Airgun shooters dodge lead ban

Airgun shooters have escaped the incoming lead ammunition ban that’s set to revolutionise the shooting world. While shotgun and rifle shooters face switching to non-lead alternatives, the airgun community can carry on exactly as before.

The timeline

The Government’s announcement on 10 July confirms that legislation restricting lead ammunition will reach the statute books by summer 2026, followed by a three-year transition period ending in 2029. But in a major victory for airgun users, their sport won’t be touched.

Terry Behan, BASC’s deputy director of shooting operations, revealed how the organisation secured this exemption:
“BASC was successful in fighting to ensure that small calibres, airguns and shooting on ranges will be exempt from this proposed legislation.”

BASC’s lobbying proved decisive, with the organisation emphasising its priority to support a transition that upholds environmental responsibility while fighting to protect the future and integrity of shooting in the UK.

Officials recognised the unique challenges facing airgun ammunition. Non-lead alternatives could push some airguns over legal muzzle energy limits, potentially criminalising thousands of law-abiding shooters overnight.

The government policy confirms that “small calibre bullets for live quarry shooting and airguns are not in scope of the restriction,” meaning both target shooting and pest control remain unaffected.

This exemption will cover all airguns, from .177 target rifles to high-powered .30 calibre Section 1 air rifles.

Rationale

The decision reflects sound environmental logic. Unlike shotgun pellets scattered across fields or rifle bullets buried in woodland, airgun pellets can be effectively collected from ranges. Air rifle hunters typically achieve minimal missed shots, reducing environmental dispersal.

As other disciplines brace for wholesale ammunition changes, airgun enthusiasts have won the lottery – traditional lead pellets, superior ballistics and business as usual. And for those who shoot across multiple disciplines, this exemption provides at least one constant in a changing landscape.

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