So You Want to Be Robin Hood (But With Less Tights): The Ultimate Guide to Air Rifle Licences in England (and How Much They Cost)
Ever dreamt of wielding a trusty air rifle and pretending to be a badass (but safety-conscious) defender of the neighbourhood? Well, hold on to your pointy hats, because before you go all William Tell on those pesky garden gnomes, there's a little hurdle to jump: the air rifle licence.
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| How Much Is An Air Rifle Licence In England |
Spoiler Alert: It's Not Actually a Licence to Be Awesome
Now, unlike a driver's licence that basically grants you superpowers behind the wheel (or at least the ability to buy questionable petrol station snacks at 3 am), an air rifle licence isn't a magical certificate of coolness. It's more like a permission slip from the grown-ups, saying, "Alright, you can have this potentially-eye-poking device, but only if you promise to be super responsible."
But Fear Not, Thrill Seekers! Here's the Lowdown on Costs:
Good news, sharpshooters! In England and Wales, you don't actually need a licence for most air rifles. That's right, you can skip the whole bureaucratic song and dance (and the fees that come with it) as long as your weapon doesn't fall under the special category of "super duper powerful, definitely-could-take-your-eye-out" air rifles.
But here's the catch (there's always a catch, isn't there?): If your air rifle fires a missile with more energy than a particularly enthusiastic squirrel, then you'll need a Firearm Certificate (FAC). And that, my friends, will set you back £88 for a brand new certificate, or £62 to renew an existing one.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Side note: Don't worry, figuring out if your air rifle needs an FAC is pretty straightforward. It all boils down to the muzzle energy (the oomph behind the projectile). If it's more than 1.3 ft/lb (1.8 Joules), then it's FAC territory.
So, Basically, How Much Does This Bad Boy Cost?
Unless you're planning on taking down rogue squirrels with the force of a thousand suns, you won't need a licence and therefore won't have to pay a dime. But if you're coveting a real powerhouse of an air rifle, then factor in the £88 cost of the FAC on top of the price of the rifle itself.
Pro Tip: Channel your inner negotiator and see if you can haggle down the price of the air rifle to compensate for the licence fee. Who knows, you might just walk away with a sweet deal (and maybe a slightly less-powerful air rifle, but hey, safety first!).
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
FAQ: Your Burning Air Rifle Licence Questions Answered (with Lightning Speed)
How to find out if my air rifle needs an FAC?
Check the manual or contact the manufacturer. They'll be able to tell you the muzzle energy, which is key for figuring out the FAC requirement.
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How long does an FAC last?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Five years, just like most other firearm certificates.
How do I apply for an FAC?
Contact your local police force. They'll have all the information you need on the application process.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Is there a test involved in getting an FAC?
Nope, but there will be a background check to make sure you're a responsible individual.
Can I use an air rifle without a licence on private property?
Even if your air rifle doesn't need an FAC, you can only use it on private land with the permission of the landowner. Don't go John Rambo in your backyard without checking first!
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