The latest version of the Home Office’s Guidance to police forces on the interpretation and application of the firearms laws is now available. On the linked pages are brief summaries of some of the chapters and how they should, or might, be interpreted. The two are not always the same…
The document is broken down into sections as follows:
Ministerial foreword
- An overview – frequently asked questions on firearms licensing
- Definition and classification of firearms and ammunition
- Prohibited weapons and ammunition
- Expanding ammunition
- Restrictions on the possession, handling and distribution of firearms and ammunition
- Exemptions from the requirement to hold a certificate
- Young persons.
- Antique firearms
- Historic handguns
- Firearm certificate procedure
- Shotgun certificate procedure
- Assessing suitability
- Good reason to possess a firearm
- Law on shooting birds and animals
- Permits
- Registration of firearms dealers
- Museum firearms licences
- Rifle and muzzle-loading pistol clubs
- Security of firearms and ammunition
- Fees
- Notices and appeals
- Criminal use of firearms
- Law enforcement
- Proof of firearms
- Surrender and disposal of firearms and ammunition
- Northern Ireland
- Visitors’ permit procedures
- Import and export of firearms
- EC directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons
- Authorisation of armed guards on UK registered ships
- Appendix 1 – Contact details
- Appendix 2 – List of firearms forms
- Appendix 3 – Conditions for firearm certificates
- Appendix 4 – Young persons and firearms law
- Appendix 5 – Antique firearms – obsolete calibres
- Appendix 6 – Conditions for registration of firearms dealers
- Appendix 7 – Guidance on secure keeping of firearms
- Appendix 8 – Taking of firearms (including air weapons to Northern Ireland by visitors from Great Britain)
- Appendix 9 – Conditions for visitor’s firearm or shotgun permit
- Appendix 10 – Categories of weapons under 1991 EC directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons
To download a pdf copy of the 2013 edition of “Guidance”, right click on the link and select ‘download linked file’. Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law