Your time, money, and energy are better spent shooting.
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.
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.
A review of police land checks in firearms licensing, highlighting inconsistencies, limited value, and lack of training—arguing for a more evidence-based, risk-led approach aligned with guidance and case law.
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.…
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
The rate of UK Shotgun Certificate revocations has risen sharply post-Keyham, driven by updated guidance and regional inconsistencies, sparking concern over fairness and consistency. This…
A quick read to summarise the recently announced Home Office position on sound moderators.
Guidance for lawful shooters on how to handle encounters with police in the field—covering preparation, communication, officer expectations, and how to stay calm, safe, and professional during any stop or check
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.
This article explains the significant rise in refusals of firearms certificate (FAC and SGC) applications since 2019/20, particularly for renewals. It attributes this change to…
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.
The 2023 firearms consultation revealed public concern over police entry powers and licensing changes. Despite opposition, the government plans reforms focused on public safety, training, and regulatory alignment.
Social media checks in firearms licensing are discretionary, not routine. Responsible online behaviour protects your certificate – think of your online activity as your digital front door: keep them secure and sensible.
A free ACRO Subject Access Request lets applicants see exactly what’s held about them on the PNC, helping ensure accuracy, transparency, and fairness before submitting a firearms licensing application
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.
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.
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.
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.
