
Firearms storage in rented accommodation
Advice and guidance for tenants and landlords on the issue of keeping firearms in rented accommodation.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
Home » Firearms » Young people » Young people and firearms
Section 1 firearms – including rifles, muzzle-loading pistols/handguns and certain types of shotguns
Incorporating amendments from the Policing and Crime Act 2017
No one under the age of 14 may use a Section 1 firearm, except for target shooting as a member of a Home Office approved rifle club, or at a shooting gallery where no rifles larger than .23 inch calibre are used (eg. at fairs).
At the age of 14 a person may hold a firearm certificate and may then be given firearms and ammunition within the conditions on the certificate.
The law does not set a minimum age at which the holder of a firearm certificate may shoot without adult supervision. That is left to the discretion of the parent or guardian.
On reaching the age of 18, the holder of a firearm certificate may hire or purchase firearms and ammunition in accordance with the conditions on that certificate.
Section 11A of the Firearms Act 1968 now outlines the new rifle lending provisions.
For full details on how to comply with the law, read more about borrowing rifles.
Got a question? Email us on firearms@basc.org.uk or call 01244 573 010.
© BASC June 2023
Advice and guidance for tenants and landlords on the issue of keeping firearms in rented accommodation.
Read our guidance on the use of air weapons by young people, including your responsibilities as an adult in managing access to airguns.
Know where you stand in terms of what you can and can’t do by when borrowing a shotgun, including the law covering borrowed guns.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.