If you are starting your journey into the UK shooting sports, the first major decision you face is which certificate to apply for. While both a Firearm Certificate (FAC) and a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) require rigorous background checks, there is a long-standing legal distinction that makes it significantly simpler to own shotgun platforms compared to rifles.
However, the landscape is shifting. In 2026, the Home Office is actively consulting on “licensing alignment,” which could soon see Section 2 shotguns treated with the same restrictive “good reason” requirements as Section 1 rifles. This guide explains the current 2026 rules, the different application hurdles, and why the “presumption of grant” makes the shotgun the traditional entry point for UK shooters.
The “presumption of grant” vs. “good reason”
The most critical difference between the two licenses lies in the “burden of proof.”
Section 2: The Shotgun Certificate (SGC)
Under current law, the police must grant a shotgun certificate unless they can prove the applicant is a danger to public safety or “prohibited” by law. You do not need to justify why you want to own shotgun—it is assumed that as a law-abiding citizen, you are entitled to one for sport, pest control, or clay shooting. Furthermore, a single SGC allows you to own an unlimited number of shotguns (provided your security/cabinet space is adequate) without asking for “variations” for each new purchase.
Section 1: The Firearm Certificate (FAC)
Rifles are “restrictive.” To own a Section 1 firearm, the burden is on you to prove to the police that you have a “good reason” for every single gun. This usually means providing evidence of a Home Office-approved club membership or written permission to shoot on specific land. You must apply for a “slot” for a specific calibre, and you cannot buy a rifle until that slot is granted.
Good to Know: A “Shotgun” under Section 2 must have a smooth-bore barrel at least 24 inches long and a magazine capacity of no more than two shells (plus one in the chamber). If your shotgun has a high-capacity magazine or a shorter barrel, it immediately jumps into the much stricter Section 1 category.
The 2026 licensing fee update
Following the Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025, licensing fees have shifted to a “Full Cost Recovery” model. As of early 2026, the police now charge fees that reflect the actual administrative cost of the vetting process. For many, the most cost-effective route is a “Coterminous” application, where you apply for both certificates at once.
2026 Licensing Fees (Standard vs. Coterminous)
| License Type | Grant Fee (New) | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Firearm Certificate (FAC) | £198 | £131 |
| Shotgun Certificate (SGC) | £194 | £126 |
| Coterminous (Both) | £202 | £155 |
Note: The Coterminous grant offers massive savings, effectively allowing you to add a shotgun certificate for just £4 extra when applying for an FAC.
Vetting and medical verifications in 2026
While the “reason” for ownership differs, the 2026 vetting standards for both certificates are now identical in rigour. Every applicant must undergo:
- GP Verification: Your doctor must fill out a proforma confirming you do not have relevant medical or mental health issues.
- Enhanced Referee Checks: As of late 2025, shotgun applicants must now provide **two** referees (matching the rifle requirement), who have known them for at least two years.
- Home Inspection: A Firearms Liaison Officer (FLO) will visit your home to inspect your security (usually a BS7558/9 steel cabinet) and conduct an interview.
Our expert partner, Solution Prime, notes that the 2026 digital systems have streamlined the medical check process, but the “Good Reason” hurdle for Section 1 remains the primary reason for application delays compared to the SGC.
The 2026 merger consultation: End of the “easy” shotgun?
The UK government is currently debating a “merger” of Section 1 and Section 2. If this passes later in 2026, the “presumption of grant” for shotguns will end. Owners would likely have to:
- Justify the “need” for each individual shotgun.
- Undergo land inspections for where the shotgun will be used (similar to rifles).
- Apply for “variations” every time they want to swap or buy a new gun.
Shooting organizations like BASC are strongly opposing this, arguing that shotguns are essential tools for farmers and land managers and do not pose the same ballistic risk as high-powered rifles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my shotgun for target shooting on an FAC-only range?
A: Only if the range is specifically cleared for shot. Most rifle ranges use backstops not designed for lead shot or slugs. Always check the range safety certificate.
Q: Is there a minimum age to own shotgun platforms in the UK?
A: There is no minimum age to apply for a Section 2 certificate, though you cannot buy a shotgun or ammunition until you are 18. You can, however, be gifted one from age 15. Section 1 (rifles) generally has a minimum age of 14 for a certificate.
Q: What is a multi-shot shotgun?
A: This refers to pump-action or semi-auto shotguns with a magazine capacity greater than two. These are Section 1 firearms and cannot be held on a standard Shotgun Certificate.
Q: Can I lend my shotgun to a friend?
A: Yes, under the 72-hour rule, you can lend a Section 2 shotgun to another SGC holder for up to 72 hours without any paperwork. This rule does not exist for Section 1 rifles.
Starting your journey
While it is currently simpler to own shotgun models due to the “presumption of grant,” the move toward a unified licensing system in 2026 means potential applicants should act sooner rather than later. Understanding the divide between Section 1 and Section 2 is the first step in ensuring your license journey is successful.
Whether you are pursuing a shotgun for clays or a precision rifle for long-range target work, compliance is key. For those looking to navigate the 2026 fee increases or looking for advice on range-ready equipment, our expert partner Solution Prime remains the leader in UK firearms consultancy and marketing, helping the next generation of shooters stay informed and legal.
