AIRGUNS and THE LAW

The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 had a significant effect upon the Laws surrounding airgun ownership, buying and selling. The complexities of the Act were such that, at this point in time, some of the technical fine print has yet to be finalised. Most significant amongst the changes is the need for all who trade in airguns for profit to hold authority as a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) and to record details of each face to face airgun transaction. Many other changes were also introduced. A guide to some of the issues raised by this Act can be found in a document produced by BASC and ACPO. It is in the public domain at http://www.basc.org.uk/content/vcract 

Trade members of The Gun Trade Association (GTA) can also make use of a detailed guidance document published at the beginning of 2008 or access the online version of the document in the Members Links section of their web site. Brocock recommends that all retailers join this association.

Individual airgun owners, retailers and others with an interest in airgun ownership or trading who seek further information are advised to contact the Firearms Department of their local Police Authority. Where this information is of a technical nature, or the advice relates to matters that could result in prosecution, you are advised to seek written confirmation of any response that is given.