Buying & selling safely and legally

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. If in doubt, ask a registered firearms dealer or the PSNI Firearms & Explosives Branch.

Firearms and ammunition

• Check the certificate. A seller must see the buyer's valid certificate, and it must authorise that type and calibre, before handing anything over.
• Transfer face-to-face or through a dealer. Many private sellers choose to transfer through a registered firearms dealer for a small fee — it protects both sides.
• Notify the transfer as required by the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004.
• Sound moderators, some magazines and parts may also need certificate authority. Check before you buy.
• If you are unsure whether you can lawfully buy or sell something, don't — ask first.

Avoiding scams

• Be very wary of prices that look too good to be true.
• Don't pay by bank transfer before you have seen the item, especially to a seller you can't visit.
• Genuine sellers will be happy to arrange a face-to-face transfer or one via a dealer.
• Report suspicious ads using the "Report this ad" link.

Photos and privacy

We remove location data from photos when you upload them. Even so, avoid photos that show your house, your gun cabinet or anything that identifies where you live.