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Intelligence Ahead
Intelligence Ahead 2560 1706 Vicky Downs

Intelligence Ahead

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.

Final Chapter for Lead
Final Chapter for Lead 1024 1024 Vicky Downs

Final Chapter for Lead

The UK is phasing out lead ammunition by 2029. With a 3-year transition ahead, shooters must adapt to new rules. Here’s what this shift means for the future of UK shooting.

The Police Have Seized My Gun
The Police Have Seized My Gun 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

The Police Have Seized My Gun

Police can seize firearms using a range of legal powers—but not all seizures are equal. This guide explains when, how, and why seizures happen—and what you can do about it.

Withdraw with Wisdom
Withdraw with Wisdom 2560 2248 Vicky Downs

Withdraw with Wisdom

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

Borrowing Firearms
Borrowing Firearms 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Borrowing Firearms

This guide explains how borrowing firearms works under UK law—covering club use, guest shooting, clay grounds, and private lending arrangements

Scrap the System?
Scrap the System? 1920 2560 Vicky Downs

Scrap the System?

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.

Accurate Applications
Accurate Applications 2560 2432 Vicky Downs

Accurate Applications

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.

Certificate Refused or Revoked
Certificate Refused or Revoked 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Certificate Refused or Revoked

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!

What Constitutes Firearms Law
What Constitutes Firearms Law 1707 2560 Vicky Downs

What Constitutes Firearms Law

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.

Land Checks
Land Checks 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

Land Checks

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.

Permanent Address
Permanent Address 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

Permanent Address

A firearms certificate holder must promptly notify police of any permanent address change. Residency determines force jurisdiction. Failing to notify can result in warnings, revocation, or prosecution.

Meet the Police while shooting
Meet the Police while shooting 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

Meet the Police while shooting

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

Crossbows & Airbows
Crossbows & Airbows 2560 1696 Vicky Downs

Crossbows & Airbows

Crossbows are currently subject to minimal control, but Airbows are a new development. This guide explains the laws, a recent case, and why owners should stay alert to potential licensing changes ahead.

Statutory Guidance Summary
Statutory Guidance Summary 2560 2138 Vicky Downs

Statutory Guidance Summary

A concise guide to the Statutory Guidance on Firearms Licensing—covering checks, suitability, medical evidence, and key police duties to ensure fair, consistent licensing decisions

Firearms Licensing – Resources
A variety of firearms licensing resources
Firearms Licensing – Resources 1709 2560 Vicky Downs

Firearms Licensing – Resources

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

British Shooting Sports Council
British Shooting Sports Council 2560 1922 Chris Downs

British Shooting Sports Council

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.

Voluntary Surrender Tool
Voluntary Surrender Tool 1600 1204 Vicky Downs

Voluntary Surrender Tool

Know your rights when police request firearm surrender: ask key questions, insist on ethical conduct, and understand your legal protections before making any decision.

Firearms Consultation 2023
Firearms Consultation 2023 2560 1922 Vicky Downs

Firearms Consultation 2023

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.

Firearms Refusal
Firearms Refusal 2560 1727 Vicky Downs

Firearms Refusal

Post-Keyham, firearms refusals surged across England & Wales, exposing deep inconsistencies in licensing decisions. Regional disparities suggest customer experience now depends more on postcode than policy.

Shotgun Refusal
Shotgun Refusal 2560 1663 Vicky Downs

Shotgun Refusal

Post-Keyham, shotgun refusals surged across England & Wales, exposing deep inconsistencies in licensing decisions. Regional disparities suggest customer experience now depends more on postcode than policy.

Firearms Revocation
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Firearms Revocation

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.

Shotgun Revocation
Shotgun Revocation 1600 1204 Vicky Downs

Shotgun Revocation

The rate of UK Shotgun Certificate revocations has risen sharply post-Keyham, driven by updated guidance…

Good Reason – Ammunition
Good Reason – Ammunition 1707 2560 Vicky Downs

Good Reason – Ammunition

Ammunition requests aren’t about stockpiles—they’re about proportionality, purpose, and practice. Understand your use, back it with evidence, and challenge arbitrary limits with confidence.

Good Reason – Calibre
Good Reason – Calibre 1707 2560 Vicky Downs

Good Reason – Calibre

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

What is “Good Reason”?
What is “Good Reason”? 2560 2560 Vicky Downs

What is “Good Reason”?

Good reason is a fundamental concept. This article explains the general principles, highlights the potential issues and summarises the applicable law and guidance to address issues which might be experienced.

Sound Moderators
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Sound Moderators

A quick read to summarise the recently announced Home Office position on sound moderators.

Insurance
Insurance 2324 2560 Vicky Downs

Insurance

Get the facts behind shooting insurance in today’s risk-driven world. From public liability to legal cover—here’s what you should know before signing anything. Caveat emptor: know your cover, or pay the price

Law – What is a Firearm?
Law – What is a Firearm? 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Law – What is a Firearm?

What makes a firearm, legally speaking? From barrels to bolts, this guide cuts through jargon…

Law – What is Ammunition?
Law – What is Ammunition? 2560 1706 Vicky Downs

Law – What is Ammunition?

This article offers a clear overview of how UK firearms law defines ammunition, including its…

Introduction to Firearms Licensing
Introduction to Firearms Licensing 1920 2560 Chris Downs

Introduction to Firearms Licensing

The UK’s firearms licensing system is complex but vital—balancing public safety with lawful shooting. This guide helps you navigate with clarity, confidence, and legal insight.

I am in Voluntary Surrender
I am in Voluntary Surrender 2560 1707 Chris Downs

I am in Voluntary Surrender

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

Law – Classification of Firearms
Law – Classification of Firearms 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Law – Classification of Firearms

Section 1, 2, or 5? If it launches a projectile and isn’t exempt, it’s likely a firearm under UK law. This quick guide decodes classifications, certificates, and common issues—from shotguns to blank firers

Alcohol
Alcohol 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Alcohol

Alcohol and firearms: even modest drinking can trigger concern. Understand how medical notes are interpreted, clarify records early, and avoid delays or refusals. Accuracy matters—your certificate may depend on it

Incidents
Incidents 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Incidents

This article outlines the common issues that can place a Firearm Certificate at risk and…

Unlock The Data
Unlock The Data 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

Unlock The Data

Subject Access Requests let you access police-held personal data—spot errors, understand decisions, and challenge unfair treatment. A smart, strategic tool for certificate holders navigating firearms licensing

Variations
Variations 2560 1440 Vicky Downs

Variations

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

Grant Delays
Grant Delays 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Grant Delays

Delays in firearm certificate grants are frustratingly common—but not always inevitable. Here’s what’s causing the hold-ups, and how you can improve your chances of a timely outcome.

Conditions
Conditions 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Conditions

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.

Home Visit / Assessment
Home Visit / Assessment 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Home Visit / Assessment

Home visits demand honesty, composure, and awareness of household risks—trust and thorough assessment are central as Statutory Guidance reshapes the evaluation process.

Delays – Renewals
Delays – Renewals 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Delays – Renewals

Provides an overview of how firearms certificate holders can navigate the renewal process, particularly in…

How the Police should assess evidence
How the Police should assess evidence 2560 1706 Chris Downs

How the Police should assess evidence

This article explains the significant rise in refusals of firearms certificate (FAC and SGC) applications…

Security
Security 2560 2560 Vicky Downs

Security

This article outlines key principles for firearm security and their importance. Statutory Guidance to Police…

Law – Persons
Law – Persons 2560 1707 Vicky Downs

Law – Persons

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.

Safe Hands, Sound Judgement
Safe Hands, Sound Judgement 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Safe Hands, Sound Judgement

FEOs now assess safe firearm handling as a key part of licensing. This guide helps applicants demonstrate competence & prepare for interviews, with practical advice, examples, & strategies to meet police expectations.

Suitability – The New Focus
Suitability – The New Focus 1440 2560 Chris Downs

Suitability – The New Focus

Suitability is now central to firearms licensing—but many certificate holders remain unsure what it really means. This guide breaks it down and explains how new police guidance could affect your application.

Firearms & Shotgun Regimes compared
Firearms & Shotgun Regimes compared 2560 1537 Chris Downs

Firearms & Shotgun Regimes compared

This article provides a detailed comparison of Firearms Certificates (FAC) and Shotgun Certificates (SGC) under…

The Medical Proforma
The Medical Proforma 2560 1707 Chris Downs

The Medical Proforma

Guest Author Daryn Hufton-Rees explores the complexities of UK firearms medical proformas, uncovering inconsistent licensing practices, GP challenges, and the pivotal role of third-party providers like MedCert.

The Application Process
The Application Process 1920 1280 Chris Downs

The Application Process

This article provides detailed guidance on completing the UK firearms application form (Form 201), emphasising…

The Bulge – Timing is everything!
The Bulge – Timing is everything! 2560 1705 Chris Downs

The Bulge – Timing is everything!

How a 1995 shift in shotgun certificate durations created renewal bottlenecks—and why your service today might depend on what year you fall into the cycle.

Voluntary Surrender – offered or considering
Voluntary Surrender – offered or considering 2304 1536 James Bernhard

Voluntary Surrender – offered or considering

Voluntary Surrender: a misunderstood crossroads. Many Certificate Holders are stuck in Limbo. Know the risks, assert your choices, and get secure expert support.

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