What criteria does the law demand that you meet?
2007-03-19 08:30:21 · 11 answers · asked by Welshdragon 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
hi there,
the law regarding firearms,
First of all there are 2 types of licence, a shotgun certificate which allows you to purchase and obtaine a shot gun as well as amunition secondly a firearms wich allows the same but with rifles.
When applying for ether of these certificates the procedure is to contact your local constabulary and ask for the appropriate paperwork.
Once recived take your time filling it in and read the guidlines, What will help you when applying is if your a member of a club which reflects the typ of shooting you wish to do, ie clay, game sindicate (shotgun) target, stalking, estate (rifle) or even writen permision from a land owner stating you have the sporting right over thire land. Its alway best if you have some knowledge and experience of the gun you intend to use as well .
Shotguns/rifles most be kept in a police approved cabinet which is fixed to a main wall within the home, preferabley out of sight. Shotgun amunition should be kept out of sight though not locked up, rifle shells most be kept behind lock and key and not with the rifle its self.
When buying a shotgun/rifle entrys most be made on the buyers and the sellers certificate then the chife constable most be informed of the transfer within 7 days.
With a firearms cert you most have the rifles/modarators you wish to accuier endorsed on your cert befor you may perchase them, ie you may only buy whats agreed on your certificate with your constabulare,,, you may add a firearms at anytime buy going trough the right procedures.
Note a modarator or silencer is classed as a firearm and also most be endorsed on your cert ie if you wish to use a modarator on your rifle it most be stated on your cert , for ever rifle that you wish to use a modarator on it most be stated and endorsed.
As hunting is my sport i find it in my best intrest to know the law regarding firearms inside out.
If you wish for anymore advice then please e mail me.
You could also check your local constabulary website as well as the home office website.
Source(s):
The law interprated by a brithish hunter.
Shotgun/firearms owner for many years.
Avid clay shooter and a Member of BASC
British association of shooting and conservation and the CPSA Clay pigeon shooting association
2007-03-22 22:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by Brad 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-03-19 10:04:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
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
2007-03-19 20:53:01 · answer #3 · answered by vdv_desantnik 6 · 5⤊ 2⤋
You need a good reason & have to apply for a license & keep the Gun or Rifle locked in a secure cupboard.
2007-03-27 06:12:48 · answer #4 · answered by Ollie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are totally innocent, then you will be hounded by the Law until you give the Firearm up.
If you are a Criminal, then you are completely allowed to carry a Firearm without any extra legal problems.
2007-03-19 08:44:49 · answer #5 · answered by rogerglyn 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
As far as I know you will need to go to a police station and make the necessary application for a license. You will need a pretty good reason for having one, oh you will not be allowed a hand gun.
2007-03-19 08:41:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
if its a firearm that cannot be fired i.e. an antique thats okay. possesion of a firearm is now not permitted.
2007-03-26 20:47:35 · answer #7 · answered by phelps 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a) u need to have safe built in to the wall before you even apply as commision will check if you have this as a safe place to keep the gun
b) you need to apply (for information where to in your are the best ask on Police Station
c) after applying you will be accepted or rejected
2007-03-19 09:05:57 · answer #8 · answered by mrangelosd 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to apply for a licence and they are hard to get.
Join the police that way you'll be able to shoot loads of innocent people with no repercussions.
2007-03-19 10:41:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
That you are either a criminal or a police man, The only difference is a policeman can kill any one with it innocent or not & get away with it
2007-03-19 09:10:36 · answer #10 · answered by keith_hunter_g7pqb 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋