Who can and cannot take part in shooting or airgun activities at MNSG – and what is a ‘prohibited person’ under UK firearms law?

Q: What does being a “prohibited person” mean?
A: Under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968, a person is prohibited from possessing or handling firearms or ammunition if they’ve been sentenced to:

  • Three years or more in prison – Prohibited for life.

  • Between three months and less than three years (including suspended sentences) – Prohibited for five years from the date of release or from the second day after sentencing in the case of a suspended sentence.

This includes all firearms, low-powered air weapons (even those not requiring a certificate), and blank ammunition.

Q: Can a prohibited person take part in lessons, group shoots or corporate experiences?
A: No. Being a prohibited person means you cannot legally be in possession of, handle, or be given access to firearms or ammunition in any context, including supervised experiences and lessons.

Q: How do I know if I’m a prohibited person?
A: If you have ever served a custodial sentence, including a suspended one, we recommend you review your legal status or consult with your local police firearms department before participating in any activities involving firearms.

Q: Do I need a certificate to shoot at MNSG?
A: You do not need a firearm or shotgun certificate to shoot at MNSG as a visitor under supervision. However, if you are a prohibited person, you are not allowed to take part—regardless of supervision or certificate status.

Q: Do you ask guests to confirm they’re not prohibited?
A: Yes, for all supervised activities (lessons, group sessions, corporate events), guests will be asked to sign a declaration confirming they are not prohibited under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968.

Can I rent/hire a shotgun to shoot?
Yes you can. For £20 you are able to hire a gun for the day while you shoot here. You will need to leave your valid gun licence with us for the duration of your shooting and it will be returned to you when you hand the gun back once you’re done. We do recommend booking in advance to ensure there is one available for you. For more information or to book please call the shop on 01603 860436.
Can I rent/hire a airgun to shoot?

Yes you can. For £15 you are able to hire a gun for the day while you shoot here. A full safety brief can be given as required. You will need to leave your car keys with us for the duration of your shooting and it they be returned to you when you hand the gun back once you’re done. We do recommend booking in advance to ensure there is one available for you. For more information or to book please call the shop on 01603 860436.

Can i use air pistols on the airgun range?
Yes, but remember air pistols are not very powerful so effective range is quite limited.
Do I need to book in for air gun or archery?

No need to book archery or air gun just turn up during the shop opening times. A full safety brief can be given as required. 

Do I need to be a Member to shoot?
Not at all. All are welcome to shoot here anytime we’re open. Membership gives you access to discounted prices to shoot, for more information about membership please visit: https://www.norfolkshooting.co.uk/membership/
How old do I need to be to shoot?
There is not so much an age restriction but more of a body/strength restriction when it comes to shooting. We often give a guide that 12 is a good age to begin purely because that is when the body begins to be able to hold a gun for a longer period of time. Suitability and stamina will greatly depend on the size and strength of the person holding the gun. If you’re unsure then we recommend you bring your child in to the shop to try the gun for fit before you commit to a lesson.
How much are cartridges for my lesson?

Cartridge prices fluctuate and there are many options available, but the approximate average cost for a box of 25 cartridges is £7.50. 

What happens if I cancel a lesson?
Any cancelled lessons with more than 48hrs notice the payment can be transferred to a new lesson booking. If however the notice is 48 hours or less there will be no refund or transfer available for the charge and a new payment will be required to confirm a new lesson.

 

What happens if I lose my clay card?

Lost cards will be charged at the total number of clays that were applied to the card in the shop. You can find this figure on the sign-in sheet. As a standard, we apply 500 clays to your card. You can request a change for this at the time you collect it if you wish. 

How can I pay?

We accept cash, card, bank transfer payments.