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  • SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE SHOOTING | Call us today:  07586 194458

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


Navigating firearms licensing is more complicated than ever…

We’re making it simple….

We support responsible shooters wherever they are in their licensing journey

  • Got a licensing problem? We’ll help you fix it.
  • No problem yet? We’ll help you keep it that way.
  • New to shooting? We’ll guide you from the first form until the certificate is in your hands.
  • Baffled by paperwork? We now offer help with 201 Grant and Renewal applications.

Your time, money, and energy are better spent shooting.

Why choose us?

Traditional, personal customer service backed up by modern tools which put expert advice at your fingertips 24/7.

We’re here to make licensing clearer, fairer, and more accessible.

Explore the website, use the app, send a WhatsApp – or speak to a real person who can help:

📞 07586 194458 📞

If we can’t answer straight away, leave a message. We always call back.

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.

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The 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 of people we have helped.

Rejected, Closed, Cancelled

 Rejected, Closed, Cancelled 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Cancellations hide thousands of firearms applications from scrutiny. They aren’t a statutory outcome, they’re not reported to the Home Office, not counted in national stats, and not monitored by any oversight body.

Good Reason – Calibre

 Good Reason – Calibre 1707 2560 Vicky Downs

Explores calibre considerations in firearms licensing. The often-seen Police focus on calibre risks hitting the target but missing the point.

I am in Voluntary Surrender

 I am in Voluntary Surrender 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Voluntarily surrendered your guns and left waiting? You’re not alone. With 8,500+ holders in limbo, this guide outlines risks, timelines, and clear steps to take control, seek answers, and move your case forward

Variations

 Variations 2560 1440 Vicky Downs

Want to add, change, or remove something on your firearm certificate? This guide breaks down the variation process—from one-for-one swaps to challenging conditions—so you can make informed, confident decisions

Intelligence Ahead

 Intelligence Ahead 2560 1706 Vicky Downs

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.

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.

Behind the Numbers

 Behind the Numbers 2560 1708 Chris Downs

Confusing stats and little accountability. Firearms licensing deserves better data—and the public deserves the truth behind the numbers.

Accurate Applications

 Accurate Applications 2560 2432 Vicky Downs

Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan tells us how to avoid refusals and rejection —get your application right first time. Disclose fully, seek guidance, and understand the consequences of false or reckless statements.

Complain about police

 Complain about police 2560 1706 James Bernhard

The service you receive from the Police is critical to the uninterrupted enjoyment of your sport. Knowing what Police should do and how they should…

Behind the Numbers 3

 Behind the Numbers 3 2560 1708 Vicky Downs

UK firearms licensing is becoming increasingly uneven. Some forces deliver strong, consistent performance, while others struggle with delays and heavy reliance on temporary permits. Geography is now the key factor.

Living Overseas

 Living Overseas 2560 1920 Chris Downs

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

 Temporary Permits 1536 1024 Chris Downs

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

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.

Application Support

Time is precious and best spent shooting. Let us help you with your 201 grant and renewal application to make sure it is accepted first time.


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
  • Application support
  • (Grant & Renewal)
  • Ask Questions
  • Physical Members Card
  • Direct Consultations
SIGN UP
ESSENTIAL PLUS+
Under £5 per month!

£50 /year

  • Application support
  • (Grant & Renewal)
  • 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

  • Application support
  • (Grant & Renewal)
  • 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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