All responsible airgunners should know their airgun law correctly so that their activities don’t put the sport into disrepute. But what happens if an air rifle is confiscated by a…
Bill Harriman

Can I find a steel-proofed English spec side-by-side?
Q: Much has been said about the steel shot debate and it looks inevitable that many old, and often hand-made, guns will be scrapped or become obsolete ornaments. While there…
Can I load ammunition for a friend?
Q: I enjoy loading my own ammunition for my .223 and .243 rifles. I have been asked to do some reloading for a friend. Is this legal and would I…
Can my wife use my gun cabinet for her shotguns?
Q: I’m wondering if we need to have two gun cabinets in our house or whether it would be legal to just have one. I shoot both rifles and shotguns…
How can my firearms cabinet be opened lawfully?
What arrangements should I make for the orderly disposal of my firearms after my death, and how can my firearms cabinet be opened lawfully?
Can my brother leave his semi-auto at my house for cleaning?
I own a three-shot semi-automatic on my shotgun certificate. My brother owns the same model and make of semi-automatic, but it is a five-shot and it’s on his firearm certificate.…
Is it legal to borrow or lend a gun?
At the start of the shooting season you may be shooting with friends who have recently ventured into fieldsports and don’t yet own a shotgun. So what’s the law if…
What should I do about shotgun storage if I’m away?
I intend to take a long holiday away from home and wonder what obligations I am under in respect of storage of my shotguns while I am away?
How to make fast sloe gin – that’s ready in a fortnight
After perfecting a method of producting superb sloe gin in a matter of days, Bill Harriman is happy to share his groundbreaking secret concoction
Moving house and your gun certificates – what you need to know
When you’re moving house you want everything to run as smoothly as possible. But what should you do if you’re a gun owner? What are the legalities to obey with…
What’s the law on transporting shotgun cartridges?
A reader wonders if shotgun cartridges create a potential explosive hazard in a vehicle. Bill Harriman advises.
I live in the city. Am I allowed to shoot pests in my garden?
Shooting pests on the patio in the city A reader wants to make short work of squirrels and rats. Can he? Q: The only wildlife I see in my city…
When I am out shooting should I always carry my certificate with me?
Is it law that we should carry our shotgun/firearm certificates with us every time we go out with the gun?
Want to import a gun from the EU? Here’s what you need to know
Q: I am considering buying a shotgun from a friend who is based in France. I hold a European firearms pass and understand the process of travelling with a shotgun…
Can you leave rifles and shotguns unattended in cars? Am I breaking the law?
I have just completed the DSC Level 1 and was told during the course that I am only allowed to have a rifle in my car while going to and…
How far do shotgun pellets travel?
We did a risk assessment on our syndicate shoot last season and highlighted a slippery stream crossing (two planks of wood) as a potential problem.
Should the firearms enquiry officer have taken a picture of my gun locker?
Q) I believe a police officer has the power to stop and search, but do police community support offi cers, RSPCA officers and gamekeepers have similar powers where potential firearms…
Should I tell the police about my gun?
Q: My shotgun has to go back for some work under warranty. The registered firearms dealer (RFD) I bought it from is sending a courier to my house to pick…
Lamping on a public footpath – just how legal is it?
Q: A friend was walking his dog on a prescribed footpath at night and came across two men lamping for foxes. An argument ensued as to the right to be…
At what age can you get a firearms licence and shotgun certificate?
Bill Harriman advises on what age you can obtain a firearms and a shotgun certificate