Firearms law in United Kingdom
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06 · editorial review
The UK has one of the strictest civilian firearms regimes in the English-speaking world. Handguns over .22 LR are prohibited for almost all civilians under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 (post-Dunblane). Most rifles and shotguns are legal but tightly licensed by the police.
You apply to your local police force for a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) for shotguns, or a Firearms Certificate (FAC) for rifles and Section 1 firearms. Both require “good reason” (vermin control, target shooting at an approved club, hunting on identified land) and a check of your character and home security (gun safe).
Key laws
- Firearms Act 1968 — main licensing framework.
- Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1988, 1997 — banned semi-auto rifles >.22 and almost all handguns.
- Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 — air weapons, imitation firearms.
- Northern Ireland uses the Firearms (NI) Order 2004 — different in detail.
Licences in United Kingdom
- Shotgun Certificate (SGC) · 18+
- Firearms Certificate (FAC) · 18+
- Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) · 18+
Licence → what you can own
Quick-glance matrix. Click a licence for the full conditions.
| Licence | Shotguns (Section 2) | Bolt-action rifles & Section 1 | Semi-auto rimfire (.22 LR) | Handguns (centre-fire) | Handguns (.22 LR) | Semi-auto centre-fire rifle | Air rifle / pistol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun Certificate (SGC) | Section 2 only — ≤3-shot capacity | ✗ | ✗ | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Firearms Certificate (FAC) | including >3-shot Section 1 shotguns | Each calibre listed on the certificate | .22 LR only | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | ✗ |
Key: ✓ permitted (often with conditions) · ✗ not permitted under this licence · — class is prohibited in United Kingdom
Regional differences
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Always check with your local firearms registry or a lawyer for your specific situation.