as mentioned no u don't need a licence as long its kept below the legal limits (as above) .. personally i wouldn't bother with a pistol just to save on any grief with the police (since handgun laws changed etc) and same laws apply as to a shotgun when being carried (slip't in public place) and obviously still need permission of landowner to shoot it .. also rule of thumb was .177 for feather and .22 for fur .. though i just use .22 for anything for the pot (with right pellets) .. .177 does fly flatter than .22 and more accurate but at the distances i shoot it don't make any difference .. if u just want to shoot paper get a .177