There are many factors you need to be aware of if you’re looking to purchase a gun in the UK.
One type of gun is a shotgun for that you need a shot gun certificate, the same goes with a rifle you need a rifle certificate.
A shotgun is known as a smooth-bore gun which has a barrel not less than 24 inches with a bore diameter not exceeding 2 inches.
A rile is described as a type of firearm with a barrel not shorter than 300mm, the overall length of a firearm is required to not be less than 600mm.
As of 1st October 1997 it was introduced that you need to be a member of a rifle or muzzle loading pistol club if you intend to use a gun. Muzzle loaders are now the only legal useable handguns available to UK users apart from historic cartridge handguns available at designated sites. However to conduct your own shooting you will need a supply of black powder which is a classified explosive which you can acquire from your local police force.
You need to be at least 17 years of age or over to have a firearms certificate, if you are under the age of 17 you will require signed permission from your parents. But you still have to be 17 to purchase a gun and ammunition. If you are between the ages of 14 and 17 you may borrow or purchase a gun for someone else over the age of 17 and you are allowed to use it without supervision on private property if you have a right to be there. Also if you are under the age of 14 you can use an air gun if you are supervised by someone over the age of 21. It is against the law to possess a gun and ammunition without supervision under the age of 14.
After 1997 laws became a lot stricter, if you now want a firearm certificate you must be able to provide two referees and now the police have the right to refuse you a firearms certificate if you don’t have a valid reason to own a gun and ammunition.
The last thing to be aware of is, a transaction to buy a gun must be made face to face.
Before even thinking of purchasing a gun it is recommended that you speak to your local police firearms liaison officer. You will be given forms to fill out plus you need to be able to give a valid reason for wanting a gun. Also you need to be able to prove you can store your guns in a secure place such as a weapon cabinet.
At this point if you’re still thinking of purchasing a firearm, you need to buy yourself a weapon cabinet.
THE LITTLE SAFE COMPANY are a UK based company in West Bromwich, and sell a small but top quality range of weapon cabinets. Whether it’s a rifle or shotgun you own these cabinets are sure to meet your needs.
You can take a look at their range below:
