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Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:04 pm
by ArcofZen
Spotted on today's BBC news App:
So is this a reporting error or will this crime be counted towards 'firearms' despite it being an air rifle?
It's either an air rifle, or a firearm. It can't be both!
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:16 pm
by Christel
Well...considering you need to be an RFD in order to sell one and have an FAC in order to own one (in some areas)...I can understand the BBC used that word.
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:18 pm
by Christel
Well certificate...hmm...not sure now.
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:44 pm
by BamBam
Possible the air rifle was tested over 12ft/lb limit?
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:57 pm
by dromia
The police regard air guns as firearms.
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:58 pm
by Les
6. THE LAW
The law makes no distinction between air rifles and more powerful guns for which you need a licence –
they are all classed as firearms. This means that any offence you commit can carry a very heavy penalty, and there are at least 38 different offences. Following this code will help you to keep on the right side of the law, but, if you have any doubt, seek advice from BASC (
www.basc.org.uk) or your local police firearms licensing department.
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 7:02 pm
by Rockhopper
An air rifle is legally a firearm, it's just of a category that doesn't require a licence (apart from in Scotland)
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:16 pm
by Sim G
Rockhopper wrote:An air rifle is legally a firearm, it's just of a category that doesn't require a licence (apart from in Scotland)
/\ /\ /\ This to all intents and purposes....
Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:33 pm
by ArcofZen
Les wrote:6. THE LAW
The law makes no distinction between air rifles and more powerful guns for which you need a licence –
they are all classed as firearms. This means that any offence you commit can carry a very heavy penalty, and there are at least 38 different offences. Following this code will help you to keep on the right side of the law, but, if you have any doubt, seek advice from BASC (
http://www.basc.org.uk) or your local police firearms licensing department.
Wow.
Did not know that.

Re: Firearm or Air Rifle BBC?!
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 9:18 pm
by Chapuis
Rockhopper wrote:An air rifle is legally a firearm, it's just of a category that doesn't require a licence (apart from in Scotland)
and I believe Northern Ireland? Or at least they did at one time, not sure of the current situation.