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Firearms - Recent Legislation PDF Print E-mail

Realistic imitation Firearms

Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006
(Commencement No.3) 1st October 2007

From 1st October 2007 it is an offence to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation firearms unless it is connected with one of the following:

  • A museum gallery
  • Theatrical performance or rehersals
  • The production of films or television
  • The organisation and holding of historical re-enactments
  • Crown Servants
  • Members of Softair Skirmishing Groups with third party liability insurance
  • Members of historical re-enactment groups with third party liability insurance.


A minimum age of 18 introduced for the purchase and sale of imitation firearms. There are no restrictions imposed on the imitation of firearms which are gifted or loaned.

This Act does not further restrict the legal possession of imitation firearms. Licensing is not required for imitation firearms. However it must be remembered that it is a serious offence to have in a public place without good reason any firearm. This includes, replica, BB guns and soft air weapons and deactivated firearms.

The violent Crime Reduction Act does not impose any restriction on deactivated firearms.

Sale of Air Weapons
Sale of Air Weapons by way of Trade or Business

From the 1st October 2007 anyone who sells air weapons by way of trade or business must be registered as a Firearms Dealer and keep records of sales. Sales of air weapons made by way of trade or business must be in person (face to face). Mail order sales or air weapons by way or trade or business are prohibited.

Enquiries about applying for registration as a firearms dealer should be made by calling 01225 794663 or by email to: firearms.licensing@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.

Private sales are not affected and do not require either party to be registered as a firearms dealer and they do not need to be made in person. The age limit of 18 does apply to private transactions (sales or gifts.)