If you’ve faced any of the following, you’re not alone — and we’re here to help.
Expert Articles and Guides
Written by Chris Downs (learn more) and other leading experts in the field, our articles cover everything from common application pitfalls to appeals and police misconduct. Whether you’re applying for the first time or trying to keep your certificate, we break down complex rules into clear, practical guidance—giving you the tools to navigate the system with confidence and improve your chances of success.
Member Q&A: Get Personal Answers
Our members-only question platform allows you to submit your own questions and receive bespoke, expert replies. Whether it’s a technical point of law, advice on a real-world issue, or clarification on police decision making, this is the place to get clear answers from experienced professionals.
Exclusive Membership Benefits
Subscribers get access to more than just information. Membership includes a personalised digital ID card (or physical card), which will give you access to exclusive discounts, special offers, and events tailored to the shooting community (in progress).
Chris Downs, creator of firearmslicensing.net, has over 25 years of frontline and specialist policing experience, including senior roles in Firearms Operations.
As Firearms Licensing Manager for the Metropolitan Police, he oversaw 30,000 certificate holders, 80 Home Office clubs, and 170 registered dealers, and helped shape national policy.
As a Subject Matter Expert at the College of Policing, Chris continued to lead national improvements in firearms licensing—developing training, tools, and guidance—until recently resigning from the service.
While in post as National Subject Matter Expert he saw evidence of poor practice and injustice. The system itself had lost sight of it’s purpose and no longer followed the evidence base.
He created firearmslicensing.net to equip certificate holders and applicants with the knowledge they need—offering clear guidance, practical tools, and expert insight to help people understand their rights, navigate the system, and avoid unnecessary issues, especially refusals or revocations.
The platform is designed to demystify the licensing process, highlight common pitfalls, and empower users to present their cases confidently and correctly.
Lived abroad? Declare early and prepare well. Foreign nationals may need overseas background and medical records to support UK firearms applications. Delays and refusals are avoidable – clarity and timing are key
Temporary Permits were intended to bridge short gaps not excuse systemic delays. Yet thousands are left in limbo, unable to renew or purchase, and expected to pay for secure storage. When the system stalls, fairness shouldn’t be the first casualty
Police at your door? Stay calm. This guide explains your rights, what to expect, and how to protect your certificate
New forensic findings have led to a 2026 amnesty for five Bruni blank-firing pistols, now classified as prohibited weapons. This update explains the legal shift, enforcement risks, and what owners must do to comply.
Mental health challenges don’t make you unfit to hold a certificate. Honesty builds trust, and seeking help shows strength. You deserve dignity, clarity, and support – every step of the way.
Confusing stats and little accountability. Firearms licensing deserves better data—and the public deserves the truth behind the numbers.
A critical look at UK shotgun licensing history and why aligning it with firearm laws could harm public safety, disrupt ownership, and misdirect reform efforts. Stakeholders are urged to engage.
Guest Author Audiologist Carl Weldon discusses hearing loss and shooting. He identifies how this can occur, the science behind it and highlights preventative measures and treatment options.
The future of shooting lies with young people, yet the law remains complex and daunting. This guide demystifies legal barriers and highlights practical routes into safe, supervised participation.
AI nearly shelved this project—until it taught me something important. Tools are helpful, but judgment matters. Here’s why trust, nuance, and real expertise still lead the way.
You can cancel a firearm or shotgun certificate application at any time. This won’t count as a refusal and entitles you to a refund—just be sure the decision is informed, not pressured
If we could redesign firearms licensing from scratch, what would it look like? This bold rethink proposes a digital, consistent, and safety-focused system—leaving behind the legacy patchwork for a smarter future.
and coming soon… a host of other member benefits.
Spend a little time improving your knowledge to ensure you avoid common issues and get the best result from your Force.
If problems arise then this smart search platform puts all the required knowledge at your fingertips 24/7.
Consider the different member options summarised below and select the best option for your needs.
Further detailed information on these packages is provided on the “About us” page found by following this link.
Please note, we deliberately keep the personal information we hold to an absolute minimum and make the signup process as simple as possible.
The smart search platform and navigation menu allows you to cut through the complexities and easily find answers.
This is backed up by the option for personal consultation in more complex / protracted cases.
Bearing in mind the possible breadth and depth of the issues encountered we encourage your suggestions for further content and run regular competitions for the best.
Spend a little time improving your knowledge to ensure you avoid common issues.
If problems arise then this platform puts all the required knowledge at your fingertips 24/7.
The 3 simple steps below save you time, money and effort which will be better spent on your shooting.
Consider the different member options summarised below and select the best option for your needs.
Further detailed information on these packages is provided on the “About us” page found by following this link.
Please note, we deliberately keep the personal information we hold to an absolute minimum and make the signup process as simple as possible.
The smart search platform and navigation menu allows you to cut through the complexities and easily find answers.
This is backed up by the option for personal consultation in more complex / protracted cases.
Bearing in mind the possible breadth and depth of the issues encountered we encourage your suggestions for further content and run regular competitions for the best.
Thanks for your time today and the clarity that you gave me around the application process.
I think that what you are doing is really relevant and important for our community
We live in a world where so few people take pride in their work. That’s definitely not an accusation that can be thrown at you!
The support I received from the team was phenomenal. The timescales were realistic and met above and beyond my initial expectations.
Thank you for being so straightforward!!!
Super professional. Super Supportive. Written in a way that will really help the community. 5 mins reading and I’d found the answer
There is a desperate need for this site. Very specific knowledge and understanding of a very complicated and nuanced area. The ease of accessing what you require and having it presented in an understandable manner is possibly one of the sites strongest point.
This app provides clear and concise advice from someone who has worked within the system for many years and what’s more? It’s a written in a clear and straightforward style that makes it easy to comprehend. I can’t recommend firearmslicensing.net highly enough.
I’m so glad I’ve finally found this resource. I’ve tried reading the government guidance and like a lot of those documents, the number of linguistic somersaults and contradictions leave one totally confused. I’ve now got an expert in my pocket 24/7.
