
Young people and shotguns
Information on the use of shotguns by under-18-year-olds, including at details on borrowing, purchasing or being given a shotgun as a gift.
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Home » Firearms » Young people » Possession of firearms, shotguns, airguns and ammunition by under-18s
 | Under 18 | Under 15 | Under 14 |
Purchase or hire any firearm (including shotguns and air weapons) or ammunition | No | No | No |
Possess a Section 1 firearm and ammunition | Yes (if in possession of a certificate or 17 and in accordance with 11a) | Yes (if in possession of a certificate) | No (see exceptions 1, 2Â and 3 below) |
Receive a Section 1 firearm and ammunition as a gift | Yes (if a certificate holder) | Yes (if a certificate holder) | No |
Possess assembled shotgun and ammunition | Yes | No (see exceptions 1, 4Â and 5 below) | No (see exceptions 1, 4Â and 5 below) |
Receive a shotgun as a gift | Yes | No | No |
Possess an air weapon | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 below) | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 below) | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below) |
Receive an air weapon as a gift | No | No | No |
Possess an air weapon in a public place | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below) | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below) | No (see exceptions 1, 2, 3 and below) |
Possess an air weapon on private premises with consent | Yes | Yes | No |
Exceptions:
Got a question? Email us on firearms@basc.org.uk or call 01244 573 010.
© BASC February 2023
Information on the use of shotguns by under-18-year-olds, including at details on borrowing, purchasing or being given a shotgun as a gift.
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