Air Rifle Code of Practice

Air Rifle Code of Practice

Air rifles are among the most widely owned firearms in England and Wales, with an estimated six million in circulation. The overwhelming majority are used legally, safely, and responsibly. This code of practice is intended to provide comprehensive guidance to air rifle users, ensuring safety, respect for the countryside, and compliance with the law.

This code does not apply in Northern Ireland or Scotland, where firearms legislation is different and, in some areas, more restrictive.

Maintaining high standards is essential. Public confidence and political support for shooting depend on responsible conduct both now and for future generations.

The Golden Rules

- Always keep your rifle’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never point a rifle at anything you do not intend to shoot, even if you believe it to be unloaded. Many accidents occur because of complacency, and safe muzzle awareness is the single most important habit to develop.

- Respect the countryside and others who use it. Air rifle shooting often takes place in areas shared by walkers, horse riders, or farmers at work. Being considerate helps prevent conflict and ensures continued access.

- Never fire without a secure backstop. A suitable backstop might be a solid earth bank, but not hard surfaces such as stone, which can cause ricochets. Always consider where the pellet will land if you miss your target.

- Do not exceed your ability. Attempting overly long shots or aiming at difficult angles often results in wounding rather than a clean kill. Responsible shooters know their limits and stick to them.

- Ignorance of the law is not a defence. Firearms law is strict, and penalties are severe. If you are uncertain about any legal issue, stop and seek clarification before continuing.

Responsible Behaviour in the Field

How you conduct yourself in the countryside reflects on all shooters. Responsible, considerate behaviour reassures the wider public that air rifles are being used safely.

- Always obtain permission from the landowner or occupier before shooting. This permission should ideally be in writing. Never assume that permission once given applies indefinitely — confirm each time you intend to shoot.

- Confirm exactly what quarry you may shoot. Some landowners may restrict shooting to certain species, or exclude shooting during certain times (e.g., lambing season). Respect these conditions fully.

- Respect all property, boundaries, fences, crops, and livestock. Avoid crossing crops unnecessarily, leave gates as you found them, and ensure animals are not disturbed. A single careless act can lose access permanently.

- Treat your rifle as if it is loaded at all times. Even when you are certain it is empty, act as though it could discharge. This habit ensures safe handling becomes second nature.

- Check the rifle immediately when picking it up or being handed it. Open the breech, check the chamber, and confirm it is un-cocked. Pre-charged pneumatic rifles require particular attention, as they may appear safe when still holding pressure.

- Think before you shoot. Consider pellet travel beyond your target. If there is any chance of hitting buildings, vehicles, or people, do not take the shot.

- Understand ricochet risks. Hard surfaces such as water, metal, or stone can deflect pellets unpredictably. Avoid shooting near these hazards.

- Never leave a rifle loaded or unattended. A loaded rifle poses risk to anyone who may pick it up, including children or other shooters.

- Use a sound moderator if possible. Moderators not only reduce noise, but also help prevent disturbance to wildlife and reduce concern from nearby land users.

- Remember that your behaviour reflects on all shooters. The wider public often does not distinguish between air rifle users and other firearms owners. Conduct yourself with care and encourage your companions to do the same.

What You Can Shoot

Target Shooting

Air rifle target shooting is a growing sport that provides an excellent way to improve marksmanship.

- Clubs provide safe environments. Joining a local target shooting club allows you to practise with experienced supervision, learn proper technique, and benefit from structured competitions.

- If practising at home, use a proper backstop. An earth bank or a brick wall with an old carpet hung in front are examples of effective backstops. Never use plywood or polished surfaces, which can cause dangerous ricochets.

- Be mindful of boundaries. It is illegal for a pellet to leave your property, even accidentally. Position targets well away from boundaries, and do not assume hedges or fences are sufficient barriers.

Live Quarry Shooting

Air rifles are effective for controlling certain pest species, but their limited power makes them unsuitable for larger game or wildfowl.

- Birds: All wild birds are legally protected. Only certain species can be controlled, and only under conditions permitted by law, such as protecting crops or preventing disease. You must be certain that the species is lawful to shoot before doing so.

- Mammals: Air rifles are suitable for controlling smaller mammals such as brown rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink, and rabbits. Larger animals cannot be killed humanely with an air rifle and should never be attempted.

Respect for the Quarry

- Know your limits. Practise regularly to determine the maximum distance at which you can consistently hit a target the size of a three-centimetre circle. Never shoot beyond that range at live quarry.

- Understand kill zones. For mammals, the preferred target is the brain, usually achieved with a side-on head shot. For birds, the head is effective but difficult; the breast or under-wing area provides a larger, reliable target.

- Zero your rifle before hunting. Even a small misalignment can cause inaccuracy at range. Always check your sights before going into the field.

- Positive identification is essential. Only shoot once you are certain of the species, its legality, and your ability to make a clean kill.

- Dispatch wounded quarry immediately. A follow-up shot or a sharp blow to the base of the skull should be used to minimise suffering. Take extra care with rodents, which may bite or scratch.

- Do not handle rats directly. They can carry fatal diseases. Always use tools such as shovels or forks to move them.

At the End of the Day

- Leave no trace. Collect all spent targets, pellets, and equipment. Dispose of waste responsibly.

- Be courteous to the landowner. Thank them for access, and consider offering part of your bag if edible quarry has been taken.

- Respect quarry as food. Treat carcasses with care, cool them quickly, and never waste edible meat.

- Dispose of non-edible quarry properly. Deep burial is generally the most discreet and hygienic method. Carcasses should never be displayed on fences, which may offend others.

The Air Rifle

- Choose an appropriate rifle. For humane hunting, rifles should be capable of at least 11 ft-lb (15J) of energy. Any rifle over 12 ft-lb (16.25J) requires a firearm certificate.

- Avoid risky shots. Do not attempt to shoot quarry that may escape unrecovered, such as rabbits near burrows. Humane retrieval is part of responsible shooting.

- Consider rifle design. Rifles that reload slowly may cost you a follow-up shot, whereas repeating rifles provide a quicker second attempt if required.

- Maintain your rifle. Regular cleaning and servicing ensure consistent accuracy and safe operation.

- Select hunting-specific pellets. Flat-head pellets designed for targets are less effective for live quarry. Always inspect pellets before use for dents or deformation.

Care and Maintenance

- Respect your equipment. Rifles are precision tools. Rough handling can knock them out of alignment or cause dangerous faults.

- Do not dismantle without knowledge. Air rifles often contain strong springs and compressed air systems that can cause injury if mishandled. Leave complex maintenance to trained professionals.

- Store properly after use. Ensure the rifle is dry, clean, and lightly oiled before putting it away.

- Protect against rust. A wipe with an oiled cloth or silicone rag helps prevent corrosion.

- Clean the barrel correctly. Use proper tools and avoid excess oil, which must be removed before firing.

Conclusion

Air rifles are versatile tools that can be used for sport, pest control, and target practice, but with ownership comes responsibility. Safe handling, respect for the law, and consideration for others are not optional — they are essential for maintaining the privilege of using air rifles in England and Wales.

By following this code of practice, shooters can:

- Ensure their activities are carried out humanely and responsibly.

- Demonstrate respect for landowners, the wider countryside, and other countryside users.

- Stay on the right side of the law by understanding age restrictions, property boundaries, and security requirements.

- Protect the future of air rifle shooting by upholding the highest standards of conduct.

Every action taken with an air rifle, whether in the field or at the range, reflects on the entire shooting community. Responsible use today will help safeguard the ability to continue enjoying air rifle shooting for generations to come.

Above all, remember:

- Safety comes first.

- The law must always be respected.

- Humane and responsible conduct should guide every shot.