What length shotgun barrels should I buy? I wish I had a pound for every time a newcomer to shooting has asked me that question. The answer is that it depends on a few variables and the wrong gun length could have significant implications on your success. Is height and…
Gun ownership
Gun ownership comes with many responsibilities.
You need to ensure that your shotgun/firearms certificate is up to date and that your gun is kept securely, according to the law.
You need to be fully aware of the shooting safety rules and follow the all-important shooting etiquette.
Make sure that your gun is safe for use by maintaining it well.
Gun laws change from time to time as new ruling is brought in and you need to be sure you are up to date with what is happening.
If you’re a novice, we have advice on buying your first gun, whether new or second-hand and making sure your gun mount is its best.
Read our articles here which cover the important aspects of gun ownerships, from how to buy a gun, how to apply for your shotgun licence and firearms certificate, the best way to keep your gun secure and the legalities.
Should I buy a Nikko shotgun? Are they any good?
I have seen a Nikko shotgun for sale at a reasonable price. It looks good, but I have never heard of the make.
Are children allowed to use rifles?
Children using rifles – is it legal? Q. I am planning a fun day for the village on my farm, where I have a range that is suitable for .22 rimfires. Can I allow young people to use the range provided that they have their parents’ permission and are under…
What to AVOID when buying a gun (and what to look out for)
Advice on what you shouldn't do when buying a gun
6 ways to LOSE your shotgun and firearms certificates. (And how to avoid that happening.)
1. Have an acrimonious split from a partner According to Peter Glenser, QC and chairman of The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), more people are losing shotgun certificates or firearms certificates during divorce proceedings than under any other circumstances. The loss often follows an untrue allegation from a…
How can I restore the shine to my gun?
Before going anywhere near oil, you need to establish how the stock was finished in the factory, advises Mike George
How to choose the wood for your gun stock
When deciding to re-stock a gun with a new piece of walnut, a lot of thought needs to be applied before gun stock (known in the gun trade as a blank) is chosen and any wood gets cut. As with many aspects of gunmaking and repair, a little knowledge can…
How many shotgun cartridges in a slab?
Is it true the performance of cartridges is reduced when they get cold? If so, how can this characteristic be overcome in frosty weather?
7 of the best gun cabinets
Remember all gun cabinets and gun safes must conform to the British standard, have secure locks and be fixed to a secure structure. Contact your local police firearms department if you have a query on where to fit your gun cabinet or safe. The police prefer a gun cabinet to…
Gun lending rules
Q: When a person lends a shotgun to a non-certificate holder on a private shoot, must the gun be on their certificate? Loans of shotguns and gun lending on private premises is now regulated by the Policing and Crime Act 2017. Section 130 of the act merely states: “A person…
Is a wooden or synthetic rifle stock best?
I am considering changing the old .22 Hornet rifle I use for fox control with a modern .22/250, but am undecided as to whether to go for a wood stock or one made from a synthetic material. What do you think?
FAQs about shotgun certificate applications
Q. How much does a shotgun certificate cost and how long does it run for? A. A certificate is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed if you wish to continue to possess shotguns. A new certificate costs £79.50 and renewal is £49. Q. How old do…
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 the council forbid me from owning a gun?
My council has brought in a tenancy rule that prohibits anyone owning and storing a gun in any of its properties. Can they enforce this legally?
How to get a firearm certficate
Advice on how to get your firearm certificate with information on what police are looking for, what counts as good reason to own a firearm and what variations are
What is fluid steel, and is it stronger than Damascus steel?
The shotgun barrels of some of the older makes are often listed as being either Damascus, or fluid steel. What is fluid steel, and is it stronger than Damascus steel?
How effective are comb raisers?
I want to raise the height of my comb and see that you can buy off the shelf raisers. How effective are they?
Prince of Wales or pistol grip on a shotgun? What’s the difference?
On a shotgun, what's the difference between a standard pistol grip and the much classier sounding Prince of Wales style?
Will gun cleaning affect the accuracy of my .22 rimfire?
Gun cleaning: I have been told that if I clean my .22 rimfire it will lose its accuracy. Is this true?
What should I do about shotgun storage while 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?