Crossbows are legal to own in the UK and you don’t need a licence. But there are strict rules on age, on carrying a crossbow in public and on what you can shoot. This guide explains the law in plain English and then covers how to buy a good used crossbow.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Crossbow law has been under review in recent years, so check GOV.UK or your local police for the latest rules.
The short answer
- No licence is needed to own a crossbow in the UK if you are 18 or over.
- You must be 18 to buy or hire a crossbow or crossbow parts.
- Under 18s can only have a working crossbow when supervised by someone aged 21 or over.
- Hunting is illegal. You can’t use a crossbow to kill or take wild animals or birds in the UK.
- Carrying one in public without good reason can get you arrested.
Age rules
The Crossbows Act 1987 covers England, Wales and Scotland, and Northern Ireland has very similar rules. Under that law:
- It is an offence to sell or hire a crossbow, or parts of one, to anyone under 18, unless you have good reason to believe they are 18 or over. Sellers should always check ID.
- It is an offence for someone under 18 to buy or hire a crossbow or parts.
- It is an offence for someone under 18 to have a crossbow that can fire a bolt, or the parts to put one together, unless they are supervised by someone aged 21 or over.
The law applies to crossbows with a draw weight of 1.4 kg or more, which covers all real crossbows. Toy crossbows below that are not covered.
Hunting with a crossbow is illegal
Using a crossbow to kill or take wild animals is banned in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists crossbows among the methods you can’t use on protected animals and wild birds, and deer laws separately ban crossbows for deer. In practice, that means crossbows are for target shooting only. If you want to control pests, use an air rifle within the law instead. See our guide to air rifle law.
Carrying a crossbow in public
A crossbow in public without a good reason can be treated as an offensive weapon, and the police take sightings very seriously. When you move a crossbow:
- Carry it in a case or bag, uncocked, with the bolts packed separately.
- Go straight to where you are going, such as a range or private land where you have permission.
- Never carry it where people might see it.
Where you can shoot a crossbow
- On private land with the owner’s permission, with a safe backstop so bolts can’t leave the land.
- At archery or crossbow clubs and ranges. This is the safest way to start, and you will get advice on setting up and shooting.
- Never anywhere bolts could reach a road, path or neighbour’s land. A crossbow bolt can travel a long way and is lethal.
Types of crossbow
Recurve crossbows
Recurve crossbows have limbs that curve away from the shooter. They are simple, light and easy to restring, and many shooters start with one.
Compound crossbows
Compound crossbows use cams and cables to store more energy with a shorter draw. They are faster and more compact, but more complex to maintain.
Reverse draw and pistol crossbows
Reverse draw crossbows mount the limbs the other way round for better balance. Pistol crossbows are small, low-powered and used for short-range target shooting.
How to buy a used crossbow
A good used crossbow can cost far less than new. Check these things before you buy:
- Limbs: look closely for cracks, splinters or splits, especially near the limb pockets. Damaged limbs can fail under load, which is dangerous. Don’t buy a crossbow with cracked limbs.
- String and cables: look for fraying, fluffing or separated strands. Ask when the string was last replaced. A new string is not expensive, but factor it in.
- Dry firing: ask if the crossbow has ever been fired without a bolt. Dry firing can badly damage limbs and cams. Walk away if the answer is unclear and there is visible damage.
- Rail: check the rail (flight groove) for deep wear, and that the string has been lubricated.
- Trigger and safety: make sure the safety works and the trigger holds the string securely. Never test a crossbow by dry firing.
- Compound crossbows: check the cams turn smoothly and are not bent or chipped.
- Extras: scopes, bolts, quivers, rope cockers and cases add value. Check bolts are the right length and weight for the crossbow.
Used crossbow prices
These figures come from the asking prices in real FreeGunAds ads and update automatically.
| Model | Ads | Typical asking price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ek Archery | 2 | £170 | £135 – £200 |
| All crossbow ads | 11 | £180 | £130 – £250 |
Based on 11 asking prices in FreeGunAds ads since 2026, updated automatically. These are asking prices, and condition, extras and power (12 ft-lb or FAC) all move the price.
Selling a crossbow
- Only sell to buyers aged 18 or over, and check ID when you hand it over.
- Meet face to face where you can. Many couriers won’t carry crossbows.
- Describe the draw weight, speed (fps), age, string condition and what’s included.
Listing a crossbow on FreeGunAds is free. See our guide to selling for free; the same steps work for crossbows.
Common questions
Do you need a licence for a crossbow in the UK?
No. You need to be 18 or over to buy one, but no licence is required.
Can you hunt rabbits with a crossbow in the UK?
No. Using a crossbow to kill wild animals is illegal in the UK.
Can a 16-year-old use a crossbow?
Only under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over. They can’t buy or hire one.
Can I shoot a crossbow in my garden?
Only if bolts can’t possibly leave your land and you have a safe backstop. Most gardens are not big enough to do this safely, so a club or range is a better choice.
Find a crossbow
Browse used and second hand crossbows for sale.
