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…
Bill Harriman
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
Can I enjoy pheasant shooting in my wheelchair?
We’re all looking to the season ahead. But what if you’ve recently found yourself confined to a wheelchair – or not so recently. What’s the deal with getting into the…
How do I add guns to a firearms certificate?
Q: I have held a shotgun certificate for 40 years, initially for roughshooting, but in recent years, mainly for skeet and DTL. Two years ago I decided that I would like…
How many shotguns can I legally hold on my shotgun certificate?
I currently have two 12-bore shotguns on my shotgun certificate. Can you tell me how many shotguns I can legally hold? Also, how much smokeless powder can I store for…
What should I do with a shotgun or rifle when the owner dies?
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…
Do I need to keep my guns at home for a shotgun licence?
Shotgun licence: If I apply for a shotgun certificate do the guns have to be kept at my home address?
How do we list guns as ‘shared’ on our shotgun licences?
My wife and I share a gun cabinet and I’ve been told my shotguns should appear as 'shared' on my wife’s shotgun licence and hers shown similarly on mine.…
Will I have problems obtaining a firearms certificate?
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.
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…
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.