LICENSES

Firearms laws are different for juveniles/young people, it's important you know exactly what they are.

Under 15-years-old

• It is an offence to make a gift of a shot gun or ammunition to children under 15-years-old (14-years-old for airguns).
• Children under 15-years (14-years for standard airguns) may not have an assembled gun with them except:
• • With a valid shot gun certificate, they may use a shot gun under the direction and supervision of someone 21 or over;
  • When they are using an airgun under the direct supervision of someone aged 21 or over;
  • When the gun is in a securely fastened gun cover so that it cannot be fired.

Aged 15-17-years-old

• A person between 15 and 17-years-old (14 and 17 for airguns) may be given or lent a gun with ammunition but may not buy them.

Aged 17-years or over

• A person of 17-years or above may purchase an airgun and ammunition, or a shot gun and ammunition with a valid shot gun certificate

There is no minimum age for the issue of a shot gun certificate.

• Is prohibited from possessing a gun under the Firearms Acts;
• Is a danger to the public safety or to the peace;
• Does not have good reason for possessing, purchasing or acquiring a weapon. Use for sporting competition or pest control both constitute 'good reason'.