Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations bring into force sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act 2023 (c. 49) (“the 2023 Act”) on 1st May 2025.

Regulation 2(a) brings into force section 1 of the 2023 Act which amends sections 11 and 23(2)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (“the 1968 Act”). The effect is that, firstly, a person may, without holding a firearms certificate under the 1968 Act, at a relevant rifle range or shooting gallery, have in their possession a miniature rifle and ammunition for a miniature rifle, where those items were provided by the operator of the range or gallery. Secondly, an exception to an offence under the 1968 Act for a person under the age of eighteen to have an air weapon or ammunition when they are at a shooting gallery is amended by replacing “miniature rifles not exceeding .23 inch calibre” with “rifles chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges”.

Regulation 2(b) brings into force section 2 of the 2023 Act which inserts into the 1968 Act new section 3A. That creates an offence for a person to have in their possession any component parts of ammunition if they intend to manufacture ammunition using those parts, where it would be an offence for that person to possess or manufacture such ammunition under the 1968 Act.

Sections 1 and 2 are the only remaining provisions of the 2023 Act to be commenced. Section 3 (extent, commencement and short title) came into force on Royal Assent (18th September 2023).

A full impact assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.