Calling ALL Shooters!

 This is a call to anyone who has, over the past 10 years encountered difficulty in having heir FAC processed. This may take many different forms, but most common is delaying the process, then refusing an extension in order to complete the process. This means the individual concerned has to dispose, or, lodge their Firearms, usually at great expense.

Another, is medical information not being supplied, in time to fit in with their time scale. Questioning land over which permission to shoot has been granted, and many many other spurious reasons in order to delay the process.

So, if you have been affected by your FEO making your FAC renewal less than straight forward, please contact via this page in the first instance, relating your experience. If we are able to use your information we will get back to you, to discuss the matter further,

Consultation on firearms licensing.

                The latest consultation on firearms licensing, could lead some of you to believe that that there was some underlying agenda by those in a position of power. Not so many years ago, this kind of thinking would have you labelled as a conspiracy theorist. But, over the past four years, more and more people are starting to think this way. Those who are still able to use independent thought.

                There have been so many occasions in recent history that a view point has been put forward, only for the establishment to close ranks, and roundly denounce the opposing opinion. No rationale, no evidence, nothing, just we say it’s not so.

                This latest consultation is just the latest in an effort to ultimately remove all firearms from civilian ownership. But it has to be done in stages, with more and more of the population seemingly behind and supporting the seizure. The current list of proposals have been put forward time and again, and each time a bit more gets added on. But why do we need more restrictions? Currently the UK has laws way beyond what the rest of the world deem necessary to ensure those in society who should not have firearms, are obstructed in their acquisition. Criminals, as we have said before, do not obey the law, and more draconian ownership laws do nothing to prevent this section of society from obtaining them.

                And so we arrive at the conspiracy theory! This latest debate has been brought about by the coroner’s inquest to the shootings in Plymouth, where the assailant killed a number of his family, before turning the gun upon himself. The coroner Mr. Ian Arrow listened to what the jury in the case had to say, and in his report made recommendations that more rigorous restrictions were needed in order to prevent this sort of tragedy from re-occurring. In his findings, and subsequent comments, there was no reference to the laws that are in place being ineffective. He did however, blame the incompetent and slap dash approach by the local police authority who had issued the licence, revoked it, and then re-instated it.

                All of the failings by the police contributed to the terrible incident. And yet, Mr Arrow’s thinking appears to be that, as the current law was not applied, that law must be ineffective. Therefore, more stringent laws must be implemented.

               In a recent statement issued by the Countryside Alliance on this matter, reference was made to the U.S.A., and its gun owners. I feel this comment was to say the least, disingenuous. Despite what you have been lead to believe, there are over 20,000 laws in the U.S. in relation to firearms and their ownership. All purchases through legitimate businesses have to have a background check, and, contrary to misinformation, you cannot buy a firearm on the internet and have it sent to your house. As here, the transaction has to be completed with a face to face meeting.

                There are so many commonalities between the U.K. and U.S.A. regarding this subject, but they approach the matter in a different way, to achieve the same result. The result of the laws on law abiding members of society is the same, no problems. But, here, as in the U.S.A. the main arbiters are the police, and as here they are advised of individuals who should have their firearms removed for the sake of public safety. And, as here, all too often these firearms are returned, only for the individual to then go on to perform an horrendous act of violence. And, as here, after every event of this nature, the police and politicians call for even more stringent controls on firearms. This is despite those charged with the job of enforcing the existing laws, failing to so.

                Current laws in the U.K. are more severe than most of the rest of the world. The law abiding firearms owner has submitted themselves to background checks, photographic I.D., and that they have, and do live, an honest and law abiding life style. Which is more than can be said for any other sector of society, including the police. Gilding the lily will have no effect on the criminals, and failure to enact current laws, will not be remedied by these proposals.

                So, in closing please contact you M.P., or, the shooting organisation that you are a member of. If you do not already belong to one, join now! Failure to support your sport will result in all shooting sports being curtailed until they are finally legislated out of existence.

Impossible position!

 

I recently watched a re-run of the television serial Downton Abbey. For those not familiar with show, it revolves around the class and hierarchy of the British life at the turn of the 20^th century. Those that own and live in the big house, and those that that work there, the servants.

                In this particular episode, Branson, the chauffer, was instructed by one of the daughters Lady Sybil, to drive her to a political rally. Branson, made protestations to Lady Sybil, pointing out that it was not a good idea for one of her class to be down with the sort of people likely to be at the rally. Whilst these two characters have an underlying romantic storyline, the position of power was used to override the objections.

At the rally a fight breaks out, and Lady Sybil receives a nasty blow to head. Branson extricates her unconscious body, and eventually returns her home to her family. Later the Lord, father of the family, confronts Branson. He chastises him, and lays the blame for the whole incident squarely at the chauffeur’s feet. Despite protestations from Branson, and an attempt to define mitigation from Lady Sybil, the chauffer is deemed to be responsible for the whole incident.

 

                This is a situation that continues to play out in the real world. Those in position of authority, make the rules and hand out the punishment. Those without the power, follow the rules. Branson protested but was over-ruled, he had no choice but to obey. But, when things go wrong, he is blamed for doing as he had been ordered to do. Assuming he had refused, he would have been dismissed from service without a reference, and therefore made virtually unemployable for that period in history.

 

                A real world example of this hypocrisy, enacted by the state, is that of gun licensing authorities. They create many, many laws, regulations, and restrictions, all in the name of public safety. Do not misunderstand, these rules, in general, are not a bad thing. But the hypocrisy when things go wrong is legion.

There have been, mercifully, few such incidents over the years. But with each atrocity there are more calls for more restrictions and regulations. And in so many of these incidents, after all the knee jerking and calls for more control, there is an underlying commonality. Those that make the rules, do not follow the rules. Yet, those that abide by the rules, have made representation to the rule makers, only for their concerns to be ignored. Are to be blamed later for the outcome.

 

                In recent times, those committing crimes with legally held firearms, have overwhelmingly had their licence revoked and their firearms removed, only for them to be returned at a later date. The reason in most cases is domestic abuse, ABH, GBH, or, other acts of violence or threatening behaviour. In all these instances, the authorities are well within their remit to prosecute and permanently deny the ownership, or, possession of firearms. But they fail to carry out their responsibilities. Choosing to pass the blame onto those that were not culpable, and had no control over the situation. Much like the Lord, in the television series.

 

                In short, rules are made for a reason. And, in general we all live by these rules. But when the creators of the rules fail to abide by them, blame those that follow them; and then endeavour to make more rules, in order to deflect from their failure, we all lose!

Arming Ukrainian civilians. Too little too late?

 The recent invasion of Ukrainian territory by Russia is a terrible event; a show of brutal strength by a superior state over a smaller state. And as such, is wholly condemned here.

It is however interesting to see how the Ukrainian state decided to bolster its armed services. After many years of state control over civilian firearms ownership, they had a change of heart.

The population of Ukrainia is about 45 million people. Civilian ownership of firearms' is permitted, but is regulated by the state. There are many regulations to ownership, of which some are listed here.

• an individual is 25 years of age for rifle ownership, 21 years of age for smoothbore weapon ownership, 18 years of age for cold or pneumatic weapon ownership;
• has no criminal record;
• has no history of domestic violence;
• has no mental illness or history of mental illness;
• has a good reason (target shooting, hunting, collection).

All responsible firearms owners are accepting of restrictions on violent, mentally unstable, or, criminal individuals ownership of firearms. And, always ensure that their firearms are kept away from minors, or, persons un-familiar with safe handling practices.

Restrictions on the type of firearms allowed to be owned are also regulated by the state. this also covers operating systems, magazine capacity, and ammunition quantities. The ownership of pistols, and self load, semi-automatic firearms of any sort are illegal. (a semi-automatic firearm only fires once with every trigger squeeze. The operating system will then cycle, placing another round in the chamber).

Ownership for personal defence, and concealed carry, are only available in a limited capacity, and only then if it can be proven that a threat to that individual can be proven.

According to the  National Police of Ukraine database, and they should know, there are 892,854 registered firearms in Ukraine as of July 31, 2018. Although, some anti-gun organisations estimate there to be in excess of 3,569,000, or, maybe more. But by their nature these firearms would be illegal, and no-one can say for sure how many, or, how much of any illegal commodity there is in any country.

Therefore, based on the official figures, rounded for ease and convenience, there are approximately 50 citizens for every firearm in the Ukraine.

That was then, 23/2/2022. Now we are one day further into the Russian invasion, and the Ukrainian government has reportedly issued 10,000+ fully automatic firearms to any civilian who will take up arms to defend the country. (fully automatic firearms work in a similar way to that described previously, with the exception that once the trigger is squeezed, the firearm will continue to fire until the trigger is released, or, the magazine is empty)

There are two issues here worth looking at. Firstly, the state has restricted their citizens ability to become proficient with the armament they are supplying. And secondly, the state thinks that civilian owners must be heavily restricted, but now are willing to hand out firearms to anyone who is willing to pick one up, in order to defend the state that restricted them in the first place.

Our prayers are with Ukrainians in their bid to defend their country. They are also with all of those who will lose a loved one because of one tyrannical individual.

Freedom is not free, and it appears that more will have to pay the ultimate price before this current situation is resolved.

UK propose even stricter controls.

 We as a community are again facing more government legislation in our sport in order to address the misuse of, and acquisition of, firearms by the criminal fraternity. From what I have been able read so far, there is little evidence to suggest a balanced approach to any of the proposals.

Please follow this link, FIREARMS SAFETY-GOV.UK to read the government, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NBIS) wish list.

The following link gives you access to the NRA response, along with guidelines on how to respond NRA- HOME OFFICE CONSULTATION

The multi-pronged approach is put forward as a public safety exercise. Nothing that I have read would suggest that any of the changes would make a difference to public safety.

Do not leave it to others to do your bidding! Rest assured that all the anti-shooting organisations, including most of the main stream press and media, will be out in full force to help promote these issues using the public safety mantra.

If you see, or, hear any mis-information from these sources, do the right thing, and contact the outlet to put the facts forward. As a wise man once said, "A lie left unchallenged, becomes the truth".

Thank you for your time.

Firearms Licensing & COVID-19

I have taken this from one of our friends websites. It is very important that if you are the owner of a shotgun or rifle in the UK, you get behind this as soon as you can. After all you can't go out anywhere for a couple of weeks, so spend your time helping a fellow shooter.

Bear in mind that the government have allowed an extension for vehicle MOT's of six months after expiration, and that's for the general public. So surely the nations most law abiding members should be given the same courtesy.

Please find below details of my communication sent to Priti Patel at the Home Office. In the current circumstances many licensees will find themselves falling foul of the law for reasons beyond their control. I feel that this should be addressed by all our organisations, whether you are affiliated or not.

May I respectfully request that in the current medical emergency, the Home Office should advise all firearms licensing authorities, to extend the validity of those license holders whose license is set to expire before the end of July for a period of six months from expiration date? This extension to be reviewed, should the medical emergency still be ongoing.

As you are aware, when licenses are renewed the applicant grants permission for the authorities to contact the applicants medical practitioner in order for a medical background check. At this point in time the medical services are stretched, without this added duty being asked of them.

The licensees are already in possession of firearms, and have undergone the necessary checks when their license was granted originally. A short extension, with a review when circumstances allow, would not affect the public safety aspect of the licensing system.

In line with the government guidelines of not vacating your property unless absolutely necessary, the site visits to licensee’s premises would be avoided. Additionally, this would enable the all the public services to concentrate their efforts on the medical emergency.

Richmond Virginia 2nd amendment rally.

Richmond rally.

                Mainstream media outlets across the whole of the U.S. predicted a rivers of blood scenario, as in excess of 10,000 law abiding American citizens attended a pro-second amendment march. In the aftermath of the event, that same media was desperate to put their own spin on the event.

                In reality, over 10,000 law abiding Americans marched in support of their right to keep and bear arms. These same Americans were from every race colour and creed, if you feel you must address someone by their appearance, beliefs, or, gender, I leave that to those that wish to divide society. These Americans, legally walked down the streets of Richmond, with an estimated 30,000+ firearms and ammunition. There were few police in evidence, just some outlying lines of state troopers. The marchers walked down the road, chanting their objections to the proposed legislation, and on one notable occasion, a spontaneous recital of the pledge of allegiance.

                These marchers were polite, courteous, and orderly. When questioned by supportive, and hostile media alike, they conducted themselves with dignity. In all cases they answered the questions to the best of their beliefs, in a polite manner, without the need for profanity, inflammatory language, or, an aggressive personae. All this was much to the chagrin of the mainstream, who it appears had hoped for at the very least a negligent discharge from one of the thousands of firearms on display.

                Then when it was all over, these marchers left in a peaceful and orderly manner; but not before litter picking the streets where they had been protesting. All of this is stark contrast to those who would suppress or remove the 2^nd amendment rights of Monday’s marchers. The lack of tear gas, broken shop fronts, looting, fires and damage to property, which those same individuals or groups had said would happen. Based one assumes upon their own actions when demonstrating, were all absent from this rally.

                These marchers weren’t the exception, they are the rule; a rule by which all honest, law abiding gun owners, not only in the U.S., but all around the world conduct themselves. This is contrary to what some would have you believe, especially those not involved in the shooting sports.

                In conclusion I would just like to say thank you to of those marchers from Richmond, Virginia as a whole, and to all those Americans from all over the country who came to support their fellow 2^nd amendment family members. This truly was a United States march.

What's it all about?

The latest attempt to undermine the status quo by animal rights groups is currently underway. As with all of these attempts the main goal is not what is laid out in the press releases, or, on the web pages of the group concerned. If you have read any of the previous articles, you will be aware that, the individual’s personal choice is theirs and theirs alone. You will also know that there are many shooters, from every conceivable stand point; from meat eaters to vegans, all religions, races, and creeds.

Despite their diverse viewpoints, they have a number of areas of commonality. The first and most obvious is that they all enjoy taking part in the many and various different options available in the shooting sports as a whole. They also have a strong sense of right and wrong, as defined by the laws of the land. You will be hard pushed to find a shooter with a parking ticket, or, a speeding fine, let alone anything more serious. This attitude is something that is borne out of the discipline of shooting, and the responsibility that owning such tools, for that’s what a firearm is, brings.

Another thing that binds, is the concern for the environment where their shooting is undertaken, along with the nature therein. These areas are a haven for wildlife, and considerably less impactful than the thousands of houses being built over the hundreds of hectares of green belt. But as usual I digress, sorry. Our ranges alone provide sanctuary for moths, butterflies, wild orchids and numerous other wild flowers, adders, grass snakes, slow-worms, stag and other beetles, and finally but not least badgers. But these ranges are not overgrown, and un-managed. They are however selectively managed in order to help keep the natural diversity of the environment they are on.

Certain groups over the years, and certainly in the last thirty years with more intensity, wish to remove those who have been taking care of the rural environment for generations, and replace them with people who think the right way. The right way being that, if man is involved its wrong, unless of course the person is one of their own. A local group who thought this way refused to allow the control of foxes or deer on their land. The upshot was that the deer population grew beyond what the environment could provide food for, resulting in emaciated and sickly deer living on the ground. Many of these deer were culled, but did not end up in the food chain as they were not fit for human consumption. The foxes mean while wreaked havoc on the ground nesting birds, during the nesting season, resulting in an explosion in fox numbers. They were also culled!

Having had little success with their previous tactics, these groups are now learning from those in the U.S.A. who have also tried the first route, and have for the past ten years or so gone down a different path. They know that the people who support their viewpoint are in the minority, a significant one, but still a minority, which has remained stable over time. The new route is one of the law, and it’s not about winning! The plan is to ruin financially their opponents. Both sides are able to draw on their respective supporters for finances, but the anti-group has nothing to lose by keep throwing law suit after law suit at their opponent. Those defending against such suits, are often prevented from continuing their lawful business, whilst these spurious cases are taken through the courts, or, relevant ministerial department.

The first attempt here in the UK was the challenge to, and the suspension of, the general license to control pest such as pigeons and corvids. With a relatively small outlay the group concerned brought chaos to many farmers around the country. Those concerned could not have picked a worse time to proceed with such an action. As self-proclaimed environmentalists and animal lovers, they systematically removed hundreds of thousands of native birds from the countryside they profess to care so much about. In my own locality there was an increase in jays, magpies, and jackdaws. There was by contrast, a marked decline in blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows, gold-crests and blue tits, all of which normally nest happily in the trees and hedges of my garden. One blackbird in her nest, visible from a window in the house, laid more than nine eggs, it may have been more, but only a few made it to hatching, and those that did never fledged.

This latest challenge to the shooting sports, in all its guises, is the most pernicious so far. Without everyone taking part to support those best placed to fight these law suits, there will be no future for shooting here in the UK. Firstly, they will ban game shooting. Then there will be a ban on vermin control. Clay pigeon shooting will be next, with the banning of lead shot, and whilst that is being passed, the use of lead in all ammunition will be included in the ban. Don’t believe me! Go to California, where such a lead ban is already in place. They came in from a different direction, but the ultimate goal is the same.

Sad, but true!

The article below this, “Will this petition fare any better?”, is something well worth while thinking about. There is an article written with regard to pheasant shooting on land owned by the Welsh government. I know not all shooters shoot game or vermin, and that’s fine. They, like the vast majority of the population are content to allow someone else to prepare their Sunday roast, hamburger, or, BBQ chicken fillets. Then there are those who shoot, and have chosen not to eat meat at all. As for vegans, I cannot say, as I have yet to meet a vegan shooter, but I’m sure there is someone out there.

But I digress, just a bit, as you can see shooters come in all forms, as do shooting sports. They are as fractured as a group as you could possibly get. They all enjoy their sport, but ask a clay shooter if they would support a game shooter, and likely as not the answer would be NO. They may then expand their view point as to why they should be allowed to shoot, whilst the game shooter should be curtailed. The same is often true when the rolls are reversed. In short, shooters, and the shooting community is, and are, their own worst enemy.

Back to the article, to read click here. The anti-shooting, animal rights, and other organisations are different. They have no qualms about banding together, if there is something they’re against, they’re all against it. In one paragraph of the article, it states that 76% of people that signed the consultation were for a ban on shooting on NRW land. It goes on to say that 12,700 people also signed animal aid’s petition supporting the consultations views. In a later paragraph, the Countryside Alliance are quoted as saying, “this will send a chill down the spine of the hundreds of thousands of people who shoot…..”

So where are these hundreds of thousands of people? I know they exist, not because I want them to, but because I can see exactly how many there are through freedom of information requests. And given that there are so many people that legally own a firearm, it really is surprising that situations like that below and the Natural Resources Wales, show such a disparity between ownership and support for any and all shooting debates and consultations.

In conclusion, will the petition, or, the game shooting argument on Welsh government owned land succeed? Sadly, most probably not. The apathy, and reticence of shooters to support any shooting outside of the discipline they undertake is proven. Just ask a pistol shooter, the rest of the shooting community were happy to sacrifice them in order to appease the anti’s, in the vane hope that they would then leave the rest of the shooting community alone. The anti’s have nothing to lose, and will keep pushing their viewpoint until they eventually win out.

The short poem by Martin Niemoller sums the situation up with extreme clarity; if you are unwilling to help others, when the time comes, there may be no-one to help you.

Will this petition fare any better?

I'd like to say thank you to all those concerned with the following. I have cut and pasted the item directly from our friends at Fittleworth. There is no more to be said as to why you should support the this petition.
Not so long ago in the U.S.A. similar legislation was proposed with regard to .50 calibre firearms. It was worded in such a way that when the National Rifle Association, read and studied it in detail, its ambiguity became clear. For if it had been passed into law, any calibre larger than .50 would have become illegal. This would have meant that many shotguns would have fallen into the category of being larger than .50 calibre.
You can look at this two ways. One, a badly written piece of legislation, and the unintended consequences of such proposed legislation. Or, two, it was written that way deliberately, and without the due diligence of those supporting shooting, if passed would have given the authorities the opportunity to remove legally held firearms at a stroke. Either way you must decide for yourself. But whatever you do decide, bear in mind, this is an ongoing situation, and without your support now, you may be next.

I know that there have been numerous petitions with regard to shooting and the shooting sports over the years; none of which have met with any success to speak of. This one however is worthy of your attention, and hopefully your support and signature.

This is not the thin end of the wedge, we are way past that now, and in my estimation, we are about half way up the wedge. This petition is an effort to halt this onerous piece of legislation. Legislation, which in its own words, is not based on any facts, figures, or, evidence. Despite any, and all evidence to the contrary, honest, law abiding sportsmen and women are yet again being targeted.

This time don’t wait for these infringements to directly affect you, help a fellow shooter to be able to continue enjoying their sport. After all, next time it may be your chosen discipline!

Remove articles 28-35 inclusive in chapter 6 of the offensive weapons bill.

30,000 self service gun shops open in London

So! who polices the police? The Metropolitan police, in what can only be described as inept cronyism, have released the details of around 30,000 firearms owners. Now, as a firearms owner, should you let your spouse or another family member, or, for that matter anyone know where you keep your keys, you will be in hot water. somehow though, the Met. feel that it is perfectly OK to release the details of 30,000 owners to a private company, with one assumes, very little regard or care, as to who they supply those details to.

If you live in the area controlled by the Met., I strongly recommend that you contact the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, to air your concerns. At present, the Met. are conducting an internal investigation, and BASC are awaiting the outcome of this before making any further comments. However, the security implications of this are considerable.
For more information click the link here to The Register who have run this story.

I have always had a great liking of the Met., they, unlike other police forces, tended not to treat owners of firearms like criminals. Their FEO's where, as a rule, well informed, and helpful. With this in mind, you cannot help feel that this slip, well meant though it may have been, will cast a long shadow. With EU rules making all member states share their information on owners with all other states, just how secure will this information be? if those holding that information are prepared to supply it to a business or group for whatever reason.

Thought for the day.

The terrible actions, undertaken by an individual during Wednesday, are abhorrent, and rightly condemned by people in this country, Europe, and the rest of the world. All the leaders of all these countries have joined to voice their support for the British people. At home the domestic political parties have also shown a unified voice in support of the police, the emergency services, and the people of London. Amongst the calls for vigilance, calm and to carry on as much as normal; there is also the cry, if not a pleading, not to judge members in society for the race, colour, creed, or religious beliefs.

These calls from the hierarchy of the political system and law enforcement are to be condoned. Their call, not to judge a group because of the actions of one, or on occasion, a group of individuals, as representative of the group as a whole, should be applauded. And yet, there is a great degree of hypocrisy in this statement, for should these sentiments not be afforded to everyone, regardless of race, colour, etc.

Around the world, there have been a number of individuals who have committed criminal acts using firearms, and yet, the actions of these individuals are reported and treated as the actions of a whole group, honest law abiding gun owners. Every time some criminal uses a firearm, these same politicians and law enforcement call for more laws, the removal of rights and the imposition of stronger regulations. Can you imagine what would happen if the same criteria were applied after every one of these attacks, carried out in the name of a religious ideology.

Tolerance is something that those in power preach to the masses, and yet the most tolerant are more often than not, treated with contempt, whilst those who are intolerant of much of the worlds societies, are given free rein to undermine those societies. Tolerance it seems is only acceptable when it suits their purpose or is politically expedient.

Farmer found not guilty!

Don't be surprised if you knew nothing about this, the British police and media like to keep these incidents under wraps. Of course, in these enlightened days of multi format communications, it is becoming harder to do so.

As usual the police on the ground did their best, but the hierarchy let its political leanings show. Over 15 hours to attend, then multiple officers, armed response officers, and a helicopter; all out looking for who knows what, 15 hours later; apparently it was hostages.

The injured criminal, who allegedly has a string of convictions for burglary, assault, and weapons charges, was questioned but not even arrested, let alone prosecuted. Whilst the wronged farmer was arrested and prosecuted, but was thankfully found not guilty in 24 minutes by a jury. Now all the farmer has to do is pay the in excess of £30,000.00 court fees, and try to get his shotgun back.

The story carried by the Yorkshire post, link HERE There is also a crowd funding page, in an effort to help with the costs incurred, link HERE should you feel so inclined to help.

Time IS running out!

This has just arrived from our contact at a local rifle club, and this is something that we have been addressing at every possible opportunity. Without shooters of all disciplines taking an active roll in the consultation, many, many smaller clubs will go to the wall, either through reduced membership, you can't have club with less than 10 full members, or, their inability to raise enough revenue.

So please click HERE for the latest news, contact information, and a short video from Firearms UK explaining the problems that smaller clubs will encounter.

UPDATED: Further issues with new medical system for firearms licensing

The following has been received from our good friends at the Counrtyside Alliance. If you are in the process of applying or renewing your certificate/s, it may help to read it!

A lot has changed since our last blog on the new medical system for firearms licensing, posted back in June. As such we want to update our members, especially those in the process of being granted or renewing a firearm or shotgun licence.

Since July the British Medical Association (BMA) has updated their guidelines on firearms licensing, stating that all medical forms sent to GPs by the police regarding the health of a firearm certificate applicant should be returned unanswered. The resulting situation is similar to that which existed pre-April, with no initial check of medical records and no continuous monitoring, both of which the BMA agreed to as part of the Medical Evidence Working Group (MEWG).

The Countryside Alliance believes this new medical system will improve firearms licensing and safety, potentially providing further justification for a future move to 10 year licences. Unfortunately the BMA’s u-turn has effectively signalled to GPs that they do not have to act in the best interests of the licence applicant, and rather than simply return the police letters unanswered many GPs are in fact attempting to charge their patients for completing initial check. This is happening despite the fact that all participants in the MEWG agreed this initial check should be done free of charge.

A further source of concern is the wording of the new BMA guidelines. Not only are they refusing to participate in the new (and previously agreed) system, they are telling their members to refuse the system by claiming a ‘conscientious objection to gun ownership’, a truly outrageous position with no basis in the BMA’s own employment ethics. The Countryside Alliance have written to the BMA twice requesting clarification and have yet to receive a response. We will be pursuing this further.

The current situation is not working, causing confusion among applicants for firearm and shotgun licences and leaving the BMA isolated from the other members of the MEWG. We will continue to push for a working system that benefits the shooting community and the general public.

Evidence lead decision.

Finally the Defra response to the LAG is made public. It is pleasing to see that evidence, rather than an agenda, resulted in the following statement being issued. This does not however mean shooters can relax, as those that would stop our sport are renowned for not being accepting of anything other than their view. So, for now, this is settled, but be prepared to visit this matter again in the future.

New attacks on gun owners.

The following is an article from our good friends at Fittleworth Rifle Club. I too have had a number friends who have been approached by, or sent a payment request, from one of these organisations. the information supplied by BASC and Shooting news is worthwhile taking the time read.

Just because….

Just because they call you paranoid, it doesn’t mean to say they’re not out to get you! In a little over a month, news has surfaced regarding numerous complaints received from owners regarding Barclay’s bank, and owners doctors. If you have had dealings with either or both, you are not alone. Barclays have been targeting shooting clubs and demanding names, addresses, and certificate details of anything from the secretary too all of the clubs membership. In an effort to achieve this, they have told blatant lies, declaring that the FSA, now renamed the FCA, has it as part of their regulations that clubs must comply with supplying these details.

The other complaint source from owners is in regards to doctors charging fees, after being approached by the police. These spurious charges range, from reports that I have seen, from £20-£100. Owners have been led to believe that if payment is not forthcoming, their certificate will not be either granted or renewed.

So how do you proceed if and when you are confronted by either of these scenarios? Gun owners, as we have said time and time again, are the most law abiding members of society, and therefore do all they can to comply with the law. Unfortunately, there are some that are prepared to exploit this honesty. The following links will take you to some sage advice from a reliable source, on how to proceed, and what you should do when confronted by either of these groups.

Security advice: What to do if Barclays Bank demands your gun info

Medical fee payment demand

Lament for the "Sweet 16"

As with most things these days I can’t decide if I’m ahead of the game, or running trying to play catch up. It’s certainly true when it comes to technology, I’m definitely at the back of the pack, at the back. I still have a main line telephone, although I do have a portable walk about phone linked into the same line. I do have a mobile, which I purchased when the model was being discontinued, to be superseded by the latest thing. This mobile is so old, it is actually a phone with text facilities and nothing else. I was recently spotted using it by some 20 something, who exclaimed “wow, that’s so cool. I wish I still had mine. It was my first phone in junior school. Do you want to sell it?” why would I sell it, it still does what I want it to do, and even with its original tired battery, still lasts longer than my sons latest, all singing and dancing phone.

Anyway I digress, what I wanted to find out was if I was a trend setter or otherwise. You see in recent years and months there has been an explosion in small gauge/bore shotguns. It started with the 20g 3” cartridge being made more widely available. This in turn led to an interest in all things 20g, so new side by sides, over and unders, pumps and semi-autos all began to appear from makers for this relatively new cartridge. Since then there has been a surfeit of 28g and .410, again on a range of platforms. I myself recently acquired an as new Marlin lever action .410, what a marvellous little gun to shoot, and such fun too.

However, in all of these new, and resurrected guns, in all of the aforementioned sizes, there is one missing, the sweet 16. The 16g, is almost the perfect, and in some eyes, it is the perfect gauge, and it appears to have been overlooked. All the big makers are producing new models and variations each year, but it appears not in 16g. Smaller makers to produce many fine guns, some in 16g, but these are out of reach of many, including me. Sure there are a number of second hand 16’s out there, but these are, pretty much without fail, side by sides. What I would like is either a moderately priced over and under or a semi auto.

It’s said that the market dictates what you get to buy, but how do you get to buy something if no-one makes it. So next time you go into your local gun shop, and are looking around at all the nice new 12g and 20g shotguns, just ask if they have any 16g’s.

Until you have used the 16g you won’t understand; it has all the cartridge you will need, but without the wallop. It has the lines and grace of a 12g, but without the weight. In other words, it’s all the things you like about a 12g but dislike in a 20g, and all the things you like in 20g but dislike in a 12g. There are very few things in life that are perfect, but the 16g, in whatever format you find one in, is as close as you will get on this side of the mortal coil.

FOI regarding Licensing departments.

The following link will take you to an article written by our friends at the Countryside Alliance CLICK HERE Given the recent position adopted by the current home secretary, preferring to give the police the powers to make the laws regarding all firearms held by the public. This should really give all shooters cause for concern, and encourage them to sign the petition to oppose Clause 81. PETITION HERE.

With many of the forces up and down the country failing to do their job, regarding firearms licensing, efficiently and proficiently; they either issue a section 7 temporary certificate or you have to lodge your firearms, at your expense, with a dealer or other approved person.

Should clause 81 be passed, firearms ownership will be a thing of the past here in the UK within ten years. Why! because the police would be the makers of the law without any interested parties having a say in the matter. The first thing they would remove, would be section 7 certificates, then a renewal process would take a disproportionate amount of time meaning that you would have to lodge your firearms, running up a large bill. This would remove many from the process purely on the grounds of cost. subsequent regulations would be so onerous and draconian that it would be near impossible to comply with them.

With very few exceptions chief constables around the country consider the ownership of firearms by the civilian population as unnecessary, and would be pleased to have the power to enable them to remove them completely. In very basic terms, a police state is one where the police make the laws and enforce them, to their own interpretation.

Education or Ignorance?

There has recently been a social experiment, produced and underwritten it would appear by the local police. Their mission, to prove that children and guns do not mix! In a staged scenario, a room was filled with toys and other such things that children of today would be interested in. additionally, a strategically placed firearm was also left in the room. This firearm, although real, was rendered inoperable by the group conducting the “study”.

Whilst it cannot be considered a great scientific study, after all there were only 8 subjects in the test group, the result of the test is all but ignored by not only the group conducting the study, but by pretty much all the media. So why has this unscientific study been almost completely ignored and swept under the carpet. The answer, the result was not quite what they wanted. The selected children were left to play in the room, monitored on CCTV. Eventually one of the children found the gun and started playing with it, pointing it at the other children and pretending to shoot them.  Out of the 8 children left in the room 6 played with the firearm in the manner previously described. However 2 did not, and this is the reason why the video did not get considerably more coverage in the media.

You see of the 8 children involved, 6 came from homes where guns and gun ownership was not permitted, for whatever reason, by the parents. Therefore the children had no experience, or education, on what to do when they came across the firearm. The remaining 2 children came from homes where guns and gun ownership was permitted. These children and been brought up with firearms and were aware, by virtue of training in their upbringing, that they should not touch the gun, and what they should do if they found one.

In conclusion, the experiment was designed to show that guns and children do not mix. The unintended consequence was that, education from an early age, especially concerning the safe handling of firearms is not something that should be ignored, even if you do not have a gun in the house.

To watch the video please click HERE.