Crossbows sit in that strange grey area of weapons that aren’t exactly mainstream but still spark a lot of curiosity. They look medieval, they feel powerful, and if you’ve ever held one you’ll know they command respect. But what’s the deal with the law in the UK? Can you own one, or are they stashed in the same forbidden cupboard as firearms? Let’s get into it.
The Legal Side: What the Law Actually Says
First things first: it is not illegal to own a crossbow in the UK. There’s no licence, no certificate, no long-winded application form with your GP. If you’re over 18, you can legally buy and keep one at home. That puts them in a very different bracket to firearms, where ownership is tightly regulated and comes with a mountain of red tape.
The main law that covers them is the Crossbows Act 1987. Here are the basics:
- Minimum age: You must be at least 18 to buy, own, or possess a crossbow. No exceptions.
- Under-18s: It’s an offence to sell one to anyone under 18, and illegal for anyone under 18 to have one in their possession.
- Use in public: Carrying a crossbow in public without a good reason is illegal under broader offensive weapons legislation. “Good reason” usually means transporting it to and from a club or event, in a secure case. Walking down the high street with one slung over your shoulder doesn’t cut it.
- Hunting: Using a crossbow to hunt animals is completely banned in the UK. They’re only legal for target shooting on private land, with the landowner’s permission.
- Draw Weight: These rules only apply to crossbows with a draw weight over 1.4kg, so toy crossbows are fine and very weak models may be alright too.
That’s the legal stuff in a nutshell. Own one at home? Fine. Show it off down the pub? Not fine. Try to shoot a rabbit with it? Definitely not fine.
Why Would Anyone Want to Own a Crossbow?
At first glance, a crossbow seems like a strange thing to keep in the house. You can’t hunt with it, you can’t legally carry it around, and it’s not exactly the sort of thing you whip out in the garden like a Nerf gun. So why do people buy them?
- Target shooting
The main reason is simple: crossbows are fun and challenging to shoot. They offer a different kind of discipline to archery with a traditional bow. There’s a certain satisfaction in lining up the sights, pulling the trigger, and seeing a bolt thud into the target. For people who enjoy precision sports, it’s a proper test of skill.
Plenty of clubs around the UK cater for crossbow shooting alongside traditional archery. It’s a niche hobby, but one with a loyal following.
- Historical interest
Let’s be honest: crossbows are cool. They’ve got centuries of history behind them. From medieval battlefields to Game of Thrones, they carry a certain mystique. Some people collect them because they’re fascinated by the engineering and history.
A well-made crossbow feels like a piece of craftsmanship. Heavy, mechanical, and oddly satisfying to handle. It’s no surprise some enthusiasts buy them simply as collector’s items, or to display in their homes.
- The “alternative” factor
For some blokes, there’s also the simple appeal of owning something different. Anyone can have a set of golf clubs or a dartboard. But a crossbow? That’s a conversation starter. It’s not about showing off—it’s about having something unique that taps into a primal curiosity.
Not Toys: The Power Behind a Crossbow
Here’s the important bit: crossbows are not toys.
A half-decent crossbow can fire a bolt at speeds of 300 feet per second or more. That’s more than enough to punch through wood, pierce metal cans, and cause catastrophic injuries to a human being. They may not have the same rate of fire as a gun, but in terms of raw impact, they’re deadly serious.
Even lighter “pistol” style crossbows—which are often marketed as entry-level—can do real damage. The law treats them with the same restrictions as full-size versions, and for good reason.
So if you’re thinking of getting one, respect it. Always treat it as if it’s loaded. Store it safely. Never fire it casually in the garden unless you’ve got a proper backstop and secure permission to use the space. A stray bolt can travel far and fast, and you do not want to be the bloke on the evening news because your neighbour’s backside has a crossbow bolt sticking out of it.
How to Own One Responsibly
If you’re tempted to buy a crossbow, here are some things worth keeping in mind:
- Join a club: Shooting at a proper range under supervision is safer, more fun, and will improve your skills quickly. You’ll also meet other enthusiasts and avoid the “bloke alone in his back garden with a weapon” vibe.
- Invest in safety gear: Backstops, cases, and proper targets are a must. This isn’t something you can practice with against an old cardboard box.
- Secure storage: Keep it out of reach, ideally locked away. Treat it the same way you would any other potentially dangerous weapon.
- Follow the law: Don’t take it into public places. Don’t even transport it without a case. If you’re heading to a range, carry it discreetly.
- Never mix with alcohol: This should go without saying, but crossbows and beer don’t mix.
Crossbows vs. Firearms
Some people compare crossbows to guns, and while they’re obviously not the same, the comparison isn’t completely off. Both are capable of lethal force, both require serious respect, and both are tightly controlled in terms of where and how you can use them.
The key difference is that crossbows don’t require a licence in the UK. That doesn’t make them “less dangerous”—it just means the law treats them differently. Think of it this way: you don’t need permission to own one, but you’re expected to take responsibility if you do.
Legal But Think Carefully Before Buying One
So, is it illegal to own a crossbow in the UK? No. But that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. The law is clear: over-18s can buy and own one, but misuse it and you’ll quickly find yourself in hot water.
The real takeaway is this: crossbows are fascinating, powerful, and rewarding to shoot—but they demand respect. They’re not toys, they’re not props, and they’re not something to mess around with. Handled properly, they can be part of a challenging and unusual hobby. Handled recklessly, they’re a disaster waiting to happen.
If you do decide to own one, make sure it’s for the right reasons—skill, sport, or collection—and always remember the responsibility that comes with it. Because the law might allow you to buy a crossbow, but common sense is what stops you ending up on the wrong side of it.