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can you buy gun in uk
Can You Buy a Gun in the UK? Everything You Need to Know About Gun Ownership in Britain
When people ask, “Can you buy a gun in the UK?”, the answer is surprisingly nuanced. While the UK is widely known for its strict firearm legislation, the idea that guns are completely banned is a misconception. Yes, you can buy a gun in the UK — but only under very specific conditions, and with rigorous legal oversight.
Whether you’re a UK resident interested in sport shooting, a collector researching international laws, or someone comparing global firearm policies, this guide will clarify:
- What kinds of guns you can and can’t legally buy in the UK
- The legal process to get a gun license in Britain
- The differences between UK and US gun laws
- What types of firearms are permitted (spoiler: handguns are mostly banned)
- What UK gun owners need to know about safe storage, usage, and police inspections
🔍 Quick Answer: Can You Buy a Gun in the UK?
✅ Yes, you can buy a gun in the UK, but only if:
- You hold a valid Firearm Certificate (FAC) or Shotgun Certificate (SGC)
- You undergo background checks, character references, and home inspections
- You provide a legitimate reason for ownership, such as sport shooting or pest control
- You strictly follow the UK’s secure storage laws
That means casual gun buying, self-defense gun ownership, or open carry is not permitted under UK law.
🔑 Who Can Own a Gun in the UK?
To be eligible to buy a gun in the UK, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a UK resident or have legal permanent residency
- Have no criminal record involving violence or drug offenses
- Pass a background check
- Provide at least two personal references
- Agree to a home inspection to verify secure storage facilities
You must also have a valid reason for ownership. Acceptable reasons include:
- Target or competitive shooting
- Hunting or pest control (with landowner permission)
- Collecting historical or antique firearms
- Work-related use (e.g., security professionals with a business license)
❗Self-defense is NOT accepted as a valid reason to own a firearm in the UK.
🔫 What Types of Guns Can You Legally Buy in the UK?
The UK classifies guns differently than the U.S., and many types are heavily restricted or banned altogether.
✔️ Legal Firearms in the UK (with a valid certificate):
| Firearm Type | Certificate Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotguns (non-magazine fed) | SGC (Shotgun Certificate) | Most commonly owned |
| Bolt-action rifles | FAC (Firearm Certificate) | Used for sport or hunting |
| Muzzleloaders / black powder guns | FAC | Legal with proper licensing |
| .22 caliber rimfire rifles | FAC | Often used for target shooting |
| Air rifles (under 12 ft-lb) | No license needed | Over 12 ft-lb requires FAC |
❌ Banned or Severely Restricted:
| Firearm Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Handguns | Banned (except in Northern Ireland and for special exemptions) |
| Semi-automatic rifles (centerfire) | Banned |
| Fully automatic firearms | Banned |
| High-capacity shotguns | Restricted or banned depending on magazine size |
📋 How to Legally Buy a Gun in the UK: Step-by-Step
1. Apply for a Shotgun or Firearm Certificate
Applications are submitted through your local police department, often via their official website.
You’ll need to:
- Provide a detailed personal background
- List your reason for firearm ownership
- Submit two personal references (non-family)
- Disclose any mental health issues
- Grant permission for your GP (doctor) to release health records
2. Pass a Home Inspection
Police will inspect your home to verify that:
- You have a gun safe or locked cabinet bolted to a wall or floor
- The firearms will not be accessible to unauthorized users (children, guests, etc.)
3. Wait for Approval
Processing can take 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer. You’ll receive either a:
- Shotgun Certificate (SGC) – Allows ownership of shotguns with no magazine or a max capacity of 3 rounds
- Firearm Certificate (FAC) – Required for rifles and certain airguns
4. Purchase Your Firearm from a Licensed Dealer
Once licensed, you can legally purchase firearms, ammunition, and accessories from registered dealers only.
🔒 Private gun sales are allowed only with notification to the police, and both parties must be licensed.
🇬🇧 UK vs USA Gun Ownership: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | United Kingdom | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Gun ownership for self-defense | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Common & legal |
| Firearm license required | ✅ Always | ❌ Not federally required |
| Handgun ownership | ❌ Generally banned | ✅ Widely legal |
| Gun registration | ✅ Mandatory | ❌ Not required in most states |
| Background checks | ✅ Strict & detailed | ✅ But varies by state |
| Gun storage laws | ✅ Heavily enforced | ✅ Recommended, not always required |
🤔 Is Gun Ownership Common in the UK?
While gun ownership in the UK is much lower than in the U.S., it still exists.
As of recent data:
- There are approximately 600,000 licensed firearm owners
- Over 2 million legal firearms are held in the UK
- Most gun owners are sport shooters, farmers, or collectors
The perception that “no one in the UK owns guns” is simply false—it’s just highly controlled and closely monitored.
🔐 UK Gun Storage and Security Requirements
UK law requires:
- Firearms to be stored in a steel cabinet that meets British safety standards
- The cabinet to be secured to a wall or floor
- Ammunition to be stored separately (for firearms with cartridges)
- Regular inspections and spot checks by police
Failure to comply can lead to license revocation, criminal charges, and firearm confiscation.
🛍️ Can You Buy Guns or Gear Online in the UK?
You cannot buy a firearm online and have it delivered to your door in the UK. All gun purchases must be:
- Done in person
- Registered and tracked by authorities
- Approved by your local police department
However, you can buy tactical gear, gun safes, accessories, and non-lethal defense products (where legal) online.
Visit The Armor Corner to browse:
- Tactical storage systems
- Range bags and protective gear
- Non-lethal self-defense tools
- Air rifle accessories (where permitted by UK law)
⚠️ Important Notes for Visitors to the UK
If you’re a licensed gun owner traveling to the UK:
- You cannot bring a firearm into the country without a special import permit
- You must declare the firearm in advance and state its purpose (e.g., competition)
- You’ll likely need a local sponsor or club membership
✅ Final Thoughts: Can You Buy a Gun in the UK?
Yes, you can buy a gun in the UK, but only if you’re legally licensed and follow an extensive set of regulations that govern:
- Why you want to own a gun
- Where and how it will be stored
- How it will be used
- Who has access to it
For responsible UK shooters, hunting enthusiasts, and collectors, legal gun ownership is still a real possibility—just not in the same way as in the U.S. And for accessories that support legal, responsible firearm use, look no further than The Armor Corner for a trusted selection of quality gear and defense tools.
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