Buckshot remains effectively illegal for the average citizen in the United Kingdom even after the 2026 Firearms Law reforms. While the new legislation introduced tighter definitions of “ammunition” and expanded licensing requirements, it did not lift the blanket prohibition on shot shells containing multiple projectiles larger than 2 mm, which includes buckshot. Only a narrow range of professionals—such as licensed gamekeepers and certain pest‑control operators—may possess it under strict conditions.
Legal background before 2026
The 1997 Firearms (Amendment) Act classified buckshot as “Section 5 ammunition,” meaning it could only be held by individuals with a firearms certificate (FAC) that specifically authorises its use. The definition centred on the number of pellets per shell and the diameter of each pellet, which placed most buckshot rounds outside the permissible scope for sport shooting and self‑defence.
What the 2026 Firearms Act changed
The 2026 Reform Act introduced three key amendments:
- Clearer categorisation – All shells with more than one projectile larger than 2 mm are now listed as “high‑impact ammunition.”
- Expanded licensing pathways – A new “Specialist Use Licence” (SUL) allows certain occupational groups to apply for buckshot without an FAC, provided they demonstrate a genuine operational need.
- Stricter storage and record‑keeping – Owners must now store buckshot in a double‑locked safe and report any transfer within 48 hours.
Despite these updates, the Act retains the prohibition for private individuals who lack an SUL or a specific FAC endorsement.
How licensing affects buckshot possession
To lawfully own buckshot after 2026, a person must satisfy one of the following:
- Hold an FAC that explicitly lists buckshot for a declared activity (e.g., pest control on agricultural land).
- Obtain an SUL, which requires proof of employment with a recognised pest‑control firm or a wildlife management body, a background check, and a justified need assessment.
- Be a member of an approved shooting club that has a collective licence covering buckshot for controlled deer cull events.
Failure to meet these criteria can lead to criminal charges, fines up to £5,000, or up to six months imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buckshot ever legal for private self‑defence in the UK?
No. The law expressly excludes self‑defence as a valid reason for a buckshot endorsement. Even with an FAC, the permitted ammunition for self‑defence is limited to standard non‑expanding rounds.
Can a licensed hunter use buckshot for deer stalking?
Only if the hunting club holds a collective FAC that lists buckshot for that specific activity. Individual hunters must not possess the shells separately.
Does the new SUL cover other types of ammunition?
The SUL is purpose‑specific. It can be issued for buckshot, slug ammunition, or high‑velocity rifle rounds, but each category requires a separate justification and endorsement.
What penalties apply for illegal possession of buckshot?
Possession without the proper licence is a felony under Section 5 of the Firearms Act. Penalties include an unlimited fine, confiscation of the ammunition, and a prison term of up to six months.
Are there any future proposals to relax buckshot restrictions?
Parliamentary debates in 2027 indicated a proposal to allow limited civilian use for pest control on private land, but the measure has not yet been enacted and remains under review.