Firearms safety

This page contains best practice guidance on taking care of your firearms.

1. Safe handling

2. How to secure firearms

3. Travelling with firearms

4. Travelling by vehicle

Safe handling

It's important that you follow the best practice rules when handling firearms.

General safety

• always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
• don't rely on your gun's safety mechanism
• keep your gun unloaded when not in use
• make sure the gun is unloaded before passing it to another person
• make sure the gun is unloaded before entering a building or placing it in a vehicle

When shooting

• be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting
• never touch the trigger on a firearm unless you are ready to shoot
• be sure of your target and what is beyond it
• don't shoot unless you know what your shot will hit
• use the correct ammunition
• if your gun fails to fire when you pull the trigger, handle it with care
• always wear eye and ear protection

Maintenance

• don't alter or modify your gun
• have your gun serviced regularly
• learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of your firearm

How to secure firearms

You can discuss firearms storage with the police. We can offer advice on best practices to suit your circumstances.

Examples may include:

• gun cabinets
• gun clamps
• steel cables
• installation advice
• barrel blocks and trigger guards
• keeping ammunition separate

For advice and information, contact us online.

Guidance on storing firearms and shotguns is available on GOV.UK. Read the Firearms security: a brief guide and Firearms security handbook.

Travelling with firearms

It is against the law to carry most firearms in a public place.

This includes:

• a loaded shotgun
• an air weapon (whether loaded or not)
• any other firearm (whether loaded or not)
• an imitation firearm

If you need to transport any gun, you should break it down into parts. Wrap the parts in something to protect them. Then place them in a secure bag. Do not carry them in a slip.

Travelling by vehicle

If you need to carry firearms in a vehicle, make sure that your firearms are:

• stored in a locked boot (or another secure load-carrying area)
• hidden from view from any passers-by

If you need to leave the vehicle unattended, make sure that your vehicle:

• is locked
• has an alarm or immobiliser fitted
• is not left unattended for long periods
• is parked in a place where you can see it

If you're leaving the vehicle, you must also make sure that:

• ammunition and weapons are not stored together
• your gun is broken down and the pieces are stored separately (you can choose to carry a key part of the gun with you)