From January 20th it was an offence to carry an air weapon, whether loaded or not, or an imitation firearm in public without permission.

The new powers, which were introduced under the Anti-Social Behavior Act 2003, will give police greater powers to arrest people carrying such weapons.

The maximum penalty will be six months imprisonment.

The new laws also mean it'll be an offence to carry ball bearing guns in public.

Police ran a campaign last year in a bid to reduce the number of incidents involving the use of BB guns by young people.

Letters need to be sent to all parents of all secondary school children , and posters used to try to educate young people about the dangers of BB gun misuse.

Stricter controls have also been introduced over the sale of air weapons with the age limit being raised from 14 to 17 years old. It will also be an offence for an air weapon to be given to a person under-17.

The legislation provides stricter controls on the use of such weapons. No-one under the age of 17 will be able to have an air weapon in their possession unless they are supervised by a person who's at least 21 or as part of an approved shooting club.

But 14-16 year olds can use air weapons on private land as long as it's under supervision, with the owner's consent and shooting takes place within the land's boundaries.

Assistant Chief Constable Mick Creedon said: "We welcome this new legislation. The majority of calls we receive about firearms turn out to be replica firearms or air-weapons.

"When officers are attending these incidents they have no idea if the firearm is real or not. Anyone who brandishes any type of gun in public is putting him or herself in danger.

"We are particularly pleased that these new laws covers the use of BB guns as well.

"This new legislation clarifies the position on replicas, imitations and air weapons and makes it clear that nobody should carry these types of firearms on the streets."

Air weapons that use the self-contained gas cartridge system now require a firearms certificate.

Note: An imitation firearm is defined as anything that has the appearance of a firearm whether or not it is capable of discharging a shot or bullet.
Statute Law
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What are 'BB' guns?
BB guns, also known as 'Soft Air', or 'Air Soft' have been around in many other countries for a number of years, but have only recently started to become more popular in the UK. BB stands for the small, usually 6mm round plastic Ball Bearing projectile that is fired from the gun.

How powerful are they?
Most BB guns are under 1 Joule in power. The simple understanding of this is that even the most powerful 6mm plastic BB guns will not pierce human skin. So used with safety goggles, you can have paintball-like shootouts without the mess! Mostly they will cause a sharp sting & a red mark (usually followed by bad language from the victim). However, this does not mean that they will not cause any harm! Aimed carelessly - particularly toward unprotected sensitive areas such as eyes - and they can cause permanent damage.
BB guns must be treated with respect.What are 'BB' guns?
BB guns, also known as 'Soft Air', or 'Air Soft' have been around in many other countries for a number of years, but have only recently started to become more popular in the UK. BB stands for the small, usually 6mm round plastic Ball Bearing projectile that is fired from the gun.

Are they legal in this Country?
The simple answer is yes - if used on private property. BB guns come under a grey area in the law - because they are spring operated they can be seen as air weapons. And the air weapon laws state that they must only be sold to the over 17's & must only be used by 14 -17 year old's under supervision. But they are relatively low power (in air weapon terms) and some maintain they are just a toy - after all, they are little different from the toy guns you can buy in a local toy shop or market.

How old do I have to be to buy one?
GiftsToYou must legally take the stance that these are air weapons & therefore will only sell to over 17's. What you do with them after this point is entirely your discretion. We recommend to any parent buying one as a gift for a youngster takes the necessary steps to ensure they are supervised & do not abuse the weapon. We do not sell these as toys - they must be only used with knowledge & understanding.

Where can they be used?
Many BB guns sold are very lifelike full size replica's. They usually have no marked or red painted end (like toy guns now usually have) and some have to be closely studied to tell them apart from the real thing. At first glance - particularly from a little distance - they will look real. Due to this fact, these guns cannot be possessed in public places. From 20th January 2004 a new law comes in force where police can arrest someone on the spot for possessing a replica gun in public. Waving one around in public is not only illegal but it is also irresponsible & highly stupid - it's not unheard of someone getting shot & killed for this reason. It's what leads to BB guns getting a bad name.

BB guns are great fun & should only be used amongst friends (or soon to be ex-friends after they get shot) in the home, garden or on private land.