Firearms Act 2023

1 Miniature rifle ranges and shooting galleries

(1) The Firearms Act 1968 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 11 (use of firearms for sports, athletics and other approved activities), for subsection (4) substitute—

“(3A) Subsection (4) applies to a person at a relevant rifle range or shooting gallery who is not the operator of the range or gallery.

(4) The person may, without holding a certificate, have in their possession—

(a) a miniature rifle, and

(b) ammunition for a miniature rifle,

provided by the operator of the range or gallery.

(4A) In this section—

• “miniature rifle” means a rifle chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges;

• “operator” means the person conducting or carrying on the relevant rifle range or shooting gallery;

• “relevant rifle range or shooting gallery” means a rifle range or shooting gallery at which no firearms are used other than air weapons or miniature rifles.”

(3) In section 23(2)(b) (use of weapons or ammunition at shooting gallery), for “miniature rifles not exceeding .23 inch calibre” substitute “rifles chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges”.