More specific models of blank-firing starting pistol which are deemed to be readily convertible to fire live ammunition are also banned. All other types of pistol are prohibited in Britain, with the exception of such pistols used for humane dispatch of injured animals and a number of (inactive) historical firearms and collectors’ items. In terms of a pistol, only muzzle-loading pistols are legal. UK law defines a ‘pistol’ as a firearm with a barrel shorter than 30 cm (12 in) or a total length of less than 60 cm (24 in). Meanwhile, self-loading or pump-action rifles are only allowed in. Single-shot, bolt-action, lever-action and revolver rifles are legal in the UK, given you have a licence for it. Rifles in the UKĪccording to UK law, a ‘rifle’ is defined as a firearm with a barrel which is longer than 30cm (12 in) and a length longer than 60cm (24 in) that does not fall under the classification of a long-barrelled revolver or a pistol. This was the first increase in over 10 years. Office for National Statistics figures show that of the offences committed, 7,866 offences in which a firearm was involved was 2 per cent compared to the previous year. Despite this, there are still concerns about the number of illegal firearms and how available they appear to be. The UK actually has one of the lowest rates of murder committed by firearms in the entire world. However, the rest of Britain is yet less restrictive than the gun laws in Northern Ireland. The law in the UK is much more restrictive than countries such as the USA and far stricter than the minimum requirements required by the European Firearms Directive. In the UK, the access the public have to guns is very tightly controlled by UK law. In this guide, we will be discussing which guns and legal and which are not in the UK. Additionally, use of firearms such as for clay pigeon shooting and sporting purposes is treated differently to ‘personal possession’ of firearms in the UK. Members of the British public may be allowed to own sporting rifles and shotguns, subject to these licensing laws and conditions. To own a gun in the UK, you must first get a license.

What types of guns can civilians own