Legislation controlling the sale, ownership and use of firearms in the United Kingdom is complicated and extensive with potentially severe penalties for non-observance.

Uk Gunroom has provided the following general information in order to assist our users. It is not meant to be comprehensive and if you have any doubts at all about the legality of your intended actions you are strongly advised to contact your local police firearms licensing department.

Shotguns

To buy a shotgun in the UK you must be seventeen years of age or over and in possession a valid shotgun certificate. You can apply for a shotgun certificate from your local police force.

A shotgun is described as a smooth-bore gun (not being an air-weapon) which has a barrel that is not less than 24 inches long and a bore diameter that does not exceed 2 inches. Shotguns held on a shotgun certificate cannot have a capacity of more than three cartridges, otherwise they become classified as firearms (see below).

If you are selling a shotgun the transaction must take place face to face. Full instructions can be found on your shotgun certificate.

If you are unable to meet the buyer you must take the shotgun to a registered firearms dealer (RFD) who can arrange to have the shotgun sent to an RFD close to the purchaser. Our directory allows you to quickly find a RFD that is willing to undertake gun transfers. Please note that dealers may well charge for this service.

The person buying the shotgun must produce the certificate entitling him / her to purchase the shotgun being sold.

Firearms

To buy a firearm in the UK you must be seventeen years of age or over and in possession of a valid Firearms certificate. You can apply for a firearms certificate from your local police force.

A firearm is usually described as cartridge loading, rifled barrel longarm (rifle) with a barrel length that is not longer than 600mm.

If you are selling a firearm the transaction must take place face to face. Full instructions can be found on your firearms certificate.

If you are unable to meet the buyer you must take the firearm to a registered firearms dealer (RFD) who can arrange to have the firearm sent to an RFD close to the purchaser. Our directory allows you to quickly find a RFD that is willing to undertake gun transfers. Please note that dealers may well charge for this service.

The person buying the firearm must produce the certificate entitling him / her to purchase the firearm being sold.

Air Rifles and Air Pistols

To buy an airgun in the UK you must be eighteen years of age or over.

Most airguns are unrestricted which means that you can own and use one without requiring a certificate. If an air rifle produces more than 12ft/lbs or an air pistol more than 6ft/lbs it is classed as a firearm (see above).