A frequently asked question in our postbag is “how old is my gun or can I date my gun from its serial number?” It’s usually asked by somebody who has just bought a second-hand gun or who is considering it. The guns in question are usually around 20 years old…
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.
What’s the difference between a game and sporting gun?
Can you manage with just the one gun for different types of shooting?
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?
Should I store my gun butt-down or muzzle-down?
Always store guns muzzle down When you put your gun back in your gun cabinet don’t put it butt down. Always store guns muzzle down. The reason for this is that any oil or cleaning fluid left in the bores will run out onto the floor of your gun cabinet.…
Keeping your guns secure and safe – some police advice
When you’re the owner of a gun you need to be vigilant about firearms security. Which means being safe out in the field, when you’re transporting the gun and when you’re storing your gun. The last thing you want to happen is for your gun to fall into the wrong…
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
We’ve picked out seven excellent gun safes to be considering
Which are the best gun cabinets around? We’ve investigated some options. The law says that guns must be stored in a lockable gun cabinet that meets British standards and is fixed to a secure structure. What the gun cabinet (or gun safe) looks like however is up to you. You…
Where do stolen guns end up?
Should you find a Purdey under the bed when an aged relation shuffles off this mortal coil, there will be a few procedures to follow before you can safely consign it to your gun cabinet as its official new owner. The appearance of an unlicensed shotgun is not uncommon and…
How to get your shotgun certificate
Find out how to apply for a shotgun licence, plus more information on waiting times, fees and the appeals process
A guide to buying your first gun
It's never too soon to start looking at guns with a view to buying your first and any dealer will be happy to reserve a gun until your certificate arrives
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 from my stalking ground.
Should you take up early renewal of your shotgun certificate? (And 14 other things to know about renewing it)
Q: My local force has offered me early renewal of my shotgun certificate. I am told other forces are doing the same. Should I take up the offer? A: Some forces are doing this to even out the workload between the three normal years and the two slack years of…
12 bore vs 16 bore – the great debate
Which would be your choice in the 12-bore vs 16 bore conversation? Ask some people why they use a 16-bore and they say they “stumbled across one by chance” but now wouldn’t use anything else. Here’s what our debates think … 16-bores are for rural hipsters says Ben Samuelson A…
Travelling with your guns – here’s what you need to know
What you need to know about travelling with guns If you are travelling by plane… First thing to do is check what the individual airline’s policy is on firearms as some companies do not allow any firearms on the plane. Local policies at the destination may also come into effect.…
What was Rangoon gun oil? Is it still around today?
In a lot of old shooting books it says you should clean gun barrels with Rangoon oil. What was it, and who made it? These days you never hear it mentioned. Why?
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?
How to measure your length of pull
Q: How important is length of pull of a stock on a rifle? It makes a difference on my shotguns in handling, so will it do the same with my rifle? A: That’s a good question. We all know that with a shotgun handling, fit and balance make an enormous…
Will I lose my shotgun certificate because I’ve had a formal police caution?
Shotgun licence: Two weeks ago I was arrested and given a formal caution for an offence I did not commit.
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 certificate says: “The holder of this certificate must, without undue delay, inform the chief officer of police by whom the…
This is what you should know about shotgun barrels
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…