New as of 20 January 2004

UK GUN LAW

New as of 20 January 2004: It is now an offence to posses any rifle, pistol, or other form of air gun that uses a self-contained gas cartridge system, for example the Brocock type of revolver. Such guns are now classed as Section 1 firearms. For further details contact the NSRA, or ask at the club.

The details below are believed to be correct as of January 2004 and are shown here as a guide to assist both existing shooters and those interested in taking up the sport. See also the section on how to obtain a Firearms Certificate (SEE BELOW).

See the summary below regarding juveniles and age limits for possession of guns.

There is no minimum age for the issue of a shot gun certificate.

A firearm certificate may not be granted to a person under 14 years of age.

It is an offence under section 21 of the Firearms Act of 1968 as amended, for anyone convicted of a criminal offence, to handle, possess, or shoot a firearm and ammunition (this includes Air Guns). If the sentence was for more than three years the prohibition is for life; if less than three years the prohibition is for 5 years.

	Cost of Firearms and Shotgun Certificates Firearms Certificates (Valid for 5 years)
	Grant of firearm certificate �50.00
	Renewal of firearm certificate �50.00
	Variation of a firearm certificate (other than when it is renewed at the same time) so as to increase the number of firearms to which the certificate relates. �26.00
	Replacement of a firearm certificate which has been lost or destroyed. � 9.00

	Shot Gun Certificates (Valid for 5 years) Grant of Shot Gun Certificate �50.00
	Renewal of Shot Gun Certificate �50.00
	Replacement of Shot Gun Certificate which has been lost or destroyed � 8.00
	Renewal of Shot Gun Certificate which expires at the same time as a firearms certificate (co-terminus) �10.00

Co-Terminus Certificate for both Firearms and Shotgun (Valid for 5 years)

�60 (this is the way to go if you want both sorts of gun, as it is much cheaper than having separate certificates expiring at different times.


	Explosives Certificates (necessary for Black Powder shooting)
	Acquire and keep (valid for 3 years) Free
	Acquire only (valid for 1 year) Free.

Summary of the law as affecting Juveniles: (correct as of January 2004)

Summary of the law relating to the purchase, possession and use of shot guns and airguns by juveniles.

Under 15 years
It is an offence to make a gift of a shot gun or ammunition to children under 15 years old (14 years for airguns). Children under 15 years (14 years for standard airguns) may not have an assembled gun with them except:

	In the case of shotguns, providing they have a valid shot gun certificate, they may use a shot gun under the direction and supervision of someone of or over 21 years of age.
	In the case of airguns, they may use an airgun under the direct supervision of someone of or over 21 years of age.
	When the gun is in a securely fastened gun cover so that it cannot be fired.

Aged 15 - 17 years
A person between 15 and 17 years old (14 and 17 for air guns) may be given or lent a gun with ammunition but may not buy them.

Aged 17 years or over
A person of 17 years or more may purchase an air gun and ammunition, or a shot gun and ammunition with a valid shot gun certificate.

OBTAINING A FIREARMS CERTIFICATE

The advice given here is general, but is believed to be correct as of December 2003, it will be updated as required by changes to the law.

A Firearms Certificate (FAC) is required before you can purchase, or posses any firearm, ammunition, or certain parts of a firearm, e.g. a spare barrel. It is important that any prospective applicant reads fully the section on Gun Law before attempting to apply.

There are two main ways that civilians can obtain an FAC:

a) if they can demonstrate that they have shooting rights over suitable land.

b) if they can demonstrate membership of a target shooting club, such as Bolton Rifle and Pistol Club (BRPC).

What follows assumes membership of a target shooting club.

In order to become a full member of BRPC a prospective member must join the club as a probationary member and complete a minimum of 18 visits in a 6 month time period. To join the club it is necessary to both pay the subscription fee and complete an application form giving the names and addresses of two referees who have known the applicant for at least two years. A part of the application includes a signed declaration that the applicant is not debarred from firearms use or possession. After the end of this probationary period, subject to satisfactory behaviour and no adverse reports from any source, membership will be confirmed at the next committee meeting.

After membership has been confirmed an FAC can be applied for. The Police will not entertain any application that is not confirmed by the club secretary, so it is a waste of time trying before full membership is granted.

When the FAC application is is received by the police (you get the form from them) along with the necessary fee, they will make an appointment with you to come and inspect your home and security arrangements for storing the firearms and ammunition.

When applying for the FAC it is worth while specifying more guns than you need, this is to allow the purchase of a new gun, before the sale of an old gun has gone through. There is no limit as to the number of guns or quantity of ammunition you can ask for, but the more you want, the more security the police may insist on before granting the FAC.

Basically they will expect a steel cabinet of at least 16 swg bolted to the floor and / or wall and secured with 5 lever lock(s). Connection to an alarm would be a bonus and in some locations may be a requirement. If your premises has shared access, for example if it is in a block of flats, the requirements may be more stringent.

It is worth remembering that unless anyone else living at your address has an FAC listing your guns, then that person cannot legally handle them even in the home.

If you are intending to reload centrefire ammunition, rather surprisingly you do not need an FAC to buy any of the components. An FAC is only needed to make and keep assembled ammunition. You must specify on your application how many rounds you intend to have at any one time. It is not necessary to enter any details of your home reloaded ammunition, or how many times you reload. The only requirement is that you do not exceed your maximum holding in your specified calibres at any one time.

A part of the application form is to specify the names and addresses of two referees that are willing to support your application for an FAC. There are restrictions as to who can act as a referee, family members being barred as is anyone with a criminal record. It is not possible to have your application supported by two members of your club, you must find independent referees who are willing to complete a questionnaire about you and return it directly to the police (so that you cannot see what they have written).

The best advice to any new FAC applicant is to ask existing members for advice before filling out the application form.