FIREARMS? How does the law stand regarding private ownership of a firearm, by a UK Citizen?

Question

What criteria does the law demand that you meet?

Answer 1

You are required to hold a firearms certificate before you can own a gun. This certification process requires you to prove a legal need to hold a firearm and this is very restrictive only certain types of gun can be held and these are sporting weapons - shotguns and the like. Also, you have to prove that you can keep the gun secure and that means you have to provide a gun safe that cannot be removed easily from your premises.

Answer 2

It's a nightmare!!! That is why criminals don't apply. :)

Firstly you have to make an application at the Police station covering your area. There is usually an officer assigned for that purpose that checks you out and tries his hardest to dissuade you from owning a firearm. If you are persistent and want something like a .22 calibre rifle for hunting bunnies. He will ask you where you intend to shoot and ask you to show permission from the land owner. The area will be checked and if not suitable for shooting because of something like foot paths, or close proximity to roads then no license would be granted. In the event the area is O.K then you will need to buy and install a safe in which to keep your rifle. This installation will also be checked by the police. The safes are required to have two locking compartments, the larger for the weapons and the other for ammo, the keys must be hidden and their location only know by the firearm's owner, and no other family member. The Police may do spot checks at anytime and if they find the rifle out of the safe without good reason, or that someone else in the family can give them access to the safe you could lose your license and your rifle.

Answer 3

Well, firstly you need to have a certificate.
In accordance with the firearms act 1968 you must hold a certificate to own a firearm. The process works like this:-
First, you need to be a member of a gun club. Then you apply to the police for a firearms certificate. The police will run a background check on you and anyone living with you to see if you have any criminal past, they also get a report from your doctor to see if you have any metal illnesses. Then they come and inspect your house. Firstly they are making sure the firearm and ammunition are going to be kept securely and seperately. The policeman will also keep an eye out for anything which may suggest you would be dangerous with a firearm (lots of combat gear or action films topping the list). If you pass this stage (and the police can refuse you without giving a reason) you will be issued with a shotgun certificate. This allows you to own shotguns and certain low-powered rifles, and a specified quantity of ammunition. The police can also specify certain conditions in your certificate such as having a police-linked alarm. If you violate any of these conditions such as keeping a larger quantity of ammunition than permitted, the police can revoke your licence and take away your firearms on the spot. During the first two years of holding a certificate you will be inspected regularly and all it takes is the police officer to find weapons or ammunition kept insecurely and your licence is pulled!
After two years of holding a shotgun certificate, you can then apply for a section 1 firearms certificate. This allows you to own high-powered rifles and the appropriate ammunition. When applying for this, the police carry out the same checks again, but also ask questions at your gun club and may ask you to perform a safety test to demonstrate you are safe to handle a powerful firearm. If this is granted you can then keep higher powered rifles. When you have a certificate, every time you acquire a new firearm your certificate must be amended to add it to your collection.
Rifles must be modified to make them incapable of automatic, semi automatic or burst fire/
Air weapons may be held without a firearms certificate, however air pistols may not exceed 6 ft lbs muzzle velocity and air rifles may not exceed 12 ft lbs muzzle velocity or a firearms certificate is required. Air weapons may not be bought by a person under 17 years of age, however a person aged 14 years or over may own an air rifle. No-one under 17 years of age may own an air pistol. Persons under 17 may use air weapons only under adult supervision.
Private citizens may not hold pistols or automatic weapons unless they can prove to the home secretary there is a recognisable need for them to hold such weapons. If you can demonstrate such a need you will be issued with a section 7 firearms certificate which entitles you to carry a firearm for personal protection. This mainly applies to members of the security services, but in Northern Ireland many private citizens are issued with pistol permits as they have had threats against their lives from terrorists for various reasons

Hope this is helpful!

Answer 4

The firearms act classifies firearms into various sections and is complex.Basically you can not have a section 1 handgun(bullet firing pistol),you cannot have a prohibited weapon(machine gun,stun gun,sawn off shotgun etc),you cannot have an air pistol under 17 yrs in a public place.You can have a shot gun over the age of 15years with a shotgun certificate,you can have an air rifle,you can a rifle with a section 1 firearms certificate but must be able to show a good reason for having it for instance sports shooting or gun club.It would take pages to go into all the rules such as persons under 17 years must be supervised by persons over 21years when using air pistol all missiles must not leave boundary's of place used,shotguns and section1 rifles must be kept in secure place(inspected by police).As I say it is very complex and I have just scraped the surface to give an idea.There are numerous exceptions such as for visitors from abroad being lent shotguns on private land,police,armed forces and visiting forces.

Answer 5

you MUST hold a certificate of a fire arms that can only be given to you by your fire arms dealer, you must go through a criminal records check and this certificate is valid for about 3 years. it cost about £80

you must be over 18 years old to hold one of these

if you do not have a licence you will be charged under section 1 of the firearms and ammunition act of 1968 for possession of a firearm

even if you do not have physical possesion, the term possesion is wide and extendable to your home, or premisis under your control. you are alos held responsible if someone gains possession of your firearms and uses it or possesses it (for example your friend picks up the weapon and walks out into the street with it you both would be charged)

Answer 6

There are certain dispensations for hunting weapons that have to be locked away and it has to be proven that they are used for sport only. Other than that the private ownership of guns is absolutely illegal. In 2000 the law was extended to included many weapons that could theoretically be recommission into working firearms.

Answer 7

Last I knew you have to be a noble to own your own weapon in England. You need to move to the States and you can own one. If you come through the Southern Border no one will do anything to you. You will have a completely different standard of law and ethics applied to you. Especially if you come across illegally

Answer 8

do you mean as a UK citizen in the UK........or owning a gun as a UK citizen in the USA ? I am not sure which one you mean...................but for the UK unless there has been a HUGE turnabout you can not own a firearm period unless it is a shotgun and you are a registered owner..............I know I had to return my side arm and not have it at the house any more about 6 years ago................

Regards

Answer 9

I think all handguns are banned in the Uk now but you can own a shotgun.

Answer 10

Its illegal except if you belong in a gun club then you need a licence & gun has to be locked away.Farmers are allowed shot guns,