Age restrictions

Young people

Firearm laws are different for juveniles and young people.

A person under eighteen is prohibited by Firearms Act (Amendment) Regulations 2010, No 1759 from purchasing or hiring any firearm or ammunition as defined by section 1 of the 1968 Act and a shot gun and ammunition as defined by section 2 of the 1968 Act

CAN

  • CAN hold a shotgun certificate

CANNOT

  • CANNOT hold a firearm certificate
  • CANNOT purchase or hire shotguns until 18 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT receive a gift of a shotgun until 15 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)

CAN

  • CAN hold a shotgun certificate
  • CAN hold a firearm certificate and
  • CAN Receive a gift of a Section 1 firearm from the age of 14 years old (If authorised by the relevant certificate)

CANNOT

  • CANNOT Purchase or hire a shotgun until 18 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT Purchase or hire a firearm until 18 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT Receive a gift of a shotgun until 15 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT Have an assembled shotgun unless supervised by a shotgun certificate holder over 21 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT Have an uncovered / unsecured shotgun until 15 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)

CAN

  • CAN hold a shotgun certificate
  • CAN hold a firearm certificate
  • CAN Receive a gift of a shotgun from the age of 15 years (If authorised by the relevant certificate)
  • CAN Receive a gift of a firearm from the age of 14 years (If authorised by the relevant certificate)
  • CAN Possess a shotgun if covered and secured from the age of 15 years (If authorised by the relevant certificate)

CANNOT

  • CANNOT Purchase or hire shotguns until 18 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
  • CANNOT Purchase or hire firearms until 18 years old (Even if the holder of a relevant certificate)
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