Why are guns not allowed in the UK?
Asked by: Esther Hauck | Last update: May 4, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (62 votes)
Guns aren't entirely banned in the UK, but strict laws, notably the 1997 handgun ban following the Dunblane massacre, severely restrict ownership, making it a privilege, not a right, for sport or work, requiring licenses for shotguns/rifles and prohibiting private handgun possession, reflecting a societal priority for public safety over widespread gun access.
Why are guns banned in the UK?
The possession and use of pistols was banned in the UK in the aftermath of the massacre in Dublane, Scotland, in 1996 when 16 schoolchildren and a teacher were killed. Critics say that the post-Dublane gun controls were an over-reaction.
Are UK citizens allowed to have guns?
You need a firearms certificate issued by the police to possess, buy or acquire a firearm or shotgun. You must also have a certificate to buy ammunition. Apply for a shotgun or firearms certificate from your local police force.
Can I legally have a gun in the UK?
The UK has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. People who want to own guns for legitimate reasons (for sport or as part of the rural economy) must get a licence from the police. The use of firearms in crime is taken very seriously and firearms offences carry heavy penalties.
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
UK Gun Laws Explained
What guns are legal in the UK without a license?
Yes, you can own an air rifle without a licence in England and Wales, as long as it stays under the legal power limit of 12 ft/lb. That means most standard . 177 or . 22 air rifles sold for target shooting, plinking, or pest control don't require a firearms certificate (FAC).
Can I own a Glock in the UK?
Those who wish to own guns must obtain a license from the police. The police conduct several checks to ensure the applicant has good reason to own a gun, is fit to own a gun and can safely own the gun. Firearms license holders are required to follow license conditions specified by the police.
How many people own guns in the UK?
565,929 people held a firearm and/or a shotgun certificate, a 3% decrease of 20,422 since last year.
Can you own a gun for self-defense in the UK?
Firearms must be stored securely to prevent, as far as reasonably practicable, access by unauthorised persons. This typically involves using a gun safe or similar secure storage unit that complies with police guidelines. Owning a gun for self-defence is highly restricted in the UK.
When did England ban guns?
Following the Dunblane school massacre, two acts were passed, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and, after the general election that year, the Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997, which in effect banned almost all handguns.
Can you legally own an M16?
In the United States, civilians can own an M16 if it was manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986, and they comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm ownership. 3. What are the main differences in functionality between the AR-15 and M16?
Are Brits allowed to own guns?
There is a uniform system of firearms licensing across Great Britain (with an additional airgun licensing scheme in Scotland), and a separate system for Northern Ireland. All firearms are registered. As of 2025, there are approximately 2.37 million legally-held firearms in the United Kingdom.
Are guns a problem in the UK?
The number of individuals killed by firearms in England and Wales has been consistent over the last ten years, according to police recorded crime figures, with an average of 28 fatalities a year. There were 24 fatalities in 2023-2024, a slight decline on 27 in 2022-2023.
What is the most armed country in the world?
The United States is the most armed country in the world by a significant margin, boasting more civilian-owned firearms than people (over 120 guns per 100 residents) and holding nearly half of the world's civilian guns, far surpassing other nations like India, China, and Pakistan, though military strength varies by nation, with countries like Russia and China having large armed forces.
Why is the UK so strict on guns?
Gun law in the UK largely derives from the 1968 Firearms Act. To obtain a firearm certificate, the police must be satisfied that a person has “good reason” to own each firearm, and that they can be trusted with it, “without danger to the public safety or to the peace”.
Which UK city has the highest gun crime?
Possession of Weapons Stats and Figures
The most dangerous cities for possession of weapons are Birmingham, Peterborough, and Southampton, with crime rates of 2.69, 2.1, and 2.09 per 1,000 daytime population respectively.
Can a US citizen carry a gun in the UK?
Under Section 17 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 , a visitor to Great Britain may, if granted a 'visitor's permit', possess firearms, shotguns and ammunition without holding a UK firearm or shotgun certificate. A visitor's permit allows an overseas resident to travel to the UK to attend various shooting events.
Can you own an AR-15 in England?
For example, the only semi-automatic guns you can own are . 22LR. Which means AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles chambered in . 22LR are all legal in the UK.
What weapons are illegal to own in the UK?
The act makes it illegal to possess dangerous weapons in private, including knuckledusters, zombie knives and death star knives, and you will soon have to verify you are over 18 to buy bladed items from the internet.
Can you legally own an AK-47 in the UK?
You can own any gun in the UK as long as you have a good reason. Good reason is a legal term and who interprets it would be either the local police or the Home Secretary. Generally the main good reasons for ownership of firearms* are for target shooting or working with wild life.
Can a gun be delivered to your house?
In almost all cases, it is not legal to receive a gun at your home or transfer a gun across state lines without the involvement of a dealer. Having an FFL dealer receive your online purchase is what keeps this process secure, safe, and legal.
What is the most powerful gun without a license in the UK?
177 & . 22 Calibre Pellet Guns. These air rifles are the most powerful guns that can be purchased without a license. They form the heart and soul of the British airgun sporting community, and are the tools of choice for ranged target shooting and vermin control.