I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with marksmanship. Not in a survivalist or action-hero kind of way—just something about hitting a distant target with precision appeals to me. There’s a calmness to it, a focus. So when I started looking into hobbies that might get me outdoors and away from screens for a bit, the idea of learning to shoot properly cropped up.
Nothing too dramatic—just an air rifle and maybe joining a local club to see if I had any sort of aim. Maybe, if I got the hang of it, it could also help with the odd bit of garden vermin. The squirrels have been giving me dirty looks lately.
But before I could get too carried away imagining myself lining up targets like an extra from Shooter, I had a quick reality check. There’s someone else who lives in the house, and she tends to be less enthusiastic about anything involving projectile weaponry. My wife doesn’t even like me sharpening the kitchen knives. So the idea of me casually saying, “Oh, by the way, I’m thinking of buying a gun,” was always going to need some careful framing.
Still, curiosity got the better of me, and I started looking into it. And what I found was both surprising and, frankly, a little unsettling.
It’s Alarmingly Straightforward
I assumed that buying any kind of gun in the UK would involve a mountain of paperwork, background checks, maybe even a psych evaluation or a visit from the local constabulary. But when it comes to air rifles, things are a lot more relaxed than I expected.
If you’re over 18, you can legally buy and own an air rifle without a licence—as long as it meets certain power limits. Most retailers will ask for ID to prove your age, but beyond that, it’s not much harder than buying a lawnmower. You can even order one online from a registered dealer and have it delivered to your door, although it has to be handed over in person—not just left in a safe place next to your recycling bin.
What the Law Says
The simplicity of the buying process hides a fair few legal responsibilities, though. The UK law on air rifles is quite specific, and even if it’s not heavily enforced at point of sale, you’re expected to know the rules—and you can definitely get in trouble for breaking them, even unintentionally.
First off, there’s a power limit. If an air rifle has a muzzle energy of more than 12 foot-pounds (that’s a measurement of force, not an obscure countryside currency), then it legally counts as a firearm and you need a proper firearms certificate. Anything under that is fair game for over-18s, but it still comes with strings attached.
You can’t use an air rifle just anywhere. Firing one in your back garden might be legal, if the pellet doesn’t leave your property—but if it strays into a neighbour’s garden, or worse, public land, you could be facing criminal charges. Even letting someone underage use one without supervision is an offence. It’s also illegal to carry an air rifle in a public place without a reasonable excuse—“I was just popping down to the shops with it slung over my shoulder” won’t cut it.
There’s also a legal duty to store it securely, especially if there are children in the house. You don’t technically need a gun cabinet for an air rifle, but you are expected to make sure it’s inaccessible to anyone who shouldn’t be handling it. A locked cupboard, trigger lock, or similar setup is a good idea—and probably essential if I’m going to get the green light from my better half.
Clubs, Training and Targets
The more I read, the more I realised that if I was going to get into this properly, a shooting club would be the way to go. Not only do you get access to proper ranges and advice from people who know what they’re doing, but you’re also surrounded by people who take safety seriously.
It’s easy to think of air rifles as toys—they’re not. They can cause serious injury and even death in the wrong circumstances. Joining a club means getting some structure and guidance, rather than just setting up empty cans at the bottom of the garden and hoping for the best.
I’ve also read that most clubs are more than happy to welcome beginners, and they’ll often lend you kit while you find your feet. That way, you don’t have to spend a fortune up front, and you’ll know whether you actually enjoy it before committing to buying your own rifle.
The Spousal Obstacle
All of this, of course, is academic unless I can convince my wife that having an air rifle in the house is a good idea. Or at least, not a terrible one.
I suspect my best argument is that it’s not really about the rifle—it’s about the activity. A chance to learn something new, improve my focus, and get outdoors more often. Plus, joining a club means it won’t just be sitting in the cupboard waiting for a rainy day and a rogue pigeon. If anything, it becomes more of a hobby and less of a threat.
Still, I’m expecting some tough questions. And rightly so. Even a legal, sub-12 ft-lb air rifle can do real damage if mishandled. If I do go ahead with it, it’ll be with a proper case, secure storage, and a strong emphasis on responsibility. Probably followed by a few months of “I told you this would be fine” before she starts to come round.
Wish me luck!