Certificate Holders and applicants have faced confusing processes, long delays, inconsistent treatment, and a general lack of transparency.
This site was built to address those issues head-on.
Whether you’re applying for the first time, dealing with a renewal, or facing a dispute with the Police, we aim to give you the tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the process with confidence.
Our goal is to make sure shooters are properly informed, better prepared, and not left feeling powerless in the face of a system that too often lacks accountability.
We offer a number of membership options but are always conscious that the issues experienced are often wide and varied. If the options don’t fit your needs please use the “contact us” function of the website by following this link and we’ll be happy to help.
Expert Articles and Guides
Written by Chris Downs and other leading experts in the field, our articles cover everything from common application pitfalls to appeals and police misconduct. We break down complex rules into clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions at every step.
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, which will give you access to exclusive discounts, special offers, and events tailored to the shooting community.
As a senior leader in both Tactical Firearms Operations and Firearms Licensing, Chris has overseen critical incidents, shaped national policy, and trained enforcement professionals across the country. His unique blend of operational depth and regulatory insight positions him at the forefront of responsible firearms governance.
As Firearms Licensing Manager for the Metropolitan Police, Chris oversaw 30,000 certificate holders, 80 Home Office clubs, and 170 registered dealers, while also contributing to national policy development.
He later served as a Subject Matter Expert at the College of Policing, leading improvements in licensing through training, tools, and national guidance.
A qualified Police Trainer, Chris specialises in training needs analysis, curriculum design, scenario-based learning, and both in-person and online assessment.
Firearms Licensing
Firearms Command
Looking for clarity in this area is like searching for a needle in these haystacks:
Our Expert Articles are tailored to cover the main aspects of firearms licensing, put them in clear language and in particular focus on those that cause the majority of issues for the public.
The aim of this site is to provide the most complete resource in existence and put the expert in your pocket 24/7.
A critical part of ensuring this resource remains user friendly is the smart search function. This interprets the question(s) you ask and draws your attention to those most relevant sources of information.
Critically – This is not “Artificial Intelligence” as such (Yet!).
Read this free article on the subject of AI and it’s limitations by following this link.
BUT… this is a completely new development to this area so please remember to use the “contact us” function if your search enquiry doesn’t take you to the answer you are looking for.
We are constantly striving to improve and rely on your feedback to fuel this process.
Your go-to guide for UK firearms licensing—key laws, guidance, and security standards all in one place to support informed, responsible ownership.
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.
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
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
Typically a question on a forum receives 30% responses saying “yes”, 30% saying “no” and 40% criticising the poster. The end result is that no one is any clearer.
This strictly moderated forum enables specific questions to be put to our panel of experts. It ensures the answers provided are clear and referenced against existing law and guidance.
All previous questions from other members are visible and identified themes help drive the creation of new resources.
As part of your subscription, you’ll receive a personalised digital membership card that shows you belong to the newest online Shooting Community and shows your Firearms Licensing Team that you are serious about your shooting.
Your card will give you access to an incredible range of discounts across the UK. From high street favourites to trusted online brands, your card unlocks savings at retailers – including major national chains and independent local businesses.
Whether you’re shopping for essentials or planning something special, your membership card will be your key to instant savings across virtually every area of everyday life.
It’s our way of saying thank you – and ensuring that your subscription pays for itself many times over.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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
Your go-to guide for UK firearms licensing—key laws, guidance, and security standards all in one place to support informed, responsible ownership.
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.
Know your rights when police request firearm surrender: ask key questions, insist on ethical conduct, and understand your legal protections before making any decision.
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.
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.
