Young people
Firearms Acts (Amendment) Regulations 2010
From 28th July 2010 these regulations make key changes to the age at which a person can purchase or hire firearms, shotguns and ammunition.
From the above date a person who is under 18 years of age will no longer be able to purchase or hire any firearms, shotguns or ammunition.
This change has been brought about by EEC Directive 2008/51/EC which regularises the ages for purchase of firearms and ammunition throughout the whole of the EEC.
Some young shotgun and firearm certificate holders have a notice on their certificates stating that they cannot purchase shotguns until they attain the age of 17years. As this has now been increased to 18 years of age, all such certificate holders will be receiving a letter from the Firearms Licensing Department explaining the change in the law and how it affects them.
If there are any queries then please contact the Firearms Licensing Department either by telephone or email.
Can they … |
Under 18 |
Under 15 |
Under 14 |
Purchase any firearm or ammunition |
No |
No |
No |
Possess a Section 1 firearm |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Receive a Section 1 firearm as a gift |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Possess an assemble shotgun |
Yes |
No |
No |
Receive a shotgun as a gift |
Yes |
No |
No |
Possess an air weapon |
No |
No |
No |
Receive an air weapon as a gift |
No |
No |
No |
Possess an air weapon in a public place |
No |
No |
No |
Exemptions:
(1) If carrying on behalf of a certificate holder, over 18 years of age, for sporting purpose.(2) When part of an approved club or cadet corps.
(3) On a Miniature Rifle Range.
(4) Under the supervision of someone over 21 years old.
(5) When firearms is in a secure gun cover.
(6) Unless on private property with permission of the land owner. It is an offence for someone under this exemption to fire any missile beyond the boundary of the premises unless with permission of the adjacent land owner.
