UK Law

[jordan wright]

Am I understanding the below to be correct, that I could go into the local wooded area and practise without being arrested.

"The Home Office does not consider paintball markers to be firearms because they fire frangible ammunition which breaks up on contact rather than inflicting a penetrating injury."

(1) Possession of firearms in a public place

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Sec 37 amends Section 19 of The Firearms Act 1968, which deals with possessing certain firearms in a public place. This section now reads as follows:

A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on him) he has with him in a public place

(1) a loaded shotgun

(b) an air weapon (whether loaded or not)

(c) any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm, or

(d) an imitation firearm.

The above is effective from 20th January 2004.

Thanks,

 

[Lump]

Why would you want to risk it ?? go some where safe and insured ! What happens if you shoot a walker/cyclist ? And you get paintball in the press for all the wrong ?

Sorry to many reasons for you not to do it, go and train at CPPS Briketwood etc

 

[bojjob]

Its not just the press... If you were to be taken to Court, it could seriously damage the whole UK sport. If you really don't want to travel far or pay the fees, find a friend with GUARANTEED land ownership and make sure there is no public right of way in the property, then practice there under their permission ;D

 

[Mattyboy194]

Like Lump Said if you hit anyone could give Paintball bad name, Mite aswell Play somewhere safe and insured and not worry about going to the local woods and getting complained for noise and Etc.....

 

[Gee Tee]

Paintball markers may not be firearms but are still dangerous if used in the wrong places, or without wearing approved safety equipment - ie.. goggles and face protection. I'm assuming the local woodland you refer to is open to the public rather than privately owned by you, so at risk of all kinds of people moving through it. You would have to be a complete idiot not to realise this is an accident, and possible court case waiting to happen.

 

[jlylee007]

Am I understanding the below to be correct, that I could go into the local wooded area and practise without being arrested.

"The Home Office does not consider paintball markers to be firearms because they fire frangible ammunition which breaks up on contact rather than inflicting a penetrating injury."

(1) Possession of firearms in a public place

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Sec 37 amends Section 19 of The Firearms Act 1968, which deals with possessing certain firearms in a public place. This section now reads as follows:

A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on him) he has with him in a public place

(1) a loaded shotgun

(b) an air weapon (whether loaded or not)

(c) any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm, or

(d) an imitation firearm.

The above is effective from 20th January 2004.

Thanks,

I think section (B) an air weapon ( wheater loaded or not) answer your question regarding breaking the law. A paintball gun or marker is regarded as an air weapon as it runs off compressed gas. Such as PCP air rifles, so the use of it in public land WOULD be breaking the law.

And if you accidently shoot a member of public and hurt them you could be arrested for GBH.

 

[jordan wright]

That's exactly the answer I needed, I wouldn't want to give the sport a bad name and didn't consider some of the points you mentioned. Many thanks for all the replies.