<P> In Poland, crossbows are considered a' dangerous devices' equivalent to firearms, and possession requires a license (Dz. U. 2003 / 52 / 451). Hunting with crossbows is not allowed (Dz. U. 2005 / 61 / 548). </P> <P> In Sweden, crossbows are considered equivalent to firearms, and possession requires a license . Hunting with crossbows is not allowed . Swedish law dictates that any weapon that stores its energy, i.e., weapons with a firing mechanism, that produces more than 10 joules at the muzzle are illegal without licence . Thus very weak crossbows are sold in toy stores as well as low powered air rifles (not sold to minors). Sale or possession of normal bows of any strength are regulated in the same way as the previously mentioned weak crossbows and air rifles . </P> <P> No licence or registration is required to own a crossbow in the United Kingdom . Under the Crossbows Act 1987, crossbows cannot be bought or sold in England, Wales or Scotland by or to those under 18 . Possession is also prohibited by those under 18 years old except under adult supervision . The act states that crossbows may be used by persons under 18 years of age only when supervised by a person aged 21 years old or over . Similar prohibitions for Northern Ireland are made in the Crossbows (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 . Section 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prevents their use for hunting birds . In Scotland, section 50 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 makes it illegal to be drunk in a public place in possession of a crossbow . </P> <P> Section 44 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 raised the age limit from 17 to 18 in England and Wales, with effect from 1 October 2007 . The Scottish Parliament made similar changes in section 62 of the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007, also with effect from 1 October 2007 . </P>

Can you legally own a crossbow in the uk