Question about police + firearms?

Question

Hi, I'm thinking of taking up clay pigeon shooting for a hobby and I need help understanding laws and stuff as I can't really trust much of what I read online. So do all uk police stations have some kind of officer who specialises in firearms that I could go in and see for advice and info?

Thanks

Answer 1

There isn't a firearms liaison officer at every station, they tend to be based at the force HQ for your area. The best place to go is actually your local gunsmiths, they will advise you on what storage is acceptable in your force area. Some authorities specify a cabinet, Cheshire police have been known just to accept a trigger lock as suitable storage. The gunsmith will also advise you on what type and size of shotgun is best for you.



Applying for a shotgun certificate is very straight forward, when you get the application pack it will include a booklet explaining the laws. You will get a visit from the liaison officer once you've submitted your application.

Answer 2

I will assume you are of good background and mentally well. A shotgun is covered by s.2 of the firearms act. Essentially you are entitled to hold as many as you can securely store in the uk without having to prove why you need one; but you will be asked why you want one.

Clay pigeon sport being a good answer. You will be assessed for suitability including background medical and 2 professional referee checks. Your home security will be checked and you should fit a standard gun cabinet for weapon security.

Forms are available from local police force - all the info will certainly be on their website.

Applying is easy, fitting a cabinet also easy. You will find the police helpful too. Basc website is also wotth visiting for local clubs and shoots. Before you decide try a day shooting clays at a country fair or club to see if it's for you.

Answer 3

All regional police forces will have an officer to deal with firearms,

For clay pigeon shooting you will want a shotgun certificate allowing you to own a shotgun that can hold two cartridges. As opposed to an FAC license which is for rifles and higher capacity shotguns.

I suggest you contact your local police force to find out more.

Answer 4

This puts it all rather neatly : http://www.gundealer.net/rules.htm



The firearms liaison officer at your local police service will give you further information or clarification if you still need help.



And, yes, your local clay club will help too.

Answer 5

They will advise you at the Clay Pigeon shooting club.

Answer 6

since dunblane police officers are barred from being firearms officers, this task is now performed by a civilian.



the chief constable of each county issues a general certificate to all registered clubs in his area, which covers "anyone" who attends the ground to shoot with a shotgun, in other words you do not need a certificate to shoot with a shotgun at a registered ground.



you should be able to find information about local clubs on the internet, the cpsa will have a list of all their locally registered grounds in relation to where you live, they can also supply details of cpsa approved coaches in your area.

Answer 7

Look on the website of your local police force