New 2013 Home Office Firearms Guidelines

[Alsone 789]

2013 Guidelines now out and downloadable (replaces the 2002 Guidelines):

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/246643/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law.pdf

[hutchey 147]

any noticable differencies?

[Alsone 789]

Not read most of it.

 

It does partially clear up the shooting with a non licensed friend :

 

 

Section 11(5) of the 1968 Act allows an individual, without holding a shotgun certificate, to borrow a shotgun from the occupier of private premises and use it on those premises in the occupier’s presence. Section 11(5) was amended by SI 2010/1759, to add that where the borrower is under eighteen, the exemption only applies if the occupier is eighteen or over. The presence of the occupier is normally taken to mean within sight and earshot of the individual borrowing the shotgun. The term “occupier” is not defined in the Firearms Acts, nor has a court clarified its meaning. However, the Firearms Consultative Committee in their 5th Annual report recommended that the provisions of section 27 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 be adopted. This states that “occupier” in relation to any land, other than the foreshore, includes any person having any right of hunting, shooting, fishing or taking game or fish. The foreshore is land, however it is predominately Crown or Duchy owned but some, for example, is owned or leased by private individuals, local authorities or other groups. The Section 11(5) exemption may only be utilised on foreshore in England and Wales where the lender is an owner/occupier/lease holder who maintains the shooting rights. In the case of a Crown lease, the lease must allow the use of shotguns and will usually only permit the activity of wildfowling. Definitions of foreshore can be found in chapter 14.6.19

 

In the absence of any firm definition for firearms purposes, it is suggested that this definition of “occupier” should be used.

 

On some occasions though, where the status of a certificate holder acting as an occupier is an issue, the chief officer may need to consider seeking the advice of counsel. Section 57(4) provides that “premises” shall include any land. The borrower may be of any age but an offence may be committed under section 22(3) if a minor under the age of 15 is not supervised by a person over 21 years of age.

 

However note: "On some occasions though, where the status of a certificate holder acting as an occupier is an issue, the chief officer may need to consider seeking the advice of counsel."

 

So there's still no cast iron guarantee.

 

Also, this is posted under Shotguns. There's no repeat under Firearms although there's no reason to believe that these guidelines don't apply there as again it refers to "The Occupier" and also says "In the absence of any firm definition for firearms purposes, it is suggested that this definition of “occupier” should be used.". I think its just not been repeated as it was defined in the previous section but personally I think its poorly drafted. "The Occupier" should have been defined at the beginning of the section and not within a sub heading relating to a gun type.

[hutchey 147]

cheers mate

[Alsone 789]

Just been looking something up in here and noticed something nasty - recommendation for ammo amounts is now up to 250 rounds for fox and larger.

 

I know many people have 500-1000 allowances.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Alsone

[Deker 3,478]

The printed version is now available but a revision is aready due for Dec so I'm waitng for that before I order a copy!

 

There are LOTS of changes, but also bear in mind it is a GUIDE!

[Alsone 789]

Yeah it does say personal circumstances can be taken into account on ammo allowances.

 

I really fail to see the reason for restriction. If someone did go crazy the idea that they might get to shoot off 250+ rounds is ludicrous, and as for it being stolen, its in a safe.

[matt_hooks 188]

Great find, thanks. That'll be a good read one day when I'm not busy.