Quick Answer
UK crossbow law is separate from firearms licensing, but it is tightening. In March 2026 the government said it would introduce further restrictions, including a licensing scheme for existing crossbow owners, consultation on sale restrictions and a planned prohibition on broadhead arrows or bolts.
For firearm and shotgun certificate holders, the practical message is simple. Treat crossbows as serious weapons, check current law before buying or selling, never use them for hunting, store them securely and keep clear private records.
Are crossbows firearms under UK law?
Crossbows are not managed through the same ordinary firearm and shotgun certificate system as rifles and shotguns.
That does not make them casual equipment. Crossbows have their own law, criminal misuse risks, age restrictions and wildlife law issues. The main point for shooters is that "not on an FAC" does not mean "unregulated".
The Crossbows Act 1987 is the key statute for age-related controls. Wildlife law is also important because a crossbow must not be treated as a field shooting tool in the way a lawful rifle or shotgun might be.
What changed in the 2026 government position?
The major 2026 development was the government's response to its call for evidence on public safety controls.
In the government response published on 19 March 2026, the Home Office said there was no licensing or registration scheme then in place for people wishing to purchase and own a crossbow.
The same response said the government would introduce further restrictions by bringing in a licensing scheme for existing crossbow owners and consulting on the details. It also said the government would prohibit the sale of crossbows, consult on how that ban should work and plan to prohibit broadhead arrows.
That means any article about crossbows now needs caution. The legal position is in motion, and shooters should check the latest GOV.UK page before acting.
What are the current age rules for crossbows?
The Crossbows Act 1987 places restrictions around people under 18.
In broad terms, it is an offence to sell or let on hire a crossbow or part of a crossbow to someone under 18. It is also an offence for a person under 18 to buy, hire or possess a crossbow or parts of one, subject to the detail of the Act.
Responsible adults should not treat those rules as a technicality. If juniors are involved in any crossbow activity through an archery club, outdoor centre or private arrangement, supervision, suitability, insurance and current legal checks all matter.
Firearm certificate holders should be especially careful. Even where an item sits outside the FAC system, poor judgement involving weapons can still affect how police view overall suitability and responsibility.
Can you hunt with a crossbow in the UK?
You should not use a crossbow to hunt wild animals in the UK.
The 2026 government response states that hunting with a bow or crossbow is unlawful. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also restricts the use of bows or crossbows for killing or taking wild animals.
For Vectis readers, this distinction is important. Lawful pest control, deer stalking and game shooting depend on the correct firearm, authority, land permission, species law, seasons, conditions and humane practice. A crossbow is not an alternative to those requirements.
If the conversation is about live quarry, use the right legal route or do not proceed.
What does the law say about broadhead bolts?
Broadhead bolts are a specific concern in the 2026 government response.
The Home Office said that although it was unlawful to hunt with a bow or crossbow, it was lawful at that time to sell or possess broadhead arrows or bolts. It also said broadheads were primarily used for hunting and had no purpose in target shooting.
The government response then stated that broadhead arrows were planned for prohibition. That makes them a high-risk area for anyone buying or retaining crossbow equipment.
The sensible position is conservative. Do not buy broadheads for target shooting, do not assume old stock will remain lawful indefinitely and check the final legislation before retaining any equipment that may fall within a future ban.
Should firearm certificate holders keep crossbow records?
Firearm certificate holders should keep private crossbow records even if no firearms-style certificate record is required.
This is not because Vectis is saying a crossbow is the same as a rifle. It is because responsible people benefit from clear records, especially when law is changing.
Useful private records include:
- Date acquired.
- Seller or transfer source.
- Make, model and serial number if present.
- Draw weight or specification.
- Storage location.
- Accessories and bolt types.
- Date sold, disposed of or surrendered.
- Any legal checks carried out before purchase or sale.
If a licensing or registration scheme is introduced, having this information ready may save time and reduce uncertainty.
How should a crossbow be stored?
A crossbow should be stored securely, away from children, visitors and unauthorised access.
The precise legal storage regime is not the same as a firearms cabinet requirement, but the standard of personal responsibility should still be high. A locked cupboard, locked hard case or secure room is a sensible baseline, with bolts stored separately.
Do not leave a crossbow assembled and accessible in a garage, vehicle or outbuilding. Do not store broadheads casually. Do not assume that because an item is not a firearm it can be treated like ordinary sports equipment.
For certificate holders, the optics of storage matter as well as the law. Police licensing decisions involve trust, judgement and public safety. Sloppy handling of any weapon can create avoidable questions.
Can you shoot a crossbow at a firearm range?
You can only shoot a crossbow at a firearm range if the range explicitly permits it and the safety system is suitable.
A firearm backstop does not automatically make a good crossbow range. Bolts behave differently from bullets and shot. They need suitable targets, extraction procedures, overshoot consideration and safe retrieval rules.
Before using a crossbow at any club, check:
- Club rules.
- Range approval or permitted activities.
- Backstop and target suitability.
- Insurance cover.
- Supervision requirements.
- Storage before and after the session.
- Whether broadheads are prohibited.
If the range officer or club committee is unsure, do not shoot until the position is confirmed.
Why is crossbow law relevant to Vectis readers?
Crossbow law is relevant because many Vectis readers care about compliance beyond the narrow wording of their certificate.
A responsible shooter does not ask only "can I get away with this?" The better question is "is this lawful, safe, necessary and easy to explain?"
That mindset applies to firearms, shotguns, ammunition, moderators, storage, transport, permissions and now crossbows. When the law is moving, records help. When public safety is part of the issue, caution helps.
Vectis Shooting Log is built around that practical compliance mindset. It helps shooters keep firearms, ammunition, usage and supporting notes organised, and the same habit of clear record keeping is useful for legal adjacent equipment too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are crossbows firearms under UK law?
Crossbows are not treated as ordinary firearms certificates items in the way rifles and shotguns are. They sit under separate controls, including the Crossbows Act 1987 and wildlife law, with further controls proposed by government in 2026.
Do you need a licence for a crossbow in the UK in 2026?
At the time of writing, the government has announced plans for a licensing scheme for existing crossbow owners and further restrictions on sale. Shooters should check the latest GOV.UK position before buying, selling or travelling with a crossbow.
Can under-18s buy a crossbow in the UK?
The Crossbows Act 1987 restricts sale, hire and possession involving people under 18. Adults should treat any junior crossbow activity with strict supervision and current legal checks.
Can you hunt with a crossbow in the UK?
You should not use a crossbow to hunt wild animals in the UK. The government response on crossbow controls states that hunting with a bow or crossbow is unlawful, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act restricts use of bows and crossbows against wild animals.
Are broadhead bolts legal in the UK?
The 2026 government response said broadhead arrows and bolts were lawful to sell or possess at that point, but the government planned to prohibit them. Check current law before buying or keeping them.
Should firearm certificate holders record crossbow ownership?
There may be no certificate condition requiring a firearm-style record, but keeping a private note is sensible. Certificate holders are already used to clear records and should avoid any avoidable uncertainty.
Can I shoot a crossbow at my gun club?
Only if the club or range permits it, the backstop and target system are suitable, insurance covers the activity and all local rules are followed. Do not assume a firearm range automatically allows crossbows.
Why does crossbow law matter to firearm and shotgun certificate holders?
It matters because certificate holders are expected to show responsible judgement around weapons, storage, transport and public safety. Poor decisions with non-firearm equipment can still raise serious concerns.