Airgunning as we know it could be under threat. The sport is facing a challenge that some believe puts its very future on the line. The threat is not to our guns, but to our ammo.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is consulting on the use of lead ammunition as part of its UK REACH programme, which will regulate the industrial use and importation of chemicals. It's currently proposing a near-complete ban on the outdoor use of lead projectiles.
This ban could quickly affect all forms of shooting, from centrefire and rimfire rifles through to shotguns. But it's arguable that if the UK REACH proposals go through unchanged, then airgun users will be among the worst affected.
LOVELY LEAD?
Lead has been used in the creation of small arms ammunition since the 15th century. It's fairly cheap and widely available. A low melting point means it's easy to work. The metal is soft, so it forms itself into the
