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Are Airguns Legal in Falkland Islands?
Yes, with conditions.
Generally legal, but with real rules to follow, usually age verification and, in some places, a low-power threshold.
Tier 3: Moderate
Threshold-based licensing: a permit-free band for low-power airguns, with a licence required above it.
FK
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Falkland Islands is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationThreshold-based
Age rule21+
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleVariable
TransportVariable
AuthorityUnclear
Before you buy or sell
- CO2 and other gas-powered guns count as 'firearms' (not 'airguns') and need a licence and police registration.
- Import/export licensing applies to firearms/ammunition; police say imported airsoft guns are sometimes detained by Customs or Police for checks.
- Police guidance: airgun-class guns may not be held or used by under-14s unless supervised by someone 21+.
The rules in detail
Classification
Threshold-based
Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance 1987, 'airgun' means a firearm operated solely by compressed air (spring-piston, pump or pre-charged air rifles and pistols). Guns that use or can use CO2 or other compressed gas are not airguns; police treat them as 'firearms' requiring a licence and registration (Royal Falkland Islands Police guidance, following the UK case R v Thorpe).
Age rule
21+
Under 14: may not hold or use an airgun unless supervised by a parent, guardian or other person aged 21+. CO2/gas guns count as firearms and need a licence, which is 17+ (Royal Falkland Islands Police guidance on the 1987 Ordinance).
Possession
Licence required
Guns operated solely by compressed air (spring, pump or pre-charged air) are 'airguns' under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance 1987. Police guidance says airsoft guns in that class need no licence or registration and may be sold without restriction, which points to the same for ordinary air-only airguns (no power limit in the Ordinance has been checked). CO2 or other gas-powered guns are 'firearms': licence and police registration required (a lighter, free scheme exists for airsoft).
Transfer / sale
Variable
Import/export of firearms/ammunition requires a firearms and ammunition import/export licence. Airguns should be pre-cleared with police/customs before shipment or travel.
Transport
Variable
Transport unloaded, cased, and with licence/registration documents where required. Offensive weapons rules can apply to public carrying of weapon-like items.
Authority
Unclear
Falkland Islands Ordinance framework administered by the Chief Police Officer / Royal Falkland Islands Police.
Hunting with an airgun
Unresolved / landowner-and-police confirmed only.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Before bringing an airgun, contact Royal Falkland Islands Police and customs. Firearms/ammunition import needs an import licence, and some airsoft weapons need registration.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.