Last amended by Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997 in 1997. Banned almost all handguns following the Dunblane massacre.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Territorial extent: s.60: "This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland." The Act therefore applies in England, Wales and Scotland.
Source: legislation.gov.uk extent data (E+W+S, see s.60)
Summary
The Firearms Act 1968 is the principal statute controlling the possession, purchase, acquisition, and distribution of firearms and ammunition in the UK. It establishes a licensing system administered by the police and creates numerous criminal offences relating to unlawful possession and use of firearms.
Key Points
- Firearm certificate required for rifles and pistols (s.1)
- Shotgun certificate required for shotguns (s.2)
- Prohibited weapons — handguns, automatic weapons, and certain others completely banned (s.5)
- Criminal offences for possession without certificate, carrying in public, and use in crime
- Minimum age requirements for purchasing and possessing firearms
- Police powers to grant, refuse, and revoke certificates
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
1988 — Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988
Banned semi-automatic centre-fire rifles and restricted shotgun capacity following the Hungerford massacre.
1997 — Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997
Banned almost all handguns following the Dunblane massacre.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main purpose of the Firearms Act 1968?
- The Firearms Act 1968 is the main law controlling the possession, purchase, acquisition, and distribution of firearms and ammunition in the UK. It establishes a licensing system managed by the police and creates criminal offences for unlawful possession and use of firearms. The Act specifically requires certificates for rifles, pistols, and shotguns, while completely banning certain prohibited weapons.
- When will the police grant a firearm or shotgun certificate?
- A chief officer of police must grant a firearm certificate if they are satisfied the applicant has a good reason and can possess the firearm without danger to public safety or the peace. For shotguns, a certificate is granted unless the applicant cannot possess one without danger to public safety or lacks a good reason. The police also have powers to vary, refuse, or revoke these certificates.
- Which types of firearms are completely banned under the Act?
- The Act lists prohibited weapons, such as automatic firearms and most handguns, which may not be possessed without the authority of the Secretary of State. Following the Hungerford massacre, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 banned semi-automatic centre-fire rifles and restricted shotgun capacity. Later, the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997 banned almost all handguns following the Dunblane massacre.
- What are the criminal offences for possessing firearms without a certificate?
- It is a criminal offence to possess, purchase, or acquire a firearm or ammunition without a valid firearm certificate. Similarly, possessing, purchasing, or acquiring a shotgun without a shotgun certificate is an offence. The Act also makes it an offence to carry a loaded shotgun, loaded air weapon, or other firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
- Do police officers have the power to stop and search for firearms?
- A constable has the power to stop and search a person or vehicle if they have reasonable cause to suspect a firearms offence. This power supports the enforcement of the Act’s provisions regarding the unlawful possession, carrying, and use of firearms and ammunition in public and private spaces.
- Are there age restrictions for buying or owning firearms?
- The Act sets minimum age requirements for purchasing and possessing firearms. It also creates offences for carrying a firearm or imitation firearm with the intent to commit an indictable offence or to resist arrest. These provisions aim to prevent the misuse of weapons and ensure that only eligible individuals can legally acquire and hold firearms.