Firearm & Shotgun age restrictions
Firearm and Shotgun age restrictions (PDF format)
Under 14 years old
CAN:
- Hold a shotgun certificate
CANNOT:
- Hold a firearm certificate
CANNOT:
(Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
- Purchase or hire shotguns until 18 years old
OR
Receive a gift of a shotgun until 15 years old
Under 15 years old
CAN:
- Hold a shotgun certificate & Hold a firearm certificate
CAN:
(If authorised by the relevant certificate)
- Receive a gift of a Section 1 firearm from the age of 14 years old
CANNOT:
(Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
- Purchase or hire a shotgun until 18 years old
- Purchase or hire a firearm until 18 years old
- Receive a gift of a shotgun until 15 years old
- Have an assembled shotgun unless supervised by a shotgun certificate holder over 21 years old
OR
Have an uncovered / unsecured shotgun until 15 years old
Under 18 years old
CAN:
- Hold a shotgun certificate & Hold a firearm certificate
CAN:
(If authorised by the relevant certificate)
- Receive a gift of a shotgun from the age of 15 years
- Receive a gift of a firearm from the age of 14 years
- Possess a shotgun if covered and secured from the age of 15 years
CANNOT:
(Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
- Purchase or hire shotguns until 18 years old
- Purchase or hire firearms until 18 years old