Guns in the UK are strictly controlled. If you're convicted for being in possession of a prohibited firearm the minimum sentence is five years.

The Law

• You could face up to 10 years behind bars if convicted of using another person to look after a gun.
• Teachers have the power to search pupils if they believe someone has a dangerous weapon on them.

If you are convicted of:	The penalty is:
Possession of a prohibited weapon or ammunition.	Up to 10 years in prison.
Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.	Life imprisonment.
Shortening a shot gun or conversion of a firearm.	Up to seven years in prison.
Possession of a firearm (including replicas) with intent to cause fear of violence.	Up to 10 years in prison.
Carrying a firearm or imitation firearm, including BB guns, in a public place.	Up to seven years in prison.
Possession of an air weapon by a person under 14 years of age.	£1000 fine.
Trespassing with a firearm on land.	Up to three months in prison.
Possession of an air weapon in a public place by a person under 17 years of age.	£1000 fine.
Failure to hand over a firearm or ammunition when asked by a police officer.	Up to three months in prison.
Possession of a shot gun without a certificate.	Up to five years in prison.

Imitation guns

An imitation firearm is one that looks like a real firearm; this could include some toy guns and BB guns.

It can be really difficult to distinguish between a real and an imitation plastic toy gun, especially from a distance. Don't take them out in public and risk a member of the public or police believing the gun is real, it could lead to all sorts of problems.

Airguns (includes BB guns)

• You have to be 18 to buy and own an air weapon.
• Air weapons will only be sold by registered firearms dealers who have been approved by the police.
• An air weapon may only be used on private premises for legitimate reasons, at a shooting club or gallery.
• It is a crime to have an air weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Gun facts

• Of all incidents requiring armed police attendance in Avon and Somerset, 90% are found to involve imitation guns or air weapons.
• Each time an armed response unit is called it costs your community £1,410 - the cost of 27 police officers patrolling your neighbourhood for an hour.

Contact the police to arrange for the safe disposal of a firearm