Before you purchase your first gun there is a few things you need to know about buying a gun in Ireland.
- Your going to need a licence for the firearm of your choice. A licence is required for all firearms including Air Rifles.
- All firearm owners will need a safe place to store their gun. Current regulation says a single shotgun may be kept dismantled in its component pieces with a trigger lock. However any other firearm that is not a shotgun must be stored in a gun cabinet. Where an owner has more than one firearm a gun cabinet is also required. See FIREARMS (SECURE ACCOMMODATION) REGULATIONS 2009 for further details.
- When applying for your firearm’s licence you will need to complete a Firearms Safety Course, the course provider will issue you a certificate to provide to An Garda Síochána.
How do I apply for a licence?
- Get the application form FCA1 .
- To complete the form you will need the following:
- Firearm serial number, make, model, calibre.
- Pulse ID of the gun dealer or contact details of the last owner and their certificate number.
- Two passport photos.
- Your GP’s contact details.
- Two character references .eg anyone who knows you, not necessarily a guard or teacher.
- A trigger lock or gun cabinet.
- Permission of a landowner to shoot on their land OR be a member of a shooting or gun club.
- First time applicants must complete a safety course.
Completing a Firearms Safety course.
You have to complete a firearms safety course before you are issued a licence for your first firearm. When completed it has to be submitted with your application form to An Garda Síochána. A Firearms Safety course can be done with us, if you would like arrange completing one please click the link below.
Firearms Safety Course
The above list is aimed at providing general assistance but may not be considered exhaustive.