Can I borrow a shotgun?
A non certificate holder may borrow a shotgun from another person on private premises if all the following conditions are met:
- The borrower of a shotgun may be of any age however the lender must be aged 18 or older and have a valid certificate in respect of the shotgun.
- The borrower must be in the presence of the lender; that is in sight and/or earshot.
- Use of a shotgun must comply with any conditions on the certificate held in respect of that shotgun.
- The purpose of the loan is only for hunting animals, shooting game or vermin or shooting artificial targets.
- The lender must be a person who has the right to allow others to enter the premises for the purpose of hunting animals or shooting game or vermin, or a person authorised by them in writing.
There is no minimum age at which a person may borrow a shotgun and use it under the circumstances described above, but persons under 15 years old must be supervised by someone over the age of 21 years.
Can I borrow a rifle?
A person who does not hold a firearm certificate may borrow a rifle (the ‘estate rifle’) from the occupier of private land and use it on that land in the presence of the occupier or the occupier’s servant. “Servant” would be taken to include a stalker, gamekeeper or ghillie employed by the occupier.
- The borrower must be aged 17 years or older. If the borrower is 17 years old, then the lender must be aged 18 years or over.
- The rifle may only be used on the occupier’s land.
- The occupier’s servant, if accompanying the borrower, must hold a firearm certificate for the estate rifle.
- All conditions on the lender’s firearm certificate must be complied with.
Contact
For more information please visit the Firearms Act 1968 or contact the Countryside Alliance Shooting Team at [email protected]