Firearms
Firearms
Firearms laws are different for young people, it's important you know exactly what they are.
Under 15-years-old
It is an offence to make a gift of a shot gun or ammunition to children under 15-years-old (14-years-old for airguns).
Children under 15-years (14-years for standard airguns) may not have an assembled gun with them except:
- With a valid shot gun certificate, they may use a shot gun under the direction and supervision of someone 21 or over
- When they are using an airgun under the direct supervision of someone aged 21 or over
- When the gun is in a securely fastened gun cover so that it cannot be fired
- Aged 15-18-years-old
- A person between 15 and 18-years-old (14 and 18 for airguns) may be given or lent a gun with ammunition but may not buy them.
Aged 18-years or over
A person of 18-years or above may purchase an airgun and ammunition, or a shot gun and ammunition with a valid shot gun certificate.
- A shot gun certificate is required at any age unless:
Shooting with the occupier of land and using their gun in their presence - Shooting at a police approved clay shoot
- There is no minimum age for the issue of a shot gun certificate. A shot gun certificate shall be granted unless the applicant
- Is prohibited from possessing a gun under the Firearms Acts
- Is a danger to the public safety or to the peace
- Does not have good reason for possessing, purchasing or acquiring a weapon. Use for sporting competition or pest control both constitute 'good reason'