What you should know about owning an airgun You do not need a license to own and air rifle or pistol providing it is not capable of exceeding certain power limits. The power limit is set at 12 ft. lbs. For air rifles and 6 ft. lbs. For air pistols. These power limits are for any brand of pellet and it is your responsibility to ensure that the gun has a legal power output at all times. Special rules apply however, in Northern Ireland. You may not possess an air rifle that exceeds the 12 ft. lbs. Power limit unless you have a firearms certificate (FAC) which allows you to possess it. Possession of an air pistol capable of exceeding the 6 ft. lbs. Power limit is totally prohibited. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may purchase an airgun or airgun ammunition. Under the age of 14 you may not own an airgun. Any airgun regardless of it's power is considered a 'firearm' if it is used to commit a criminal offence. Simply possessing one when committing an offence may greatly increase the any sentence a court may award. Using an airgun to commit an offence carries prison sentences varying from three months to life depending on the seriousness of the crime. Wish I was as hard as you.