Quick Answer
UK crossbow rules are separate from firearms licensing, but they still matter for responsible shooters. In Great Britain, crossbow controls are mainly built around age restrictions, misuse offences and a clear ban on hunting with bows or crossbows, while the Government has also reviewed whether further public safety controls are needed.
For firearms certificate holders, the safest approach is simple: treat a crossbow as serious equipment, use it only on suitable private land or a proper range with permission, store it securely, and keep records of practice and maintenance.
Are Crossbows Firearms Under UK Law?
Crossbows are not treated as ordinary firearms for certificate purposes. BASC states that crossbows are not firearms and are covered primarily by the Crossbows Act 1987 and the Crossbows (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.
That does not make them casual items. A crossbow can cause severe injury, and misuse can lead to serious criminal consequences. Responsible shooters should apply the same mindset they use with rifles and shotguns: safe direction, secure storage, controlled access and lawful use only.
The key difference is that your firearms certificate is not the normal authority for crossbow ownership. You should not assume that having an FAC or shotgun certificate gives you extra rights with a crossbow, or that crossbow rules mirror firearms rules.
What Are the Main UK Crossbow Rules in 2026?
The main rules in Great Britain are age-based controls, restrictions on supply, restrictions on under-18 possession and wider criminal law around misuse. The Home Office's 2026 crossbow material states that the Crossbows Act 1987 applies to crossbows with a draw weight of 1.4 kilograms or greater, and makes it an offence to sell or hire such a crossbow to a person under 18 in England, Wales and Scotland.
The same Home Office material says under-18s are prohibited from possessing a crossbow capable of discharging a missile, or parts that can be assembled into one, unless supervised by someone aged 21 or over. It also notes police powers to search people they have reason to believe are unlawfully in possession of a crossbow.
You can read the Government's crossbow controls material on GOV.UK, and the Crossbows Act 1987 on legislation.gov.uk.
Do You Need a Licence to Own a Crossbow?
At the time of writing, Great Britain does not have a general crossbow licensing or registration scheme for ordinary adult ownership. The Home Office has considered whether further controls could be introduced, including seller licensing, buyer licensing or registration models, but the existence of a review does not itself mean the law has already changed.
This is an area to watch. Legislation.gov.uk notes outstanding changes to the Crossbows Act 1987 connected with the 2026 legislative programme, which means shooters should check the current law before buying, selling or travelling with crossbow equipment.
If you are unsure, do not rely on forum advice or shop talk. Check GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk, your shooting organisation, or a qualified legal adviser before acting.
Can You Hunt With a Crossbow in the UK?
No. The Home Office states that it is unlawful to hunt with a crossbow under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and that the Deer Act 1991 prohibits the use of arrows in taking, killing or injuring deer.
This is one of the most important points for shooters who also stalk deer or carry out pest control. A crossbow might be legal to own, but it is not a lawful tool for UK hunting. Do not use it for deer, pests, game or any live quarry.
That also means broadhead bolts deserve particular caution. The Home Office noted in its crossbow review material that broadheads are primarily used for hunting and have no purpose in target shooting. For responsible UK target use, there is no practical reason to blur that line.
Where Can You Use a Crossbow Safely?
A crossbow should only be used where you have permission, a safe backstop, a controlled shooting area and no risk to the public. A private garden is not automatically safe just because it is private. Bolts can travel beyond the intended target if the setup is poor.
The safest option is a club, range or organised archery setting that understands crossbows. Some archery clubs do not permit crossbows, and some shooting ranges may not be set up for bolts, so always ask first.
For private land, get clear permission from the landowner and agree where shooting can take place. Treat footpaths, boundaries, livestock, hard surfaces and neighbouring property as serious constraints. A safe backstop is not optional.
How Should Shooters Store a Crossbow?
Crossbows should be stored so that children, visitors and unauthorised users cannot access them. Even if a gun cabinet is not legally required for ordinary adult crossbow ownership, secure storage is still the responsible choice.
Good practice is to store the crossbow uncocked, keep bolts separate, secure broadheads or specialist points if held for lawful reasons, and avoid leaving equipment visible in vehicles or outbuildings. If you already have a gun cabinet, do not overcrowd it or compromise certified firearm storage just to fit a crossbow.
Think about strings, cocking aids and spare parts too. If parts can be assembled into a working crossbow, they should not be casually accessible to under-18s or visitors.
What Should Firearms Certificate Holders Consider?
Firearms certificate holders should think beyond the bare minimum legal position. Police forces expect certificate holders to be responsible, risk-aware and honest. Crossbow misuse, unsafe storage, threatening behaviour or careless public use could create wider suitability concerns.
That does not mean certificate holders cannot own legal crossbows. It means they should be able to explain where the equipment is kept, where it is used, why it is used and how unauthorised access is prevented.
If you are travelling with a crossbow, keep it covered, unloaded, uncocked and out of sight. Go directly to and from the lawful activity. Avoid unnecessary stops and never carry it in public in a way that could cause alarm.
What Records Should Crossbow Users Keep?
Records are not just for firearms and ammunition. A simple crossbow log can record practice dates, location, permission, equipment used, maintenance, string changes, damaged bolts and any safety notes.
That habit helps if you are a certificate holder because it reinforces the same disciplined approach you already use for firearms. It also helps spot equipment wear before it becomes a safety problem.
Vectis users can keep crossbow notes alongside wider shooting activity, clearly labelled so they are not confused with firearms acquisition, possession or ammunition records. The point is clarity, not overcomplication.
How Might UK Crossbow Rules Change?
The Government has looked at whether further public safety controls should be introduced. Options discussed in the Home Office material included controls around sellers, buyers, registration and possible treatment of broadhead arrows.
Responsible shooters should avoid assuming that a 2024 or 2025 summary is still complete. The current legislation page for the Crossbows Act should be checked before any important decision, especially buying, selling, importing or disposing of equipment.
If changes come into force, expect practical issues around existing ownership, transfer, storage and compliance dates. Keep purchase records and equipment details now so you are not trying to reconstruct them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a licence for a crossbow in the UK?
At the time of writing, Great Britain does not operate a general licensing or registration scheme for ordinary crossbow ownership. Crossbows are controlled mainly through age restrictions, misuse offences and separate hunting law.
What is the minimum age for a crossbow in Great Britain?
The Home Office states that the Crossbows Act 1987 controls crossbows with a draw weight of 1.4 kilograms or greater and restricts sale, hire and possession by people under 18 in England, Wales and Scotland, with limited supervised possession provisions.
Can you hunt with a crossbow in the UK?
No. The Home Office states that it is unlawful to hunt with a crossbow under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Deer Act 1991 prohibits the use of arrows for taking, killing or injuring deer.
Are crossbows classed as firearms in the UK?
BASC describes crossbows as not being firearms and says they are covered primarily by crossbow-specific legislation. They should still be treated as potentially lethal equipment and stored responsibly.
Can a firearms certificate holder buy a crossbow?
A firearms certificate is not normally the authority used to buy an ordinary crossbow. Certificate holders should still consider whether crossbow ownership is sensible, secure and consistent with responsible conduct.
Can you use broadhead bolts for target shooting?
Broadhead bolts are primarily associated with hunting and are not needed for ordinary target shooting. The Home Office 2026 material discussed whether further controls on broadheads may be required.
Should crossbows be kept in a gun cabinet?
There is no universal rule requiring ordinary crossbows to be kept in a gun cabinet, but secure storage is sensible. Keep crossbows, strings and bolts away from children, visitors and unauthorised users.
Why should shooters record crossbow practice?
Records help show responsible use, range attendance, maintenance, safe storage decisions and equipment history. For certificate holders, good records also reinforce the same disciplined habits used for firearms and ammunition.