What happens to shotguns after owner’s death? Q: What is the best thing to do if someone you know has died and they held a licence and owned shotguns that are still within their premises? It is still early days waiting on a post-mortem examination and death certificate, and no…
Legal answers
10 questions about air rifles – and 10 answers
1. Do I need a licence to own an air rifle? In England and Wales you do not need a licence to own what is regarded as a “legal limit” airgun. This is an air rifle producing a muzzle energy not in excess of 12ft/lb or an air pistol producing…
Can I store my guns in the attic?
Q: I am applying for a firearms certificate so that I can acquire a .243 calibre rifle for stalking. I understand that I must obtain a gun cabinet, which I am considering installing in my attic. Would this be a suitable location? A: While an attic may appear to be…
Can a local registered firearms dealer ‘confiscate’ an air rifle?
Q: I have just taken my air rifle into my local registered firearms dealer (RFD) for some work. While he had it, he tested it over a chronoscope and said that with a heavy pellet it produced 12.4ft/lb of energy y and because of that he is not allowed to give…
The legalities of target shooting on private land
Q: In terms of firearms, where would I stand legally with firing on private land? I have access to acres of land isolated from the public, but would I be legally allowed to purchase a firearm and perform target shooting there, with the landowner’s permission, or would I have to…
Can I run an air rifle range at a fete?
Q: I am thinking of running an air rifle range at a church fete. Is this lawful and if so, what do I need to look out for when running it? Any pointers would be useful. A: An air rifle range at a church fete is a “miniature rifle” range…
Can I go camping with my shotgun?
Should you keep your shotgun in the tent or your car? Q: I’m in the process of buying some woodland and I intend to do some shooting there. I also plan to spend a lot of time camping in the woods. Is it legal to leave my shotgun in the…
As a shooter, should I have told my GP about my depression?
Some time ago, I suffered a bout of depression. I had recently lost my father and an old injury had flared up, meaning that I was having to take strong painkillers. There were other things as well — aren’t there always? — but equally there were many good things in…
Is it legal to borrow or lend a gun?
Q: A friend is staying with me and will be using my gun on a formal shoot. He will not be bringing a shotgun. Can I lend him one and do we need a visitor’s permit or simply a letter from the shoot owner? A: Your friend can take advantage…
How can I legally send a gun to the USA?
Q: I have three shotguns that once belonged to my father. I hold the licence for them, but wonder if you could tell me how I would go about sending them to my brother in the US? Send a gun to the USA A: If you are a shotgun certificate…
Why do people worry when my gun is safely in its slip?
You don't have to carry your certificate but a photocopy has no legal status
At what age can I apply for a shotgun certificate?
One of the commonest questions I get through Sporting Gun is from youngsters wanting to know what the minimum age is for getting a shotgun certificate.
I forgot to tell the police about my new gun in time. Now what?
Q: I recently bought a new gun and forgot to inform the police within the required seven-day gun notification period to add it to my licence. I have now sent the police the required paperwork but it is six weeks since I bought the gun. Should I call the police…
7 legal things about gun cabinets you need to know
1. Do you need to heat your gun cabinets in winter? If the temperature is plummeting outside will your guns suffer if the cabinet is in an unheated room that’s a bit damp? Is there a danger of the cabinet rusting? Coldness on its own does not cause rust, but…
Where should I keep my gun cabinet keys safely?
On Sunday August 10 1997 a police officer called at the house of Mr Mark Farrer. He wanted to inspect his firearms security. Mr Farrer was not at home. His mother, then in her 80s, who did not hold a certificate, fetched the officer the key and allowed him access to the gun cabinet. The Chief Constable then declined…
What happens to my gun when I’m at the shoot lunch?
Err on the side of caution when it comes to gun security, Bill Harriman advises, as you may be seen as the criminal if a theft was preventable
Moving house and your gun certificates – what you need to know
It is a criminal offence not to obey the conditions on your firearm or shotgun certificate. One of which particularly concerns moving house. Condition 3 on every firearm and shotgun certificate says: “The holder of this certificate must, without undue delay, inform the chief officer of police by whom the…
Is it legal to shoot parakeets?
It's legal ton shoot a couple of parakeets species under general licence
Can threatening saboteurs still wear masks?
Q: My wife, who hunts with a local pack of foxhounds, recently found herself being abused by two hunt saboteurs, both of whom were wearing masks to hide their identity. Police were called and the saboteurs eventually dispersed. I thought some legislation had been brought in to force these thugs…
Can I take cartridges on a plane?
Can I take gun cartridges on a plane? Q: I have been invited to shoot in Northern Ireland and I will be travelling by air. What are the rules about taking gun cartridges with me? A: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets standards for airline safety and security, including…