United Kingdom Gun Guide

MOTM: Rewrite is in Process

-------- Part 0: Preamble & Contents --------

Preamble

Before reading this guide it needs to be understood that this guide is split into three distinct and separate parts:


Part 1 of the Guide Covers What is Attainable within the United Kingdom for those whom simply wish to know what Firearms are Legal within the United Kingdom without learning the entire process of how to acquire these firearms, afterwards Part 1 focuses on what to do if you're Eager to begin shooting, covering Shotgun and Airgun Acquisition as well as Common Firearm Myths in the UK.

This Part of the Guide is Highly Recommended for the Layman to get a grasp on UK Firearm Terms and UK Firearms Law whether they be British, American or European, however, this is first and foremost for helping the average British person learn how to take their first steps forward towards Firearm Ownership within the UK.


Part 2 of the Guide Covers the entire Process within Great Britain (England Scotland and Wales) on how to acquire Firearms, the Primary focus of this part of the guide is to those whom wish to become Target Shooters/Practical Shooters, and for them to have the most comprehensive and digestible guide possible.

Part 2 However will reiterate sections of Part 1, such as Firearm Terminology and Legal Firearms.
This Part of the Guide is for those who wish to Acquire Section 1 and/or Section 2 Firearms.


Part 3 of the Guide covers Miscellaneous Additional Resources that don't fit into either Part 1 or Part 2 of the Guide.
Because of this Part 3 has a far wider range of information than the other two parts of the guide combined, due to this Part 3 is undoubtedly the largest part of this guide as this section contains, but is definitely not limited to:

  • UK YouTube Gun Channels
  • UK Firearm Associations
  • Firearms Buyers Guides
  • Infographics
  • Archaic Gun Shop Websites which still have 90s Web Design.

If you prefer reading the Legacy Versions of this Guide, the Pastebins will forever remain here:

Table of Contents

  1. United Kingdom Gun Guide
  2. MOTM: Rewrite is in Process
  3. -------- Part 0: Preamble & Contents --------
    1. Preamble
    2. Table of Contents
  4. -------- Part 1 --------
    1. 1. Which Firearms are currently Legal Within the UK?
      1. 1.1 Preface(s)
        1. 1.1.1 Keys
        2. 1.1.2 Overall Length
        3. 1.1.3 Magazine Restrictions
        4. 1.1.4 Calibre Restrictions
        5. 1.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions
        6. 1.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
      2. 1.2 UK Legal Firearms
        1. 1.2.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)
        2. 1.2.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)
        3. 1.2.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates (England Scotland and Wales)
        4. 1.2.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
        5. 1.2.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
        6. 1.2.6 Visual Representation of UK Legal Guns
      3. 1.3 What Should I do if I'm Eager to Shoot?
        1. 1.3.1 Airguns (England and Wales Only)
          1. 1.3.1.1 Airguns Scotland (Air Weapon Certificate)
        2. 1.3.2 Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit
        3. 1.3.3 Shotgun Certificate Shotguns (2+1)
      4. 1.4 Common Myths
        1. 1.4.1 Can the Police enter your house at any time because I own a Firearm?
        2. 1.4.2 Can I use a Shotgun for Self-defence in the Home?
          1. 1.4.2.1 B...But Tony Martin!
  5. -------- Part 2 --------
    1. 2.1 Preamble
    2. 2.2 The Checklist in Brief
      1. 2.2.1 1. A "Good Reason" to own a Firearm (Applies to Section 1 Firearms Only)
      2. 2.2.2 2. The Referees
      3. 2.2.3 3. Criminal Record Check
      4. 2.2.4 4. Health Check
        1. 2.2.4.1 Relevant Medical Conditions
        2. 2.2.4.2 GP and Police Medical Report Procedure
      5. 2.2.5 5. A Passport Picture
      6. 2.2.6 6. A Safe Check
    3. 2.3 The FEO Inspection & Interview
    4. 2.4 Types of Licenses and their Costs
      1. 2.4.1 Firearm Certificates (FAC)
      2. 2.4.2 Shotgun Certificates (SGC) (England, Scotland and Wales)
      3. 2.4.3 Coterminous Certificate for both Firearms and Shotguns
      4. 2.4.4 Explosives Certificates
    5. 2.5 What Can I Own with a Firearms Certificate/Shotgun Certificate?
      1. 2.5.1 Preface
        1. 2.5.1.1 Keys
        2. 2.5.1.2 Overall Length
        3. 2.5.1.3 Magazine Restrictions
        4. 2.5.1.4 Calibre Restrictions
        5. 2.5.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions
        6. 2.5.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
      2. 2.6 UK Legal Firearms
        1. 2.6.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)
        2. 2.6.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)
        3. 2.6.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates (England, Scotland and Wales)
        4. 2.6.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
        5. 2.6.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
        6. 2.6.6 Visual Representation of UK Legal Guns
    6. 2.7 The Application Forms
      1. 2.7.1 201 Form
        1. Digital 201 Form
      2. 2.7.2 201V Form
      3. 2.7.3 Application Submission
      4. 2.7.4 How Long will the Application Take to Process?
      5. 2.7.5 Congratulations
    7. 2.8 Firearm Purchases
      1. 2.8.1 Section 1 Purchases & Transfers
    8. 2.8.2 Section 2 Purchases & Transfers
  6. -------- Part 3 Additional Resources--------
    1. 3.1 UK Firearm Channels
    2. 3.2 Firearm Associations
      1. 3.2.1 General Associations
      2. 3.2.2 Target/Practical Shooting Associations
      3. 3.2.3 Pro-Firearm Associations
      4. 3.3 Local Club Finders
        1. 3.3.1 Section 1 Club Finders
        2. 3.3.2 Section 2 Club Finders
    3. 3.4 Recommended Ranges
      1. 3.4.1 England
        1. Cloudside Shooting Grounds
          1. Contact Information
          2. Recommended Teachers/Instructors
          3. Extras
      2. 3.4.2 Scotland
      3. 3.4.3 Wales
      4. 3.4.4 Northern Ireland
        1. Thatch Clay Target Club
    4. 3.5 Firearm Infographics and Misc Information
      1. 3.5.1 General Infographics
        1. Gun Anon's V3 Visual Representation of Mainland Legal Firearms Infographic
        2. Gun Anon's V1 Section 1 + Section 2 Infographic
        3. Gun Anon's Shotgun infographic
      2. 3.5.2 Rifle Infographics
        1. /k/'s 22lr Rifle Buyer's Guide
      3. 3.5.3 Shotgun Infographics
        1. Chevrolet's Shotgun Beginners Infographic
      4. Shotgun Information
        1. What is a Shotgun Gauge/Bore?
        2. Shooting UK's Section 2 Shotgun Purchasing Guide
    5. 3.6 Second Hand Buyers Guides
      1. 3.6.1 Rifles
        1. ShootingUK's Second Hand Rifle Buying Guide
      2. 3.6.2 Shotguns
        1. Charles Smith-Jones' Gunsmith’s guide to buying guns second-hand
        2. Shane Robinson's What you need to know about buying a gun second-hand
      3. 3.7 Safes and Safe Information
        1. 3.7.1 Recommended Safes
        2. FEO’s Perspective of what to look for during a Firearm Inspection
    6. 3.8 Online Registered Firearm Dealers (RFDs)
      1. 3.8.1 New Guns
      2. 3.8.2 Milsurp/Classical
      3. 3.8.3 Slavophile/Soviet
      4. 3.8.4 Used Guns

-------- Part 1 --------

1.1 Preface(s)

This Section covers only what Firearms are Legal within the United Kingdom, the Whole Process is found in Part 2. However, due to the amount of abbreviations and intricacies within UK Law, it is necessary to define essential terminology as well as answering some potential questions before showing the full list.


1.1.1 Keys

BL = Barrel Length
OAL = Overall Length
(2+1) = 2 in the Magazine 1 in the chamber
Section 1 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 2 - Needs a Good reason and an Authorized slot on a FAC to own each Section 1 Firearm.
Section 2 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 1 - Primarily (2+1) Shotguns, SGC holders can acquire as many Shotguns as their safe can store.


1.1.2 Overall Length

When measuring the length of a firearm if said firearm has any detachable, folding, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded which is why Short Barrelled Rifles (SBRs) and Handguns both fit into the Small Firearms category.

Section 1 Firearms within England, Scotland and Wales, Unless otherwise mentioned must be No Less than a 12"BL and 24" OAL.
Section 1 Shotguns of which are Semi-automatic and Pump-Action must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
Where Section 1 Short Barrelled Firearms are Legal They must be No More than a 12"BL and 24" OAL

Section 2 Regardless of Region, Firearm type or Firearm Action, Section 2 Firearms must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL


1.1.3 Magazine Restrictions

Section 1 Firearms have no Magazine restrictions.
Section 2 Firearms are Restricted to a maximum capacity of 2 Shells in the Magazine and 1 in the Chamber (2+1)


1.1.4 Calibre Restrictions

Unless a Calibre Restriction is Specifically Mentioned within the list such as e.g.

Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)

That Firearm Does Not have a calibre restriction.


1.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions

Unlike the United States, the United Kingdom has no Laws Prohibiting Firearms or Firearm Accessories based Solely on their appearance only on Functionality.


1.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers

-Section 1
Sound Moderators under UK Law for Section 1 Firearms are classed as if they were firearms, they like Section 1 Firearms Require a good reason to own and is subject to certificate control. If you feel you need one, then it should be included on your application. Moderator use is also limited to the Firearm slot you get the moderator with.

If the Moderator is integral (permanent) to the Firearm, separate authorisation is not required however you still need to fulfil the "Good Reason Requirement" requirement for the firearm.

If you wish to request this type of rifle it is advised that your application should read along the lines of:

"... .22 rifle with integral sound moderator ..."

Most Common Reasons to own are:

  1. Hunting
  2. Vermin Control
  3. Night Shooting
  4. Hearing Protection (Especially with indoor ranges)

-Section 2 and Other
Sound moderators on:

  1. air weapons (excluding those deemed as specially dangerous - exceed 12ft lbs kenetic energy)
  2. section 2 shotguns

are not considered to be component parts of a firearms and are therefore unrestricted.


1.2.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)

Bolt Action Rifles
FAC Airguns
Lever Action Rifles
Lever Release Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)*
Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Long Barrelled Revolvers
Manually Actuated Release System (M.A.R.S Rifles/Semi-Semi Automatic Rifles) (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)*
Muzzle Loaded Handguns (Requires Explosives Certificate if using Black Powder)
Pump Action Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Semi-Automatic Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Straight Pull Rifles
Shotguns with over 2+1 Capacity/Detachable Magazines*

  • Semi Automatic and Pump Action Shotguns require no less than 24” BL \& 40” OAL
  • Any Other Type of Legal Action Shotgun (e.g. Lever Action) Require no less than 12” BL and 24” OAL

*Both Centre-Fire Lever Release and Centre-Fire M.A.R.S Rifles under the Offensive Weapons Bill of 2019 have become Prohibited and as of writing (15/12/20) the Government have introduced their mandatory Buy Back/Surrender Program of which will start on 10 December 2020 and close on 9 March 2021.

The Guidance for Surrender and Pricing can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/942563/2020_12_08_Guidance_for_surrender_and_making_a_claim.pdf

1.2.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)

All of the Above
Airguns Over 1 ft/lb of energy must be on your FAC (Northern Ireland & Jersey)
Short Barrelled Firearms (Pistols and Short Barrelled Rifles No longer than 12" BL and 24" OAL)
Semi-automatic Rifles over 22 Rimfire cartridges (Jersey Only)

1.2.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates (England Scotland and Wales)

Shotguns with a maximum capacity of 2+1 (24” BL and 40” OAL)
Smooth Bore Muskets
Small Cannons

1.2.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)

Section 7.1
Heritage Pistols to be held at home as part of a collection, without ammunition, and allows them to be exhibited
Section 7.3
For Shooting Heritage Pistols at Designated Sites
http://www.hbsa-uk.org/HBSA-what-we-do/heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/heritage-pistol-sites

1.2.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)

Antique/Obsolete Calibre Weapons

Gun Anon's Rv3 Infographic


1.3 What Should I do if I'm Eager to Shoot?

If you are eager to get yourself or others into the world of shooting you have three main options

  1. an Airgun
  2. a Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit
  3. a Shotgun Certificate Shotgun (2+1).

1.3.1 Airguns (England and Wales Only)

If You're over the age of 18 and you currently live in England & Wales, Airguns are a great introductory way for someone to get into Shooting with the Only Requirements being if you're over the age of 18 that when purchasing, you show a valid form of I.D. that includes your photo, name, date of birth, and current address - for example a photocard drivers licence, passport with recent utility bill.

And with a Airgun you must take Reasonable Precautions with it to which are similar enough to learn the basics of overall etiquette, safety and general discipline when it comes to handling firearms, such as:

  • Store your Airgun out of sight and separately from pellets
  • Use a robust, lockable and secure cupboard Keeping the Keys Separate and secure
  • Always store your Airgun in your house rather than an outbuilding like a shed
  • Never store a cocked or loaded Airgun.
  • When using your air gun keep it under close supervision and never keep it unattended

All other Standard Safety rules apply in regards to Airguns, such as

  • Always treating an air weapon as though it were loaded.
  • Never point an air weapon at another person
  • Never load an air weapon until it is ready to be fired
  • Never fire an air rifle unless the shot is safe (make sure a backstop or pellet catcher is used and nobody is nearby who could be in danger).
  • Never rely on a safety catch to make the air rifle secure
  • Never put a loaded air weapon down. Always safely discharge or unload and uncock it first
  • Transport air weapons in a gun slip
  • Never store an air rifle loaded
  • Store air rifles out of sight and away from pellets
  • Store air rifles inside a house rather than in a garden shed
  • Endeavour to make a stored air rifle incapable of being fired.
1.3.1.1 Airguns Scotland (Air Weapon Certificate)

To own an Air Rifle in Scotland one must Acquire an Air Weapon Certificate (AWC). In which the Process is incredibly similar to an FAC Application, though the learning process should be valuable for a future Firearm Applications and overall procedure with a maximum cost of £72.00 compared to the £79.50 for SGC, it is overall not seen as not worth the price and procedure it asks for.
Further Information

If you're still keen on owning a Airgun in Scotland the Information on the AWP1 Process is here

https://www.mygov.scot/air-weapon/
https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/finance/service-fees-and-charges/firearms/air-weapon-licensing/air-weapon-application-forms

1.3.2 Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit

If you are new to shooting it is best to contact your local club and ask if it would be possible to come down and meet an experienced shooter or coach for a bit of 1 to 1 shooting.

Do not go on one of the party-style shooting events. You will hit nothing and pay way too much money - experienced shooters will be able to offer you advice and stance changes that will have you hitting the target more times than not on your first trip.

1.3.3 Shotgun Certificate Shotguns (2+1)

if you are Keen, Eager and Absolutely set on Shooting and most of all owning firearms, a Section 2 Shotgun Certificate is the simplest way to go as it does not require a “Good Reason” as Section 1 Firearm Certificate Firearms require, however, you still need to explain as to why you want to take up shooting to satisfy the Firearms Enquiry Officer and meet the other checks on the Checklist.

Additionally with Section 2 Firearms you are only limited to the capacity of your safe, rather than the amount of Authorized Firearm slots of your Firearms Certificate. Meaning you can purchase as many Section 2 Firearms as your safe can store.

The simplest way to do this is to find a club near you using either the CPSA website or google, visit and familiarise yourself with it. No membership/probation of these clubs are required to reiterate you just need to explain why you want to take up shooting and meet the other checks for a Section 2 Shotgun Certificates.
https://www.cpsa.co.uk/where

1.4 Common Myths

1.4.1 Can the Police enter your house at any time because I own a Firearm?

No, no they cannot.

For First time applicants a home visit is a ways carried out permission is given to the police to enter your house instead of the acquisition of a warrant. This should include an interview which will revolve around questions surrounding firearm safety, safe etiquette (keys), where you intend to shoot and why, as well as a recap on your firearm slot(s) and requested amounts of ammunition (500 rounds is the standard for Target, 250 for Hunting) and consideration of your security arrangements.

At renewal of your FAC and/or SGC a risk-based assessment may indicate the need for another interview with the applicant or further enquiries about security arrangements. However These enquiries may be done over the telephone or by email rather than by home visit, in accordance with the level of the risk assessment. Home visits should always be made by prior appointment and take place at a mutually convenient time.

Unless you commit a criminal offence the likelihood of this happening is slim to none.

1.4.2 Can I use a Shotgun for Self-defence in the Home?

Yes you can.

However there is often a large amount of perceived confusion over this issue as the common perception is that the inability to ACQUIRE a Shotgun FOR Self-defence is equivalent to being unable to USE a Shotgun FOR Self-Defence which is simply untrue, the common law has time and time again gone out of it's way to protect people defending their homes with a Shotgun if you had Believed yourself to be facing a real and serious danger you should be fine.
This is reinforced by the relatively new Crime and Courts Act 2013 where in the defence of the home you merely have to prove in the court that the Defence was not "Grossly Disproportionate" which in the words of Christopher Grayling:

We’re saying you can do anything as long as it’s not grossly disproportionate. You couldn’t, for instance, stab a burglar if they were already unconscious.

David Cameron adding:

But we really should be putting the law firmly on the side of the homeowner, the householder, the family, and saying ‘when that burglar crosses your threshold, invades your home, threatens your family, they give up their rights.

1.4.2.1 B...But Tony Martin!

Tony Martin wasn't a case of Self-Defence due to the fact that he possessed an illegally held Shotgun as well as premeditated the attack on the Burglars, which lead to a murder charge, to which was then quashed and reduced to manslaughter even with the evidence, the public was outraged that a man couldn't defend his own property which in no small part lead to the reforms from the above of which the case law and the statute has changed extensively since 1999.

-------- Part 2 --------

2.1 Preamble

Before one applies for a Firearm/Shotgun/Coterminous Certificate there are (depending on which Certificate you wish to go for) either 5 or 6 checks that need to be checked against before one should send of their 201 application form to own Firearm.

2.2 The Checklist in Brief

  1. A "Good Reason" for owning a firearm - (Section 1 Only)
  2. One/Two Referee(s) that will support your application
  3. Do not have a Serious Criminal Record
  4. Ensure that you are of sound mind (Will not harm yourself or others)
  5. A Passport Picture
  6. A Safe Check

2.2.1 1. A "Good Reason" to own a Firearm (Applies to Section 1 Firearms Only)

To own a Section 1 Firearm you must have a Good reason for owning said firearm, as well as justifying why you need each firearm and have the safe capacity for each firearm you wish to own.

to which there are three main reasons on the mainland and a fourth reason for Northern Ireland.

  1. Hunting
  2. Vermin Control
  3. Target/Practical Shooting
  4. Self Defence (Northern Ireland Only)

For each of the listed Good Reasons, proof must be acquired and verified, in short:

To acquire an FAC for Target Shooting one must become a full member of a Gun Club (not on Probation), for Vermin Control and Hunting Game the land must be assessed and/or permission must be granted by the owner of such land must be given to the police to be verified.

Each option gives a large amount of calibres to choose from, however you will be limited to either the club’s capabilities or the appropriate calibres for the Size of Game (If Hunting or Vermin Shooting).

So for Example for Small Game Vermin Control, 22lr would be in most circumstances be an appropriate calibre for you as you will not require a .338 Lapua rifle for shooting rabbits into red mist, However you may require .243 to .45-70 expanding ammunition for Medium Game Hunting to ensure a clean and humane kill, likewise for example in regards to Target Shooting you will not be able to request a 50. cal Rifle slot if the club does not the adequate capabilities for it and/or not affiliated with the Fifty Calibre Shooters Association UK.

When deciding on how many Section 1 Firearm slots to apply for, The General Rule is that as long as you believe you can justify it (within one of those good reasons) to the police, it is best to put it onto your application, however it should also be noted that first time FAC applicants are advised to request no more than 5-6 Section 1 Firearm Slots on a first time application.

The Majority of Section 1 Gun Clubs will be listed here.

https://nra.org.uk/nra-affiliated-clubs/

2.2.2 2. The Referees

1 Referee is required in the application of a Shotgun Certificate (SGC)
2 Referees are required for a Firearms Certificate and a Coterminous Certificate.

Who is and who can be a Referee?
A referee must have known the applicant personally for at least two years, a referee may be of any background or occupation and a referee must be of good character, and someone whom the police may trust to give honest replies to any queries which the police may make of them regarding the applicant.

Members of the applicant’s family may not act as referees. Cousins are not regarded as immediate family, but cohabiting or civil partners or partner's in a same sex marriage should be considered as ‘family’ for these purposes and should not be accepted. Serving police officers, police support staff, or registered firearms dealers may not act as referees.

2.2.3 3. Criminal Record Check

One the main questions on the FAC/SGC asks whether you have ever been convicted of any offense at any time.

You Must not Withhold information about any conviction, no matter how long ago it was.

(This is including speeding offences), bind-overs, formal written cautions and convictions in and outside of Great Britain, and (by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975) convictions which are spent under the 1974 Act.
A conditional discharge and an absolute discharge both count as convictions for this purpose. Details of parking offences and fixed penalty notices do not need to be declared.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does NOT apply when applying for an FAC and the police DO check thoroughly. Previous convictions do not always necessarily mean refusal to grant an FAC, but if you do not declare an offense and it is revealed by the police checks, then you will certainly be refused and will also be looking at a prosecution for having made a false declaration to obtain an FAC.

2.2.4 4. Health Check

You must disclose any relevant physical or mental health conditions that you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past as this may affect your ability to safely possess and use a firearm or shotgun.

2.2.4.1 Relevant Medical Conditions

The Relevant medical conditions which must be disclosed are

  • Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma
  • Suicidal thoughts or self harm
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Dementia
  • Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
  • A personality disorder
  • A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Any other mental or physical condition which might affect your safe possession of a firearm or shotgun

It is also best to disclose conditions such as Autism and other potential conditions that may be deemed relevant.
If in doubt, consult your GP or contact your police firearms licensing department.

Some Police Constabularies require a Letter Directly from your GP which may take the form of a letter like this:

Letter from my Local Constabulary

All applications are looked at on their own merit, with the main priority of these checks are ensuring that you pose no harm to yourself or others.

2.2.4.2 GP and Police Medical Report Procedure

If you have disclosed a relevant medical condition the police may ask you to obtain a medical report from your GP/specialist. You are expected to meet the cost if a fee is charged for this. If further information is required the police may request and pay for a further report.

Where no relevant medical conditions are disclosed the police will contact your GP asking if they are aware of any relevant medical conditions or have any concerns about the grant of the firearm or shotgun certificate. As above the police may request and pay for a further report.

After which the police will ask your GP to place a reminder on your patient record to indicate that you have been issued with a firearm or shotgun certificate.

The GP is asked to notify the police if, following issue of the certificate, you are diagnosed with or treated for a relevant medical condition previously noted, or if the GP has other concerns about your possession of a certificate that might affect your safe possession of firearms following contact from your GP there may be a need for a medical report to be obtained to assist with assessment of your continued suitability to possess a firearm or shotgun certificate. The police will pay if a medical report is required.

2.2.5 5. A Passport Picture

For the application process you require a digital photograph for your license, it must be used for online applications. Paper applications must be accompanied by one photograph. Ordinary passport-style photographs (45mm high x 35mm wide) are suitable for this purpose.

Photographs must be of a professional standard against a plain cream or grey background and without other objects or people in the background and (if printed) must be on good quality gloss or matt paper.

The photograph must be a true likeness and full face without a head covering (unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons). In your photograph you must be looking straight at the camera, have a neutral expression, with your eyes open and mouth closed. You must not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, and the photographs must not have any ‘red eye.’ One of these photographs must also be signed.

2.2.6 6. A Safe Check

Firearm Storage under the law orders that Firearms must be stored securely at all times (except for when they are in use) to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, access to the guns by “unauthorised persons”. Briefly put the government recommends that you store them in a locked gun cabinet or other similarly secure container bolted to a solid and secure wall.

Ammunition for Section 1 Firearms should be kept secure and separate from the firearm. Although secure storage of Section 2 shotgun cartridges is not a requirement of the Firearms Acts, it is recommended that they should be locked away separately for security.

For Additional Information Check the Home Office's 2019 Firearms Security Guide

If in doubt please contact your local police constabulary if you want guidance.
Also remember that capacity described by the manufacturer is indicative, only usually for marketing purposes. The stated capacity of a cabinet can be doubled in reality, especially if it is installed lying down.

Some owners even rip out the foam padding within a safe for more storage space.


2.3 The FEO Inspection & Interview

For First time applicants a home visit is a ways carried out. This should include an interview which will revolve around questions surrounding firearm safety, safe etiquette (keys), where you intend to shoot and why, as well as a recap on your firearm slot(s), Sound Moderators and requested amounts of ammunition (500 rounds is the standard for Target/Practical, 250 for Hunting) and consideration of your security arrangements, if you do not at this time have a safe, there will be a second visit to confirm your security arrangements when a safe has been installed.

At renewal a risk-based assessment may indicate the need for another interview with the applicant or further enquiries about security arrangements.

These enquiries may be done over the telephone or by email rather than by home visit, in accordance with the level of the risk assessment. Home visits should always be made by prior appointment and take place at a mutually convenient time.


2.4 Types of Licenses and their Costs

All of the below certificates are valid for 5 years

The costs of Applying for a license excluding the cost of external factors (Club Costs, Medical Record costs) goes as follows

2.4.1 Firearm Certificates (FAC)

Grant - £88.00
Renewal - £62.00
Variation of a firearm certificate (other than when it is renewed at the same time) so as to increase the number or type of firearms or quantity of ammunition to which the certificate relates. - £20.00
Replacement if lost or destroyed. - £ 4.00

2.4.2 Shotgun Certificates (SGC) (England, Scotland and Wales)

Grant - £79.50
Renewal - £49.00
Replacement if lost or destroyed - £ 4.00

2.4.3 Coterminous Certificate for both Firearms and Shotguns

Grant - £90.00
Renewal - £ 65.00
Replacement - £4.00

2.4.4 Explosives Certificates

Acquire and Keep - Free (necessary for Black-powder shooting, but not needed if using Pyrodex)

2.5 What Can I Own with a Firearms Certificate/Shotgun Certificate?

2.5.1 Preface

With the liberal use of terms "Firearms" and "Shotguns" often being used interchangeably in this guide so far, it is best to mention that the Legal Definition of "Firearm" and "Shotgun" is not at all synonymous and is often confusing to new Shooters, the purpose of this Section is to give the clearest breakdown of what can be owned on a Shotgun License and Firearms License.

2.5.1.1 Keys

BL = Barrel Length
OAL = Overall Length
(2+1) = 2 in the Magazine 1 in the chamber
Section 1 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 2 - Needs a Good reason and an Authorized slot on a FAC to own each Section 1 Firearm.
Section 2 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 1 - Primarily (2+1) Shotguns, SGC holders can acquire as many Shotguns as their safe can store.


2.5.1.2 Overall Length

When measuring the length of a firearm if said firearm has any detachable, folding, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded which is why Short Barrelled Rifles (SBRs) and Handguns both fit into the Small Firearms category.

Section 1 Firearms within England, Scotland and Wales, Unless otherwise mentioned must be No Less than a 12"BL and 24" OAL.
Section 1 Shotguns of which are Semi-automatic and Pump-Action must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
Where Section 1 Short Barrelled Firearms are Legal They must be No More than a 12"BL and 24" OAL

Section 2 Regardless of Region, Firearm type or Firearm Action, Section 2 Firearms must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL


2.5.1.3 Magazine Restrictions

Section 1 Firearms have no Magazine restrictions.
Section 2 Firearms are Restricted to a maximum capacity of 2 Shells in the Magazine and 1 in the Chamber (2+1)


2.5.1.4 Calibre Restrictions

Unless a Calibre Restriction is Specifically Mentioned within the list such as e.g.

Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)

That Firearm Does Not have a calibre restriction.


2.5.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions

Unlike the United States, the United Kingdom has no Laws Prohibiting Firearms or Firearm Accessories based Solely on their appearance only on Functionality.


2.5.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers

-Section 1
Sound Moderators under UK Law for Section 1 Firearms are classed as if they were firearms, they like Section 1 Firearms Require a good reason to own and is subject to certificate control. If you feel you need one, then it should be included on your application. Moderator use is also limited to the Firearm slot you get the moderator with.

If the Moderator is integral (permanent) to the Firearm, separate authorisation is not required however you still need to fulfil the "Good Reason Requirement" requirement for the firearm.

If you wish to request this type of rifle it is advised that your application should read along the lines of:

"... .22 rifle with integral sound moderator ..."

Most Common Reasons to own are:

  1. Hunting
  2. Vermin Control
  3. Night Shooting
  4. Hearing Protection (Especially with indoor ranges)

-Section 2 and Other
Sound moderators on:

  1. air weapons (excluding those deemed as specially dangerous - exceed 12ft lbs kenetic energy)
  2. section 2 shotguns

are not considered to be component parts of a firearms and are therefore unrestricted.


2.6.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)

Bolt Action Rifles
FAC Airguns (Over 12ft/lbs)
Lever Action Rifles
Lever Release Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)*
Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Long Barrelled Revolvers
Manually Actuated Release System (M.A.R.S Rifles/Semi-Semi Automatic Rifles) (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)*
Muzzle Loaded Handguns (Requires Explosives Certificate if using Black Powder)
Pump Action Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Semi-Automatic Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Straight Pull Rifles
Shotguns with over 2+1 Capacity/Detachable Magazines*

  • Semi Automatic and Pump Action Shotguns require no less than 24” BL \& 40” OAL
  • Any Other Type of Legal Action Shotgun (e.g. Lever Action) Require no less than 12” BL and 24” OAL

*Both Centre-Fire Lever Release and Centre-Fire M.A.R.S Rifles under the Offensive Weapons Bill of 2019 have become Prohibited and as of writing (15/12/20) the Government have introduced their mandatory Buy Back/Surrender Program of which will start on 10 December 2020 and close on 9 March 2021.

The Guidance for Surrender and Pricing can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/942563/2020_12_08_Guidance_for_surrender_and_making_a_claim.pdf

2.6.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)

All of the Above
Airguns Over 1 ft/lb of energy must be on your FAC (Northern Ireland & Jersey)
Short Barrelled Firearms (Pistols and Short Barrelled Rifles No longer than 12" BL and 24" OAL)
Semi-automatic Rifles over 22 Rimfire cartridges (Jersey Only)

2.6.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates (England, Scotland and Wales)

Shotguns with a maximum capacity of 2+1 (24” BL and 40” OAL)
Smooth Bore Muskets
Small Cannons

2.6.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)

Section 7.1
Heritage Pistols to be held at home as part of a collection, without ammunition, and allows them to be exhibited
Section 7.3
For Shooting Heritage Pistols at Designated Sites
http://www.hbsa-uk.org/HBSA-what-we-do/heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/heritage-pistol-sites

2.6.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)

Antique/Obsolete Calibre Weapons

Gun Anon's Rv3 Infographic


2.7 The Application Forms

2.7.1 201 Form

The 201 Form is a formal Application for the Grant or Renewal of a Firearm and/or Shotgun Certificate that can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/667450/Form_201_-_21_Nov_2017_-_PDF.pdf
If this is your first time applying please take the time to read through the whole application form.

Digital 201 Form

There are also Digital Versions of the 201 Form on Your Local Police Constabulary Website, of which can be found from here
https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/uk-police-forces/

As with the normal 201 form, please read through any and all notes prefaced on your local police department, as referenced in the GP Procedure, some Local Constabularies provide letters to send to your local GP, whilst some others simply prefer to

2.7.2 201V Form

The 201V Form Application to vary a Firearms Certificate, of which if found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/667451/Form_201V_-_21_Nov_2017_-_PDF.pdf

2.7.3 Application Submission

The receipt for electronic applications, where these are available, will be automatically generated by the system. For hard copy applications, unless advised otherwise by the police, you should post or take the completed form together with the fee and photograph to the police firearms licensing department.

In the case of an application for renewal, a signed and dated recent copy of the certificate to be renewed should be sent to police when you submit your application. If an application is being made for a variation the certificate to be varied must be included with your application. (You may wish to keep a copy of the certificate.)

2.7.4 How Long will the Application Take to Process?

The time to Process a SGC/FAC is a postcode lottery, to find out how long it will take you approximately for your area I have linked below are the Government's own findings for years 2014/2015 as well as BASC's League Table for 2018
BASC Firearms Licensing League Table For 2018:
https://basc.org.uk/firearms/firearms-licensing-league-table-2018/
Government's 2014/2015 Statistics:
https://i.imgur.com/eapjAnr.png
Source: HMIC: An Inspection of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Firearms Licensing in Police forces in England and Wales (Page 29)

2.7.5 Congratulations

Congratulations! you should now be in possession of either a Firearm Certificate and/or Shotgun Certificate, Enjoy owning your own firearms.


2.8 Firearm Purchases

You can purchase the firearms authorised on your certificate, not only from a Registered Firearms Dealer, but also from other Firearm Certificate holders. The final handing over of the weapon must be in person, and the person transferring the firearm to you, must enter the details on the back of your Firearm Certificate at Table 1.

2.8.1 Section 1 Purchases & Transfers

You can purchase the firearms authorised on your certificate, not only from a Registered Firearms Dealer, but also from other Firearm Certificate holders. The final handing over of the weapon must be in person, and the person transferring the firearm to you, must enter the details on the back of your Firearm Certificate at Table 1.

It is not you that enters the details, but the seller.

Remember, you only write on your own certificate when you sign it

Having acquired your firearm you must, within seven days, inform the police authority that issued your certificate in writing of the transaction. The person transferring the firearm, if a certificate holder, must also inform their issuing authority.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 requires you to notify the Chief Officer of Police who issued your certificate within seven days if you: -transfer a firearm to any other person including selling it, hiring it out, lending it, or making a gift of it; or -purchase or acquire a firearm; or -deactivate a firearm or have it deactivated by someone else; or -destroy a firearm; lose a firearm; or have one stolen.

Section 33 (3) of The Firearms Amendment Act 1997 requires that such notification shall: -contain a description of the firearm in question, (giving its identification number if any); and -state the nature of the transaction and the name and address of the other party -and any such notice shall be sent by registered post or the recorded delivery service.

These requirements apply even if the matter happened outside Great Britain. However, as a result of changing technology since the introduction of the above section, most Constabulary Firearms Licensing Departments are willing to accept written notification by facsimile and email.

2.8.2 Section 2 Purchases & Transfers

There are various ways to acquire shotguns. These include buying or being given one from another certificate holder or Registered Firearms Dealer. If you look on the back of your shotgun certificate you will see "Table 2". It is this table that must be completed by the person selling/transferring the gun to you.

Similarly, if you sell or transfer one of your shotguns to another certificate holder, you must enter the details of that weapon, into "Table 2", on the back of the recipient's certificate.

You do not enter details of the transfer on your own certificate. A good thing to remember is the only time you write on your own certificate is when you sign it.

If you acquire a shotgun from a Registered Firearms Dealer, he will enter the details of the weapon, into "Table 2", on the back of your certificate.

If you sell or dispose of a shotgun to a Registered Firearms Dealer, he will enter the transaction in his register. There is no writing for you to do, other than: in all cases of acquiring or disposing of a shotgun, you must inform the Police Authority that issued your certificate. The final handover of the weapon must be done in person. It is no longer legal to acquire shotguns by mail order.

As a shotgun certificate holder it is also possible for you to borrow another certificate holder or dealer's shotgun. However, if the shotgun is to be in your possession for more than 72 hours, the person lending you the weapon must enter the details in "Table 2" stating the appropriate reason in Column B.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 requires you to notify the Chief Officer of Police, within 7 days, who issued your certificate if you: -Transfer a shotgun to any other person including selling it, hiring it out, lending it for more than 72 hours, or making a gift of it or Purchase or acquire a shotgun or Deactivate a shotgun or have it deactivated by someone else or Destroy a shotgun, lose a shotgun or have one stolen

These requirements apply even if the matter happened outside Great Britain, for which the notifying period is extended to within 14 days.

Email notifications are allowed and are now the preferred method of notice.

-------- Part 3 Additional Resources--------

3.1 UK Firearm Channels

English Shooting
https://www.youtube.com/user/EnglishShooting
The Gun Shop
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcQZw5EXW6ixRWEaNnB9E9A
RackNLoad
https://www.youtube.com/user/RACKNLOAD
SRSPower
https://www.youtube.com/user/srspower
Gunroom TV
https://gunroom.tv/
GunMart TV
https://www.youtube.com/user/GunMartTV/

3.2 Firearm Associations

3.2.1 General Associations

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
https://basc.org.uk

  • As of 13/7/2020 BASC have removed their Legal Insurance

More Information can be found here:

The National Rifle Association (NRA)
https://nra.org.uk/

Shooting UK
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/

Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
https://www.cpsa.co.uk/

3.2.2 Target/Practical Shooting Associations

United Kingdom Practical Shooting Association (UKPSA)
http://www.ukpsa.co.uk/

Fifty Calibre Shooters Association (FCSA)
http://www.fcsa.co.uk/

Muzzle Loading Association of Great Britain (MLAGB)
https://www.mlagb.com/

3.2.3 Pro-Firearm Associations

FirearmsUK
https://firearmsuk.org

3.3 Local Club Finders

3.3.1 Section 1 Club Finders

https://nra.org.uk/nra-affiliated-clubs/

3.3.2 Section 2 Club Finders

https://www.cpsa.co.uk/where

If you are new to shooting it is best to contact your local club and ask if it would be possible to come down and meet an experienced shooter or coach for a bit of 1 to 1 shooting. Do not go on one of the party-style shooting events. You will hit nothing and pay way too much money - experienced shooters will be able to offer you advice and stance changes that will have you hitting the target more times than not on your first trip.

3.4.1 England

Cloudside Shooting Grounds

Price - £39

Cloudside Shooting Grounds being roughly 340m above sea level fits in it's name, with a beautiful scenic view being surrounded by the gorgeous hills of Cheshire that's worth the asking price alone. For £39 it gets you 25 cartridges & 25 Clays, a Bacon Bap and some Tea. Depending on how familiar you are with shooting your Instructors will firstly go over basic safety lessons, how to load the Shotgun and give instruction before shooting.

As with the general advice, when booking directly, ask for a Lesson and not an Experience.

Contact Information

Visit https://cloudside.co.uk/
Call 01260 226392

When calling ask for a Direct Booking and for a Lesson.

  • Alex
  • Anthony/Tony
  • John
Extras

As a Registered Firearm Dealer (RFD), Cloudside offers Shotguns storage if you are currently struggling with acquiring a safe or keeping Firearms/Shotguns in the home.

3.4.2 Scotland

3.4.3 Wales

3.4.4 Northern Ireland

Thatch Clay Target Club

(Recommended by /K/ommandobooks)

For about £10 they will have a 1 to 1 session on the small range to get you used to the firearms and hitting the target repeatedly, from a world class coach. Also contact NTSA to inquire about going to an event to try it out.

3.5 Firearm Infographics and Misc Information

3.5.1 General Infographics

Gun Anon's Revision v3 Infographic

Gun Anon's V1 Section 1 + Section 2 Infographic

Gun Anon’s V1 Infographic

Gun Anon's Shotgun infographic

Gun Anon's Shotgun Infographic

3.5.2 Rifle Infographics

/k/'s 22lr Rifle Buyer's Guide

/k/'s 22lr Rifle Buyers Guide

3.5.3 Shotgun Infographics

Chevrolet's Shotgun Beginners Infographic

Chevrolet's Shotgun Beginners Chart

Shotgun Information

What is a Shotgun Gauge/Bore?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OE8nQeDcYg

Shooting UK's Section 2 Shotgun Purchasing Guide

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide

3.6 Second Hand Buyers Guides

3.6.1 Rifles

ShootingUK's Second Hand Rifle Buying Guide

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/rifle/second-hand-rifle-buying-guide

3.6.2 Shotguns

Charles Smith-Jones' Gunsmith’s guide to buying guns second-hand

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide/a-gunsmiths-guide-to-buying-guns-second-hand-99252

Shane Robinson's What you need to know about buying a gun second-hand

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide/what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-gun-second-hand-97985

3.7 Safes and Safe Information

Lokaway Safes

http://lokawaysafe.com/

Bratton Sound Gun Safes

https://www.brattonsound.co.uk/

Infac Gun Safes

Can be found more or less everywhere, the SD variants are for Section 1 and Section 2, the S Varients are exclusively for Section 2 Shotguns.

FEO’s Perspective of what to look for during a Firearm Inspection

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/answers/gun-storage-cut-security-risk-98103

3.8 Online Registered Firearm Dealers (RFDs)

3.8.1 New Guns

Sportsman Gun Centre
https://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/
Southern Gun Company (Custom AR-15s)
http://www.southern-gun.co.uk/

3.8.2 Milsurp/Classical

Highwood Classic Arms
https://www.highwoodclassicarms.co.uk/index.htm

3.8.3 Slavophile/Soviet

Rus Military
http://www.rusmilitary.com

3.8.4 Used Guns

Gun Star
https://www.gunstar.co.uk/
Gun Trader
https://www.guntrader.uk/

Edit
Pub: 25 Jul 2020 15:38 UTC
Edit: 13 Jun 2023 18:47 UTC
Views: 15072