Clubs
Approved rifle and muzzle-loading pistol clubs
Someone wishing to possess a rifle or muzzle-loading pistol solely for target shooting must be a member of an approved rifle club or, as the case may be, approved muzzle-loading pistol club. This is under section 44 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
Any rifle, miniature rifle or muzzle-loading pistol club can apply to the relevant Secretary authority for approval. For clubs in Scotland the relevant authority is the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government will consider your application before contacting your local police firearms processing centre.
If approved, the club will have to pay a fee to the Scottish government. They will then notify the secretary or responsible officer of the club that approval has now been given.
When approval has been granted, members of that club can possess firearms and ammunition without holding a personal firearm certificate. They can do "when engaged as a member of the club in connection with target shooting".
Approval also allows the police to grant a free firearm certificate to a responsible officer of the club. This will enable him or her to purchase and acquire firearms and ammunition for members to use for target shooting.
Club members may not purchase or acquire firearms or ammunition unless they have been granted a personal firearm certificate by the police.
The latest information and applications can be found on the My Gov Firearms page.
Air weapon club
An air weapon club can apply to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland for approval status.
They'll need to complete form Air Weapons Form AWL 6.
Once approved, this approval lasts for a period of 6 years. The fee for a new application is £45.00.
This allows the member of the club, without holding an air weapon certificate, to use or possess an air weapon whilst engaged in target shooting at the club, another approved air weapon club, an event or a competition.
Members may not purchase or acquire air weapons unless they have been granted their own individual air weapon certificates.
To be granted approval clubs must be able to satisfy certain criteria. These include that;
- they can provide proof of a constitution
- provide details of 3 principal officers
- have regular use of ranges where shooting can be carried out safely
- have suitable security provisions in place
- have valid insurance cover to meet injury or damage claims
- must have at least 5 full members at time of application.
If you are applying for approval for a new club with new shooting facilities then a Firearms Enquiry Officer will visit your premises.
They'll do this prior to approval to ensure that your range and security arrangements are adequate.
Existing clubs
Existing approved firearm and shotgun clubs can apply for co-terminus Air Weapon Club status by completing form Air Weapons Form AWL 6.
The approval in this case will expire along with your existing Firearm/Shotgun Club Certificate.
You must still provide details of 3 principal officers. However we will only visit your premises if you identify new shooting facilities or arrangements.
