UK firearms legislation

Question 1

The 1968 Firearms Act (current legislation)

Answer 1

3 main classifications:
1. Section 1: Firearms
2. Section 2: Shotguns
3. Section 5: Prohibited weapons

Question 2

What is the definition of a firearm (S57)?

A firearm is…

Answer 2

• A lethal barrelled weapon
• A prohibited weapon
• A relevant component part in relation to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon
• An accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon

Question 3

Define ammuniton (S57)

Answer 3

Any ammunition for any firearm and includes grenades, bombs and other like missles whether capable of use with a firearm or not and also includes prohibited ammunition

Question 4

Section 1 - Firearms

Answer 4

• You must have a certificate for firearms in this section except for shotguns, air weapons or unclassified ammunition
• Covers mostly bolt-action rifles - barrel must be longer than 30cm, overall length of firearm must be more than 60cm
• Also includes 0.22” caliber rim-fire rifles, where semi-automatic and pump action mechanisms are permitted
• Any detatchable, folding or retractable butt-stock wont be included in the length of the firearm
• Solid slug shotgun rounds are cartridges contianing less than 5 shot (being greater than 0.36inches in diameter)

Question 5

Section 2 - Shotguns

Answer 5

• A smooth-bore gun that has a barrel length no less than 24 inches and the diameter is not bigger than 2 inches
• Has no magazine or has a non-detachable magazine incapable of holding more than two cartridges
• Is not a revolver gun

Question 6

Section 5 - Prohibited weapons

Answer 6

• Covers all firearm-related weapons that cannot be owned by the general public under a section 1 firearms certificate or section 2 shotgun certificate
• Any military and police hardware
• Any firearm disguised to look like another object
• Prohibited ammunition
• Pump action shotguns

Question 7

Exemptions for expanding ammunition

Answer 7

• If you certificate permits you to do so, subject to a condition restricting the use of any expanding ammunition in relation to: shooting of deer, shooting vermin, humane killing of animals, shooting animals for the protection of other animals or humans

Question 8

Special exemptions from Sections 1 to 5

Answer 8

• Police permit
• Authorised dealing with firearms
• Carriers and auctioneers etc
• Slaughter of animals
• Sports, athletics and other approved activities

Question 9

Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003

S37

Answer 9

S37 prohibits the possession of certain items in a public place:
* Air weapon if person under 18
* Loaded firearm of any kind including magazines
* Imitation or deactivated firearm without lawful authority or reasonable exucse
* Brocock air weapons

Question 10

2006 Violent Crime Reduction Bill

Answer 10

A person is guilty of an offence if they:
* Manufacture a realistic imitation firearm
* Modifies a firearm or an imitation firearm so that it becomes a realistic imitation firearm
* Sells a realistic imitation firearm
* Brings a realistic imitation firearm into the UK or causes one to be brought into the UK