Quick Answer
Yes, you can borrow rifles at a Home Office approved club under specific conditions. Non-Firearms Certificate (FAC) holders, such as probationary members and guests, can legally use club firearms under direct supervision thanks to the club's Home Office approval. FAC holders can also use club rifles on site or borrow specific firearms for limited periods under Section 16 of the Firearms Act 1968.
The Legal Basis for Borrowing at an Approved Club
Home Office approval is a critical legal framework that underpins the ability to borrow and use firearms at a club without holding your own personal Firearms Certificate (FAC). This approval grants clubs an exemption under Section 11(1) of the Firearms Act 1968, allowing individuals to shoot firearms under supervision on club premises, provided the club maintains strict safety and record-keeping standards.
This provision is fundamental for introducing new shooters to the sport, facilitating probationary membership, and allowing guests to experience shooting safely and legally. Without this exemption, every individual handling a firearm would require their own FAC, which would be a significant barrier to entry and training.
Borrowing for Non-FAC Holders: Probationary Members and Guests
For those without a personal FAC, borrowing a rifle at a Home Office approved club is the standard pathway into shooting sports. This applies to two main groups:
Probationary Members: When you join a Home Office approved rifle club, you typically begin as a probationary member. This period, which must last at least three months but often extends longer, involves supervised training and assessment. During this time, you will regularly use club-owned rifles under the direct guidance of experienced instructors. Before each session, you will be required to sign a declaration confirming you are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968. This structured approach allows the club to assess your safety competency and suitability for full membership. To learn more about this process, refer to our guide on How Long Does Probationary Membership Last at a Home Office Approved Rifle Club in the UK?.
Guests: Home Office approved clubs also facilitate guest days, allowing members of the public to try shooting. As a guest, you will also use a club rifle under strict one-to-one supervision. Like probationary members, you must be at least 14 years old and complete a declaration form confirming your eligibility and understanding of safety rules. Guest days are an excellent way to introduce newcomers to the sport responsibly. For more details on this, see our article on How Do Guest Days at Home Office Approved Rifle Clubs Work in the UK?.
In both scenarios, the firearm remains the property of the club, held under its Section 11(1) exemption, and is only used under the prescribed conditions of supervision and on approved ranges.
Borrowing for FAC Holders
If you already hold a Firearms Certificate, your ability to use or borrow rifles at a club is also well-defined:
Using Club Rifles On-Site: As an FAC holder, you can freely use club-owned rifles at the club. These firearms are covered by the club's Section 11(1) exemption, meaning you do not need to have the specific club rifle entered on your personal FAC, provided you are using it within the approved club activities and on the club's premises. This is particularly useful if you wish to try a different calibre or type of rifle than those you possess.
Temporary Borrowing Under Section 16: Section 16 of the Firearms Act 1968 allows an FAC holder to borrow a firearm from another FAC holder (which could be a club armourer if the rifle is held on their FAC) for up to 72 hours, without the need to vary either person's certificate. The borrower must be authorised to possess that class of firearm on their own certificate, and the loan must be for a lawful purpose. This provision is typically for short-term off-club use, such as for a specific competition or pest control, and less common for routine club range use where the club's exemption already covers it.
Long-Term Borrowing: For any borrowing exceeding 72 hours, or if an FAC holder wishes to take a club rifle for extended use off-site, a formal transfer of the firearm onto the borrower's personal FAC would be required, subject to police approval and the specific conditions on their certificate. This is a less frequent scenario for typical club operations.
Club Responsibilities and Safety First
The ability to borrow rifles at a Home Office approved club comes with significant responsibilities for the club itself. Clubs must:
- Maintain robust safety protocols and ensure all users, especially non-FAC holders, receive comprehensive safety briefings and direct supervision.
- Keep meticulous records of all firearm use, including who used which firearm, when, and under whose supervision.
- Ensure that all instructors and supervisors are suitably qualified and experienced.
- Adhere strictly to their Home Office approval conditions and club rules. Understanding What Does Home Office Approval Mean for a Rifle Club in the UK? provides further insight into these obligations.
As a shooter, whether a probationary member, guest, or FAC holder, your primary responsibility is to listen to instructors, follow all safety rules, and comply with club procedures. The safe and responsible use of borrowed firearms ensures the continued enjoyment and good standing of shooting sports in the UK.
Practical Bottom Line
Borrowing rifles at a Home Office approved club is a well-established and legally sound practice in the UK, crucial for both introducing new shooters and providing flexibility for experienced FAC holders. For non-FAC holders, supervised use under the club's Section 11(1) exemption is your gateway to the sport, requiring declarations and adherence to strict safety rules. For FAC holders, club rifles can be used on-site or borrowed temporarily under Section 16 for specific purposes. Always prioritise safety, follow club instructions, and understand the legal framework to ensure a responsible and enjoyable shooting experience.