{"id":3034,"date":"2014-10-01T16:25:27","date_gmt":"2014-10-01T16:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/training4employment.co.uk\/blogs\/?p=3034"},"modified":"2025-06-13T11:44:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T10:44:06","slug":"uk-gun-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/training4employment.co.uk\/blogs\/uk-gun-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Gun Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The strictness in UK gun laws have resulted in very low gun crime compared to other countries. To obtain a license, individuals must apply through their local police, providing details such as proof of secure storage, valid reasons for ownership, and two referees. Police have the authority to deny licenses if deemed necessary. Under UK guns law, licenses last for five years and must list all firearms in the licensee\u2019s possession, ensuring tight regulation and accountability.<\/p>\n

The UK\u2019s strict gun laws have resulted in very low gun crime compared to other countries. To obtain a license, individuals must apply through their local police, providing details such as proof of secure storage, valid reasons for ownership, and two referees. Police have the authority to deny licenses if deemed necessary. Under UK guns law, licenses last for five years and must list all firearms in the licensee\u2019s possession, ensuring tight regulation and accountability. This rigorous process prioritizes public safety and ensures that firearms are only accessible to those who meet stringent legal requirements.<\/p>\n

But say you obtain the license, what guns can you legally own? See the list below for everything you can and can\u2019t possess:<\/p>\n

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Under UK guns law, pistols have been almost entirely banned since the 1997 Firearms Act. Exceptions include muzzle-loaded pistols and those manufactured before 1917. Even starting pistols with the potential for conversion to live ammunition are prohibited. This ban is so strict that the Great Britain Pistol Shooting Olympic team trains abroad due to the restrictions. These measures reflect the UK\u2019s commitment to minimizing gun-related risks and maintaining public safety.<\/p>\n

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Long barreled pistols – Pistols with a barrel length of at least 30cm, and an overall length of at least 60cm, are permitted with a licence.<\/p>\n

Rifles – Single shot rifles with a barrel length of 30cm, and an overall length of over 60cm (that can\u2019t be classed as a long barreled pistol) are permitted with a licence. This extends to all calibre sizes. Semi-automatic and pump action rifles can only be used if they are of .22 calibre.<\/p>\n

Shotguns – Any shotgun up to and including semi-automatic shotguns with fixed magazines that don\u2019t exceed a magazine capacity of 3 are permitted on a shotgun license. Shotguns with a bigger magazine capacity or detachable magazine require another license. Although all must be registered, there is no limit to the amount of shotguns a licence holder can possess.<\/p>\n

Airguns – Airgun laws are relaxed in comparison to other gun laws, as a licence isn\u2019t required. The process of purchasing requires the transaction to take place face to face, even if the air pistol or air rifle was ordered off of the internet (in which case, the rifle will be sent to the nearest licenced firearms dealer for collection). Air pistols must not exceed a muzzle energy of 8.1 Joules, and air rifles must not exceed 16.2 J.<\/p>\n

Airsoft guns – These are guns such as BB guns or paintball guns. They are not regulated by state or local police, but still can\u2019t be sold to those under 18. Anyone under 18 wishing to use one must be accompanied by an adult. These guns must also have 51% of their surface area painted in a \u201cnon-realistic\u201d colour. Replica guns can also be obtained, but must be required for a \u201cvalid reason\u201d (reenactment etc.)<\/p>\n

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Prohibited – The following weapons are banned in the UK:<\/p>\n

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