I went shooting on one of the extremely cold days in early December, and when I was cleaning my gun afterwards I noticed that the bores were much dirtier than…
Bill Harriman
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…
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.
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…
Is it legal to carry a shotgun on a motorcycle? And where should I store my shotgun during the shoot lunch?
Some time ago some shotguns were stolen from locked cars while the owners were in a pub having a meal. The shooters lost their certificates.
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…
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…
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
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…
Depression: what it means for gun owners
Anybody can suffer from depression. It is an illness that does not discriminate. Anyone who thinks they are suffering should seek professional help as depression can often be treated by…
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…
Worried about my shotgun certificate renewal
I am applying for a new shotgun licence and when the policeman came to visit he did not even bother to look at my gun safe. Before he left, he…
Gun security in your car – your responsibilities
The shooting season is now well underway and so I think that a timely reminder about gun security in your car would not go amiss. I’m told by my colleague, Detective Chief Superintendent…
Sending a gun to auction – do I have to tell the police?
To the amateur trader, a sale room can seem like a daunting place. Shooting Times asks experienced auctioneer, David Porter, for his tips on buying at auction.
Can I lose my firearms licence because I drink over the recommended weekly limit?
Q: I have applied for the renewal of my licences and have been told by my firearms enquiry officer (FEO) that because I drink more than the Government weekly limit,…
What to do if you have a car crash when you’re transporting your gun
Q: Imagine you are on your way to your shoot, with gun, cartridges and dog in your car, when out of nowhere someone crashes into you. Fortunately neither of you…
Etiquette for Young Guns in the field
Q: I have been part of a syndicate for four years and some of the other Guns have started bringing their children with them to shoot in their place. A…
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
Can you legally destroy a shotgun?
Q: I have inherited some shotguns from my late father. These include a badly pitted Belgian .410 single barrel that is not suitable for modern smokeless cartridges. Can I legally destroy…
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