It is strictly regulated.
Blank firing guns in the UK are legal only under stringent conditions governed by the Firearms Act 1968 and subsequent amendments. The Home Office classifies them as “imitation firearms,” requiring compliance with licensing, age restrictions, and public safety protocols. Violations risk prosecution under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 or the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Local police forces, including the Metropolitan Police’s Firearms Licensing Unit, enforce these rules, with 2026 Home Office guidance tightening storage and usage standards.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in United Kingdom
- Licensing Requirements: Owners must obtain a Section 1 Firearms Certificate from local police, proving “good reason” for possession, such as professional use in film or theatre. Certificates specify caliber, storage, and transport conditions.
- Age Restrictions: Only individuals aged 18+ may purchase or possess blank firing guns. Retailers must verify age via photo ID under the Licensing Act 2003.
- Public Display Bans: Displaying blank firearms in public without justification violates Section 36 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Police may seize items deemed threatening under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.