Owning an air rifle in the UK

An air rifle is a pneumatic gun designed to look and perform similarly to real firearms. Its legal status depends on its power. According to the latest legislation in the UK, the threshold is 12 ft/lb of muzzle energy: above that, a license is required. Air rifles use compressed air in their chambers to force the pellets out of their shaft.

There are many reasons why someone would want to own an air rifle. It can be used either for recreation purposes or for a hunting trip, for instance. There’s a wide array of possibilities as to why someone would want to own an air rifle UK.

Plinking

Most newcomers usually start off by practicing plinking as their first recreation experience of using an air rifle. Plinking involves shooting at a specific target such as readily available metal objects. The term plinking comes from the sound the bullet makes as it ricochets off the metal. Keep in mind that plinking in one’s backyard can easily disturb neighbours. When practicing, one must ensure the following safety measures:

Make sure that all pets are locked inside. 

Supervise any young shooters at all times.

Never approach the target that the shooter is firing at until they have clearly stated that they’re finished.

Use a solid backstop to catch pellets that might miss the target.

Notify everyone who accesses the garden space and could potentially pass through the practice.

Note that one can carry out plinking on public fields only if they hold a landowner permit.

Target shooting

Today shooting air rifles in the UK has turned into a competitive, disciplined sport. In order to shoot targets, one can kneel, lay on the ground, stand or sit – all of which are acceptable in most competitions.

Targets vary widely in design. Some are more classic visuals, while others have more extravagant details like animal silhouettes. These games have grown in popularity, resulting in field shooting becoming accepted as an Olympic category. In 2016 target shooting was played with discipline in the international competition. The first target shooting medal was awarded at the games in Rio.

Pest control

An air rifle is often used for hunting smaller animals that are classified as pests. For instance, a regular rabbit can be shot while a hare would be too large to be affected by the pellet. Animals one can legally shoot at with an air rifle in the UK include rooks, wood pigeons, rabbits, rats, magpies, feral pigeons and carrion crowns.

All of these particular animal breeds are legally allowed to be hunted using an air rifle. They are classified as pests by the law. Likewise, the law defines pests as animals that infest an area, generally causing small-scale destruction. For example, squirrels have become a nuisance when crops are growing as they eat the produce. If one shoots these pests, they are legally right if they have permission and a permit to fire on the land they are using.

People in need of air rifles in the UK can find them at shops such as Surplus Store.

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