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  • SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE SHOOTING

SUPPORTING
RESPONSIBLE
SHOOTING
THE SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR FIREARMS LICENSING //
WATCH THE INTRO VIDEO


Navigating firearms licensing has never been harder…

but that’s where we come in…

We save you time, money, and effort – so you can spend it shooting instead.

Who we are

Looking for the person who literally wrote the book? You’ve found him.

We’re a panel of experts led by Chris Downs – former Tactical Firearms Commander, Licensing Manager, and National Subject Matter Expert. Chris authored the College of Policing Firearms Enquiry Officer course and brings decades of frontline experience to our members.

What we do

  • Expert guidance — clear answers to complex licensing rules
  • Trusted support — tell us your problem, we’ll help you solve it
  • Member benefits — articles, newsletters, and exclusive community perks

Who we help

Whether you’re a Firearm or Shotgun Certificate holder, applying for the first time, or simply want to understand shooting in the UK – our service is designed for you.

We provide tools, education, and direct support to stop problems before they happen, or to solve them when they do.

How we do it

We Support Responsible Shooting in everything we do.

Choose the membership that fits your needs or contact us via this link if you’ve been refused or revoked:

  • Essential – Either access via computer or The Owl app: your self‑help guide, cost‑effective and always accessible
  • Essential Plus – Forum access with expert answers, plus all Essential features
  • Complete – Get direct one‑to‑one help from our experts. Whether it’s delays, refusals, or complex conditions, we take the lead – negotiating with police on your behalf or equipping you with the knowledge to succeed. For most licensing issues, this tier means the problem is solved for one fixed fee, with no extra costs
  • Refused or revoked – We recognise that the Court process is daunting, but we take away the stress. We work closely with an experienced legal team of hand‑picked experts and can negotiate directly with police on your behalf.

Ready to join? Follow this link to select your chosen membership and register.

Want to know more? Keep going for more information about our solution, membership packages and testimonials from the people we have helped.

WATCH THE VIDEOLEARN MORE
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The Modern
Solution…

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.

Look below for a small section of our articles (both free and member’s only) and case studies from people we have helped.

British Shooting Sports Council

 British Shooting Sports Council 2560 1922 Chris Downs

The BSSC unites UK shooting groups to advocate for fair, evidence-based firearms policy, working with government and international bodies to protect lawful shooting while promoting public safety.

Rights After Revocation

 Rights After Revocation 1707 2560 Chris Downs

When Sean’s certificates were revoked without clear grounds, expert advocacy restored his rights within two months—proving that fairness can be won when police overreach

Firearms Revocation

 Firearms Revocation 1600 1196 Vicky Downs

Firearms Certificate revocations have risen sharply post-Keyham, driven by updated guidance. We examine the source of this data, legal framework, trends and highlight inconsistency.

Essential Knowledge

 Essential Knowledge 2560 1707 Chris Downs

When Ahmed faced silence after a forced surrender, our Essentials guidance equipped him to escalate complaints, challenge poor practice, and support his friend with confidence.

Five Years Saved

 Five Years Saved 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Matt’s application was wrongly rejected under a non-existent policy. Our advocacy overturned it—restoring his shooting rights five years sooner than the force demanded

Law – Persons

 Law – Persons 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Who can hold a firearms certificate, who can’t, and who doesn’t need one? This guide also explains when certificates can be revoked, and the duties of both certificate holders and police.

Top-Venting, Top Priority

 Top-Venting, Top Priority 1386 988 Chris Downs

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.

Law – What is Ammunition?

 Law – What is Ammunition? 2560 1706 Vicky Downs

This article offers a clear overview of how UK firearms law defines ammunition, including its four component parts and broader interpretations covering grenades and bombs.…

Conditions

 Conditions 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Conditions on firearm certificates must be necessary, proportionate, and safety-focused. This guide explains your rights, responsibilities, and what to expect when conditions go beyond the standard.

What Constitutes Firearms Law

 What Constitutes Firearms Law 1707 2560 Vicky Downs

Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan explains how UK firearms law is shaped by statutes, case law, and guidance—offering certificate holders and professionals a clear path through licensing’s legal layers.

A variety of firearms licensing resources

Firearms Licensing – Resources

 Firearms Licensing – Resources 1709 2560 Vicky Downs

Your go-to guide for UK firearms licensing—key laws, guidance, and security standards all in one place to support informed, responsible ownership.

Certificate Refused or Revoked

 Certificate Refused or Revoked 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan writes on the subject of revocation and refusal. Act fast, seek expert advice, and understand your options. Remember time limits are tight!

View More

Expert Articles

The areas most important to you covered in plain English and clearly referenced back to law or Police guidance.

Expert Support

Issues can be as unique as the individual and there is always the option to secure personal Expert assistance.

Knowledge

Tip the scales back in your favour by improving your knowledge and being able to challenge any unwarranted infringements of your rights.

Saves Time

Time is precious and best spent shooting. Don’t waste it searching for the answers you need.


We tick all the boxes to solve problems and safeguard your Certificate

Starting from just £1 per month
you get membership access to:

  • A library of continually updated articles.
  • The Expert opinions
  • A digital membership card

and coming soon… a host of other member benefits.

JOIN NOWSIGN UP
ESSENTIAL
Just £1 per month!

£12 /year

  • Access to all articles
  • Suggest Content
  • Digital Members Card
  • Ask Questions
  • Physical Members Card
  • Direct Consultations
SIGN UP
ESSENTIAL PLUS+
Under £4 per month!

£40 /year

  • Access to all articles
  • Suggest Content
  • Digital Members Card
  • Ask Questions
  • Physical Members Card
  • Direct Consultations
SIGN UP
COMPLETE
Under £9 per month!

£100 /year

  • Access to all articles
  • Suggest Content
  • Digital Members Card
  • Ask Questions
  • Physical Members Card
  • Direct Consultations
SIGN UP


How it
Works…

Knowledge is Power!

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.

The 3 simple steps below save you time, money and effort which will be better spent on your shooting.

1. Signup & Subscribe

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.

Signup & Subscribe - Man shooting with his dog and a few pheasant.
LOGIN & ACCESS ALL - Woman loading shotgun cartridges.

2. LOGIN & ACCESS ALL

  • Go to the Login section
  • Enter username or email address
  • Access the exclusive content and take steps to resolve any issues.

3. SEARCH / ASK / SUGGEST

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.

SEARCH / ASK / SUGGEST - Men in a field walking dogs with their shotguns.


How it
Works…

Prevention is better than cure!

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.

Signup & Subscribe - Man shooting with his dog and a few pheasant.

1. Signup & Subscribe

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.

LOGIN & ACCESS ALL - Woman loading shotgun cartridges.

2. LOGIN & ACCESS ALL

  • Go to the Login section
  • Enter username or email address
  • Access the exclusive content and take steps to resolve any issues.

SEARCH / ASK / SUGGEST - Men in a field walking dogs with their shotguns.

3. SEARCH / ASK / SUGGEST

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.


Don’t Take
Our Word for it…

I wanted some advice regarding historic health matters and how this would affect my FAC & SGC renewal.

I spoke to Chris and was so glad I did. He was extremely knowledgeable about the legislation, but on top of that, very reassuring.

He’s very compassionate and clearly loves what he does.

The offer of help and advice at any point is worth its weight in gold.

M F - Lancashire

Chris has provided invaluable advice and support in my efforts to obtain a new firearms license after my previous one had lapsed several years ago.

He has deep knowledge and understanding of the law and how to navigate the firearm licensing process.

I urge anyone who has questions about obtaining a license or needs advice to reach out to Chris.

T T - Surrey

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

J D - Middlesex

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!

T. S. - Northamptonshire

The support I received from the team was phenomenal. The timescales were realistic and met above and beyond my initial expectations.

J. G. - Leicestershire

Thank you for being so straightforward!!!

A. T. - Hampshire

Super professional. Super Supportive. Written in a way that will really help the community. 5 mins reading and I’d found the answer

E. L. - Norfolk

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.

A. M. - Essex

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.

P. M. - Suffolk

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.

M. S. - Sussex
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