age for the possession of an air
weapon.
Except: -
- Under the age of 18 - may possess an air weapon
so long as they are supervised by a person over the age of 21.
Where the air weapon is being fired under supervision on premises,
this exemption will only apply so long as no missile is fired which
goes beyond the boundary of those premises.
- Also under the age of 18- may possess an air
weapon whilst engaged in activities connected with target practice
as a member of an approved rifle club or miniature rifle club or
whilst using the air weapon at a shooting
gallery.
- Between 14 and 18 - may possess an air weapon on
private premises where they have the consent of the occupier to
have an air weapon with them. This will only apply so long as no
missile is fired which goes beyond the boundary of those private
premises.
- Under 18 - it is an offence to sell an air
weapon or air weapon ammunition to a person under the age
18.
Shotguns
- Under 15 – may be granted a shotgun certificate
and may borrow a shotgun under supervision of a person who is over
21. The young person will require a shotgun certificate unless the
gun they are borrowing belongs to an occupier of the land on which
they are shooting and that occupier is the supervisor. May not
acquire a shotgun unless supervised.
- Over 15 – may be given or borrow shotguns and be
granted a shotgun certificate.
- Over 18 - may purchase shotguns and shotgun
cartridges with a shotgun certificate.
Section 1 Firearms
- Under 14 – May not be granted a firearm
certificate.
- Between 14 and 18 – may be granted a firearm
certificate but may not purchase or hire a firearm or ammunition
until they are 18. May borrow or be gifted a firearm and ammunition
if they possess the appropriate
certificate.