Young people and shotguns

Between 15 and 17, with a certificate, you may be given or lent a shotgun (and cartridges) for up to 72 hours by another certificate holder and use them on private premises without supervision.

Making a gift of a shotgun requires an adult (18 or older) to follow the instructions on his/her shotgun certificate. In practice this means conducting a full transfer of the shotgun by making an entry in table two of the young recipient’s certificate stating the word “gift” in the relevant box.

Both the person giving and receiving the shotgun must then inform their own police licensing departments of the transaction within seven days by recorded delivery or by email to the email address designated by the issuing authority.

Once you have been gifted a shotgun you may also lend your shotgun to other certificate holders for up to 72 hours without the need for a written transfer to be made.

If you have to lend your shotgun for longer than 72 hours you must make an entry into table two of the borrower’s certificate. Both the person transferring and receiving the shotgun must then inform their own police licensing departments of the transaction within seven days by recorded delivery or by email to the email address designated by the issuing authority.

When the shotgun is returned to you, the same process applies but in reverse.