Yes, crossbows are legal in the United Kingdom but subject to strict controls under the Crossbows Act 1987 and Firearms Act 1968. Possession requires adherence to age restrictions, storage protocols, and intended use limitations, with local police forces enforcing compliance. Recent 2026 Home Office guidance emphasizes enhanced background checks for high-draw-weight models.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in United Kingdom
- Age Restrictions: Only individuals aged 18 or older may purchase or possess a crossbow without supervision. Under-18s may use one under direct adult supervision for sport or hunting, but not for self-defense.
- Storage Requirements: Crossbows must be stored securely in a locked container when not in use, with ammunition kept separately. Failure to comply risks prosecution under the Firearms Act 1968, as interpreted by local constabularies.
- Draw Weight Limits: Crossbows exceeding 1,400 newtons of draw weight are classified as firearms under the 1968 Act, requiring a license from the relevant police authority. Exemptions apply only to registered historical reenactment groups.
Local police forces, such as the Metropolitan Police’s Firearms Licensing Unit, conduct periodic audits to verify compliance. The 2026 update to the Home Office’s Firearms and Crossbows Guidance mandates digital logging of crossbow acquisitions for law enforcement tracking. Violations may result in unlimited fines or imprisonment under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.