Section 11(4) miniature rifle ranges

Miniature rifle ranges

Provided that the operator of a miniature rifle range or gallery has been granted a firearm certificate, participants can engage in target shooting at such a range without being required to obtain a firearm certificate. This enables newcomers to try out target shooting in a safe and controlled environment. The miniature rifle range exemption is extensively used, including by clubs, schools and colleges, at game fairs and by activity centres offering target shooting.

The Firearms Act 2023 introduced a requirement, when commenced, for the operator of a miniature rifle range or a shooting gallery, at which .22 rimfire calibre firearms are used, to be in possession of a firearm certificate. This means that in order to purchase or possess firearms, the operator of such a range must have been granted a firearm certificate in respect of the firearms to be held, and will have undergone the rigorous police checks on suitability and secure storage, ensuring that the operation of such ranges is within a secure and safe environment. The operator of the miniature rifle range or gallery may be the owner with overall operational responsibility for the site or they may be the individual who is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the facility. Being the operator of a miniature rifle range or gallery which uses .22 rim-fire calibre firearms can therefore constitute a good reason for a person to be granted a firearm certificate.

In England and Wales there is no requirement for the operator of a shooting gallery or range which only uses lower-powered air weapons which are not classed as ‘specially dangerous’, to obtain a firearm certificate. In Scotland Section 23 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 applies which means that those operating a recreational shooting facility must hold an air weapon certificate. In accordance with section 54(5) of the Firearms Act 1968, in relation to target shooting carried out by a recognised cadet corps, the operator of a miniature rifle range who is a recognised cadet corps leader would not be required to possess a certificate when training cadets.

The firearm certificate is issued in the name of the operator of the range at the location to be used as the miniature rifle range or gallery. The number of rifles permitted and future acquisition will depend on the activity/range use/throughput on the range and the secure storage. Due to the different types of rifles and ammunition which may be needed for different disciplines and levels of ability, police forces can expect to see miniature rifle range applications which request possession of varying types and numbers of firearms. Similarly, the type of ammunition and the quantity required may vary widely depending on usage at the miniature rifle range or gallery. Quantities of ammunition required may be large in the case of active ranges with high turnover and also certificate continuation sheets may be necessary in those cases.

The police must be satisfied that an applicant who is applying for a certificate as the operator of a miniature rifle range or gallery has good reason for possession of the firearms. Police enquiries to establish good reason will include a visit to the miniature rifle range or gallery and inspection of the arrangements for safe storage of the firearms. The police will also need to be satisfied that the arrangements provide a safe and secure environment, with proper supervision of participants, and that the operation of the miniature rifle range or gallery will not pose a danger to public safety or the peace.

Section 11(4) of the Firearms Act 1968 specifies that only .22 rimfire calibre rifles may be used at a miniature rifle range or gallery. These are lower-powered rifles, and as such are regarded as appropriate for use by those who are new to target shooting and are not firearm certificate holders.

Criteria for miniature rifle ranges for inclusion in Home Office guide

• It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the safe operation of the miniature rifle range or gallery at all times.
• The operator must define in writing how they will ensure the safe operation of the miniature rifle range or gallery at all times. This will include when the operator is not present at the location, how matters are escalated and what roles are in place to ensure that escalation takes place.
• The operator must provide the police with such information as they require in order to be satisfied that shooting on the range or gallery will be conducted properly and safely and give no cause for concern.
• The operator must not permit a person to shoot at the miniature rifle range or gallery if they have concerns about risk to safety because of their behaviour or demeanour.
• The security arrangements for the storage of firearms and ammunition must be satisfactory to the local police firearms licensing department.
• Those shooting on the miniature rifle range or gallery must be supervised at all times when handling firearms and ammunition by a person who is suitably qualified, for example, as a Range Conducting Officer
• Only .22 rimfire calibre rifles or air weapons may be used on the miniature rifle range or gallery.