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.
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.