Can I shoot an air rifle in my garden?

With the growing popularity and increasing options and events in the air rifle community in the UK, there are many different options for beginners and enthusiasts to shoot in the UK. Whether you're still looking into the air rifle laws or just want to brush up on your knowledge - knowing where you can and cannot shoot is essential to a successful and legal air rifle experience.

With all the options available - why not start in your garden? Can you even do this? Many air rifle owners have asked this question, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. In this blog, we will guide you through the laws and regulations surrounding shooting an air rifle in your garden and offer practical tips for doing it safely and responsibly.

Know The Law

Before you can shoot anywhere - it's important to have a licensed air rifle. Air rifles come in many shapes and sizes - from spring air rifles to PCP air rifles, gas ram and CO2, with different powers and calibres.

So, if you're using or wanting to use an air rifle that requires a licence—before you can even start going out to shoot—you must ensure you have the correct documents, licensing and requirements.

Understanding Local Regulations

No specific license is required for air rifles with muzzle energy below 12 ft/lb as they are not classified as firearms, and ownership is automatically permitted under general governmental regulations. However, air rifles with a muzzle energy exceeding 12 ft/lb are classified as firearms due to their potential lethality and do require a formal license for possession or use, ensuring stricter control.

1. Permits and Registration: Some areas may require obtaining a permit or registering your air rifle with local authorities. It is essential to check with your local government or law enforcement agency to determine if this is necessary.

2. Age Restrictions: Many regions have age restrictions for air rifle use. These laws ensure that only individuals who can responsibly handle the equipment are allowed to use it. Make sure to verify the minimum age requirements in your local jurisdiction.

3. Designated Areas and Times: Certain jurisdictions may have specific rules about where and when air rifles can be used. This may include restrictions on using them within city limits or during certain hours to minimise noise disturbances and ensure safety.

4. Zoning Laws: Your area might have zoning laws that restrict the discharge of air rifles in residential neighbourhoods. Understanding these laws can prevent unintentional violations.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with local air rifle laws can have serious legal repercussions. These may include:

• Fines: Non-compliance can lead to significant financial penalties, which vary depending on the severity of the violation and local legislation.

• Confiscation of Equipment: Authorities may confiscate your air rifle if you are found using it violating local laws.

• Legal Action: In some instances, repeated or severe violations could lead to facing legal action or civil liabilities, which could result in a criminal record.

• Community Service or Other Penalties: Some jurisdictions may impose community service or other penalties for breaches of air rifle regulations.

Understanding and adhering to local air rifle laws keeps you compliant with the law and ensures your community's safety and peace. Always take the time to research and understand these regulations thoroughly to enjoy your air rifle responsibly and legally.

If you'd like to learn more about the air rifle licensing laws and regulations, please check out our article: what is the law for air rifles?

So, where can you shoot?

In the UK, there are specific places where you can legally shoot air rifles. While laws will differ from city to city, these options are standard in England and Wales.

1. Private Land: You can shoot on private land for small game hunting with the landowner's permission. Ensuring the pellets stay within the property's boundaries is essential.

2. Shooting Clubs: Joining a shooting club is a great way to practice shooting in a controlled and legal environment. Clubs often have ranges specifically designed for air rifles.

3. Designated Ranges: There are commercial shooting ranges where you can pay to use their facilities. These ranges are equipped to handle various types of shooting activities.

4. Pest Control: If you have permission from the landowner, you can use air rifles for pest control on their property, provided you comply with local laws and regulations.

So, what does this mean for your back garden?

So, in theory, yes, you can shoot an air rifle in your garden, but there are important legal and safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Safety First: Ensure you have a safe backstop to catch pellets and prevent them from leaving your property. This is crucial to avoid risk to people, animals, or property beyond your garden.

2. Boundary Rules: It's illegal for any pellet to leave the boundaries of your property. Ensure your shooting area is secure and you have a proper backstop so pellets cannot escape.

3. Permission: If you don't own the property, you must have the landowner's permission to shoot there.

What do you have to consider when shooting in your garden?

Creating a safe shooting environment in your garden requires careful planning and consideration of various safety elements. Know your area, the limitations, your rifle, and its power.

1) Set Up a Proper Backstop: 

A durable and reliable backstop, constructed from materials like sandbags or thick plywood, can catch pellets and prevent them from leaving your property. A robust backstop is the foundation of any garden shooting setup. 

A well-constructed backstop is crucial for capturing stray shots and preventing them from leaving the designated shooting area. Ensure the backstop is positioned directly behind your target and extends beyond the width of your shooting area to account for any potential side deviation.

2) Check Your Surroundings: 

Always be aware of your surroundings before shooting. Ensure no people, animals, or valuable objects are in the shooting path. Maintain awareness of any movement in the vicinity. Keep a watchful eye on neighbouring gardens and public spaces adjacent to your property to ensure no one inadvertently enters the danger zone.

3) Use Protective Gear: 

Be mindful of surfaces such as metal or stone that could cause pellets to ricochet. Adjust your shooting angle or position to minimise this risk, or wear appropriate eye and ear protection to safeguard against accidental ricochets or loud noises.

4) Inform Your Neighbours: 

Approach your neighbours in a friendly manner and inform them about your shooting activities. This helps build trust and reassures them of their safety. Acknowledge potential noise issues and discuss ways to minimise disturbance, like scheduling shooting sessions at convenient times or using sound-dampening barriers.

5) Legal Compliance: 

Familiarise yourself with local laws regarding air rifle use in residential areas. Ensure your activities are compliant to avoid legal issues.

6) Secure Your Equipment: 

When not in use, store your air rifle securely to prevent unauthorised access, especially by children. Regularly check that your storage solutions function correctly and that access codes or keys are known only to responsible individuals.

7) Responsible Handling: 

Treat your air rifle with respect and caution as any other firearm. Always point it in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Understand the environment you are shooting in to prevent potential harm to people, animals, or property that may be downrange.

Choosing a low to moderate-powered air rifle for backyard shooting can help mitigate these risks while allowing for enjoyable practice. A rifle with a moderate range is typically more suitable for confined spaces, ensuring both safety and compliance with local regulations.

The power and range of an air rifle are crucial factors to consider, especially in residential areas. Higher power levels mean more incredible velocity, translating to longer shooting distances. However, this also increases the risk of pellets leaving your property and causing unintended damage. 

Why shoot in your garden?

Shooting in your garden offers more than just the convenience of practice; it provides numerous benefits that can enhance your skills and overall well-being. 

Practising shooting in your garden is a fantastic way to refine your marksmanship. The convenience of having a shooting setup at home allows for frequent practice, which is vital to improving accuracy and precision. 

As you engage in regular shooting sessions, you'll notice an improvement in your concentration and focus, both essential for hitting targets consistently. The controlled environment of your garden also provides an ideal setting to experiment with different shooting techniques and positions, helping you become a more versatile and proficient shooter over time.

What can you shoot in your garden?

When practising target shooting or casually plinking, you can set up different types of targets on your property to get a different kind of experience. 

1. Paper Targets: These are ideal for practising accuracy and can be easily set up and replaced.

2. Metal Spinners: These targets provide instant feedback with a visual and audible response when hit.

3. Cans or Bottles: Empty cans or plastic bottles can be used as targets, but ensure they are placed safely and securely.

4. Clay Pigeons: These can be set up on stands for stationary target practice.

You can check out our article on Air Rifle Targets so you can take a more in-depth look at what kind of options there are available for you to get in the UK.

Final Thoughts

Using air rifles in your garden can be a rewarding experience when approached with responsibility and informed practices. Adhering to local regulations is crucial to avoid legal repercussions while prioritising safety measures to ensure a secure environment. 

Take the time to research the specific regulations in your area and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to shoot safely and responsibly. Here at Air Arms, we are here to help you find the perfect air rifle for you. From target shooting to pest control and recreational and sporting activities, we have pellet guns that will suit your needs. 

If you have any questions about air guns and the laws in the UK, please contact us today. A member of our team will contact you to help with your air gun needs.