I am soon to retire and would like to apply for a firearms certificate to take up shooting with a .17HMR for both targets and vermin.
Bill Harriman
Can I leave a shotgun at my holiday home?
Q: I have a shotgun licence, registered in London, and a number of shotguns kept at that registered address. I also have a holiday home, which has a clay ground…
Do I have to pay my GP when I renew my firearm and shotgun certificates?
Q: While applying to renew my firearms and shotgun certificates, I was asked by my GP practice to pay a £15 charge to release my records to the police. It…
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…
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…
If I give them my shotgun licence can somebody else buy me cartridges?
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…
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,…