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  • Chris Downs
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Living Overseas
Living Overseas 2560 1920 Chris Downs

The firearms licensing regime is based on trust and confidence between police and Certificate Holders. A substantial portion of that confidence comes from the police’s ability to review an applicant’s past behaviour and reassure themselves that this is likely to indicate responsible behaviour going forward.

In an ideal world information and intelligence relating to criminality might be shared freely between law enforcement organisations. But we are not there yet.

It’s therefore not unreasonably that police might expect additional reassurance from applicants who have spent considerable time outside the UK.

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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

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When the Police Knock
When the Police Knock 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Police at your door? Stay calm.

This guide explains your rights, what to expect, and how to protect your certificate

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  • Chris Downs
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Top-Venting, Top Priority
Top-Venting, Top Priority 1386 988 Chris Downs

Introduction:

The UK firearms regime is widely acknowledged as the strictest in the World and accordingly criminal access to firearms is highly restricted.

This lack of access has led to a trend of criminals converting readily available blank firers to fire live, usually improvised, ammunition.

Recent intelligence suggests that converted blank-firing pistols may now rival conventional firearms in terms of criminal use.

As a result, the National Crime Agency (NCA) is working with police in order to control this trend and further restrict access. This has already led to an amnesty of some Turkish manufacturers, and a further amnesty is planned for 2026 for Italian made models.

What has happened?

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has announced a new firearms amnesty, targeting five models of Italian-manufactured Bruni blank-firing guns that have been deemed readily convertible and therefore illegal under UK law.

Following forensic testing commissioned by the NCA and police found that the following models were found to be convertible with common DIY tools and without specialist skills:

  • 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92
  • 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police
  • 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96
  • 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’
  • .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger

This adds to an earlier exercise which confirmed that TVBFs made by the following brands are now considered illegal to own:

  • Retay
  • Ekol
  • Ceonic ISSC
  • Blow

Why has this happened?

These top-venting blank firers (TVBFs), while legal to purchase in their original state, have been increasingly recovered in criminal investigations after conversion to fire live ammunition. Since 2022, approximately 70 Bruni imitation firearms have been seized following criminal misuse.

This new amnesty builds directly on a 2025 initiative, which focused on four Turkish blank-firing models. That campaign resulted in nearly 3,000 firearms being surrendered across England and Wales.

The upcoming amnesty, scheduled for February 2026, offers a final opportunity for owners to surrender these Bruni models at police stations without facing prosecution. After the amnesty ends, possession of these TVBFs could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment under section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.

Retailers and importers have been instructed to cease trading these models, and Border Force will intercept any further importations. The initiative reflects a coordinated effort between the NCA, police chiefs, and Border Force to maintain the UK’s status as one of the safest countries globally in terms of firearms crime.

How does the law work?

In the most straightforward terms, the Firearms Act 1968 defines an imitation firearm and then Firearms Act 1982 defines the circumstances under which such an imitation will be a firearm in it’s own right.

In more detail,

An “imitation firearm” is defined in the Firearms Act 1968, section 57(4), as

 any thing which has the appearance of being a firearm […] whether or not it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile

The Firearms Act 1982 was enacted to close a potential loophole around items which could be easily converted into working firearms and as a result ensures that potentially dangerous items are treated as firearms even before conversion.

This Act introduces the term “readily convertible” and Sec 1(6) Firearms Act 1982 states:

For the purposes of this section an imitation firearm shall be regarded as readily convertible into a firearm to which section 1 of the 1968 Act applies if—

(a)it can be so converted without any special skill on the part of the person converting it in the construction or adaptation of firearms of any description; and

(b)the work involved in converting it does not require equipment or tools other than such as are in common use by persons carrying out works of construction and maintenance in their own homes.

In effect, the NCA is saying that they are satisfied that these makes / models can be converted into live firing weapons by the average person using tools which are commonly available to the general public.

While Section 1(6) of the 1982 Act references Section 1 firearms, the practical outcome in these cases is that classification under Section 5(1)(aba) of the 1968 Act as prohibited weapons (Handguns).

What has changed?

The most important part of this for owners / stockists of these models is that no laws have changed.

What has changed is the NCA and Police understanding of how easy the conversion process is and their ability to support any prosecution with expert evidence to support this position.

This is the reason why there is no compensation scheme for owners like we saw when the post-Dunblane 1997 changes to the law were enacted (“Handgun” surrender)

Final thoughts

The NCA and Police are not saying that all TVBFs are illegal. They are going through a process of proving that individual brands / models can be converted and declaring them illegal.

This means:

If you own a TVBF it is important that you follow updates in this area carefully to ensure that you are not unwittingly in possession of a prohibited firearm.

Also, prospective buyers should exercise caution, as further models may be reclassified and this could result in financial loss and legal exposure.

Link to the full NCA announcement

For further information please follow this link –

https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/new-amnesty-announced-for-italian-made-blank-firing-guns-to-be-surrendered
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Speaking Up, Staying Safe
Speaking Up, Staying Safe 2560 1602 Chris Downs

Introduction

If (like me) you sometimes have a limited span of attention here is the important message –

✅ Mental health issues are common and not automatically disqualifying

✅ Honesty is key—declaration builds trust

✅ Police are expected to treat you with dignity and respect

✅ Help is available, and seeking it shows strength

In the rest of this article I will explain some of the complexities and what you should expect.

More common than you think:

According to mind.org.uk – a leading mental health charity.

  • 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.
  • 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.

What You’re Expected to Share—and Why It Matters

On application for grant / renewal an individual must honestly declare any “relevant” medical condition. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Failure to declare any diagnosis of any relevant condition during the life of the certificate is not a criminal offence but on the application form 201 it states:

I understand that I am expected to inform the police if I am diagnosed with, or treated for, a medical condition listed in note 5 while the certificate remains valid.

These condition in note 5 are:

  • Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma, including
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Suicidal thoughts or self harm or harm to others
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Dementia
  • Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
  • A personality disorder
  • A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Any other mental or physical condition, or combination of conditions, which you think may be relevant.

It further states –

The list above is not intended to be exhaustive. A mental, physical or neuro-developmental condition may be relevant depending on the severity of the disorder and how it presents. If in doubt, consult your doctor or contact the police firearms licensing department.

This last point on “mental, physical or neurodevelopmental conditions” is a new addition following the recent Firearms Amendment Act 2025. This is a controversial and extraordinarily broad definition which could encompass conditions such as dyslexia. It’s natural to feel concerned but rest assured, severity and impact are what matter most.

If you are not affected on a day-by-day basis then it is highly unlikely to require declaration. If in any doubt contact your GP or police team.

What Happens If I Speak Up

Above all else – you should expect; a compassionate conversation.

The police will need to satisfy themselves that this development to your health will not impact on your safe possession and use of firearms. The law places a duty upon them to do so.

But the critical part is how that process takes place.

“Dignity and respect” is mentioned repeatedly in police authorised professional practice (APP) and a cornerstone of the expected standards of professional behaviour.

These principles are not optional and should form the basis for any interaction of this kind.

Your Rights, Safety and Dignity

Statutory Guidance to Police (Aug 25) states:

3.39 The fact that a person has received treatment for certain illnesses or conditions does not make them automatically unsuitable to possess a firearm.  It is one of the factors to be considered with all other evidence relating to the applicant’s character and history.  In such cases, account should be taken of the most recent medical information, and particular attention should be paid to whether this suggests to the police that the applicant’s condition impacts on their suitability to possess a firearm including where the condition is liable to recur or fluctuate or is unstable.

This is a very clear – There is no automatic link between a condition and being unsuitable to retain a firearm.

Offer of voluntary surrender

Dependent on the condition and severity it may be necessary for police to remove firearms. This should be in exceptional circumstances.

If you are offered a period of voluntary surrender this may be in your best interests but does require careful consideration.

Read this article to properly inform yourself of potential issues surrounding such a surrender – Voluntary Surrender – offered or considering

What other help is available:

The following document is a leaflet produced by National Police Chief’s Council in partnership with shooting and mental organisations it offers further reassurance on this subject and avenues of further support.

FMH-England-and-Wales-PRINT (1)

In conclusion:

Over the years I have made hundreds of assessments relating to an individual’s mental health. If you’ve taken steps to get help, that shows courage, self-awareness, and responsibility. These are exactly the qualities that would reassure me and that build trust in our licensing system.

Do not suffer in silence, help is available and support should be expected.

If you’re unsure what to declare or how to approach the conversation, speak to your GP or licensing team. You deserve clarity, compassion, and support.
  • Chris Downs
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Behind the Numbers
Behind the Numbers 2560 1708 Chris Downs

Introduction

This piece explores the troubling inconsistencies and lack of transparency in firearms licensing statistics across England and Wales.

Drawing on recent data releases, I highlight how misleading figures can obscure operational realities.

This article considers 3 key Data Sources:

  1. National Police Chief’s Council
  2. BASC Annual report (Police figures within)
  3. Home Office Firearms Licensing Statistics

National Police Chiefs Council

Firearms Licensing 2024/25 Quarter 4 Headlines (1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025)

This data can be found via this link:

https://www.npcc.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/publications/firearms-licensing-q4-headlines.pdf

Unfortunately, this actually gives us very little useful information, particularly as it is issued with no explanatory notes as to how the figures are calculated. As a result, there are more questions than answers.

If we take a closer look at the first few Forces.

Avon and Somerset –

The first 3 columns make sense. There’s a five year cycle of renewals so we might expect 4,500 ish renewal applications to be submitted in a year and the rest could be mostly made up of grants and variations.

At first glance I might be impressed that 93% of applications were completed within 4 months, as indicated in Column 5. However, if I take the numbers from columns 3 and 4 my sums look like this:

3483 / 5336 = 0.65 which translates to 65%.

So, something else must be going on here. It’s very natural to read columns of numbers and assume that they relate to each other, but it doesn’t look like this is the case here.

Perhaps the numbers mean that of the 5,336 applications received in the last 12 months 3,482 have been completed within 4 months of receipt and that this represents 93% of all applications received during the 3 month period that this information covers. In all honesty it’s impossible to say for certain.

I have sent an email (30Jul’25) requesting some further explanation from the National Police Chief’s Council. This email has been acknowledged but no details has been provided yet.

Bedfordshire –

Moving these issues to one side the next Force up is Bedfordshire who according to this data have completed 140 applications within 4 months which is a reported 39% of the total.

Bedfordshire is part of a Tri-Force Alliance with Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, so direct comparisons are perhaps unfair but gives strong indication that the excessive delays in this Force are unlikely to be resolved soon.

BASC – Performance Report

The Performance of Police Firearms Licensing Departments in England and Wales 2025

This document can be found via this link – https://basc.org.uk/basc-publishes-most-comprehensive-firearms-licensing-report-to-date/

In this report BASC have completed the most complete report on Firearms Licensing to date, which is summarised on page 4 of the document.

To be very clear – The following observations are not intended as a criticism of BASC. The data in question has been provided by police from the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS).

Each police force receives an individual section which includes other data obtained from the police via Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requests. This police data is shown below:

On the police data I have highlighted two key figures.

  1. Applications Completed (Received within last 12 months) – 50%
  2. Received in last 12 months / Completed in 4 months – 82%

The figures appear contradictory. If 50% of applications are completed overall, how can 82% be completed within four months? Without explanatory notes, these statistics risk misleading stakeholders.

I have sent an email (30Jul’25) requesting some further explanation from the National Police Chief’s Council. This email has been acknowledged but no details has been provided yet.

Home Office Statistics

The official Home Office Statistics are released on an annual basis, compiled by a named Statistician and comply with guidelines set down by the Office for Statistics Regulation.

They can be found via this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/firearm-and-shotgun-certificates-april-2024-to-march-2025/firearm-and-shotgun-certificates-april-2024-to-march-2025#:~:text=2.-,Summary%20of%20statistics,with%2031%20March%202024%20(495%2C798)

Within the summary text this report states:

“482,612 shotgun certificates on issue as at 31 March 2025, a 3% decrease (-13,186) compared with 31 March 2024 (495,798). This is the sixth consecutive year there has been a decrease and marks the lowest number of shotgun certificates on issue since comparable records began.”

 

“334 new applications for firearm certificates were refused (5%), a 19% decrease compared with the previous year (414) but the second highest number since comparable records began, following the introduction of the NFLMS in 2007”

 

“1,073 new applications for shotgun certificates were refused (7%), a similar number to the previous year (1,072) and the highest since comparable records began, following the introduction of the NFLMS in 2007”

 

Within this document you can find data tables which give specific detail on key information on firearms licensing broken down into individual Forces.

It is within this document that you can compare Forces and identify the serious differences within them.

For example:

During the course of 12 months – South Yorkshire consider 378 grant applications for shotgun certificates and refuse 77 of these.

During the same time period – North Yorkshire consider 550 grant applications for shotgun certificates and refuse only 9 of these.

These figures indicate that living South of the M62 makes you 12.5 times more likely to be refused than if you live on the North of it!

(Note – The Border between Forces isn’t that simple but illustrates the point)

In Conclusion:

The current presentation of firearms licensing statistics reveals a troubling lack of clarity, consistency, and methodological transparency from the police. These figures are not just confusing; they risk misleading stakeholders and undermining public trust.

Under the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Statistics, official data must uphold the principles of trustworthiness, quality, and value. That means clear definitions, robust methods, and relevance to users.

Firearms licensing affects public safety, individual rights, and operational accountability. If we are to govern it fairly, the data must meet the same standards of integrity we expect from the system itself.

Transparency is not a luxury. It’s a duty.
  • Chris Downs
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Shotguns aren’t the problem
Shotguns aren’t the problem 2560 1707 Chris Downs

Summary

The Home Office may soon collapse two distinct licensing regimes into one. This move risks undermining public safety, destabilizing lawful ownership, and ignoring the true lessons of Keyham.

Introduction

On 29 June 2023, the Home Office launched a public consultation on proposed changes to UK firearms licensing. These proposals stem from high-profile reviews, including:

  • The Prevention of Future Deaths report following the tragic shooting in Keyham, 2021
  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s assessment of Devon and Cornwall Police’s handling of the case
  • The Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry into regional firearm regulations
  • The Coroner’s Warning—and Government Response

In his report, Senior Coroner Sir Ian Arrow expressed concern over the statutory presumption that certificates “shall be granted” unless specific criteria are not met. He recommended reversing this—requiring applicants to first prove their suitability.

The Home Office replied:

We have carefully considered your point… but do not agree… Sections 27 and 28 are drafted to support consistency in police decision-making and give certainty to the applicant… This supports public safety…

This exchange reveals a tension between professional opinions that we now see changed under the current UK Government.

Why Do We Have Two Regimes?

Shotguns were historically treated as culturally distinct from pistols and rifles, due to their use in agriculture and sport. As such, they were not originally subject to the same controls.

In fact, the law specifically states that shotgun possession should not be restricted to those who intend to use them or lend them to others to use (See Sec 28(1B) Firearms Act 1968). This enables possession of heirlooms, antiques and for other diverse reasons.

The History

  • Firearms Act 1920: Targeted pistols and rifles feared to be misused by revolutionaries. Shotguns, which were commonplace, were excluded.
  • Firearms Act 1937: Mentioned shotguns for the first time, defining them as having barrels at least 20 inches long (now 24″).
  • Firearms Act 1968: Consolidation: In response to rising crime involving “sawn-off” shotguns, this Act introduced Section 2 shotgun certificates with less stringent requirements than Section 1 firearms.

This historical position reflects not just convenience, but public consensus—recognising practical and cultural differences.

The likely affects of alignment

The proposal to require shotgun holders to justify each firearm (as under Section 1) would:

  • Overwhelm disposal channels: If holders relinquish shotguns en masse, lawful disposal pathways (RFDs & Police) may fail—raising risks of diversion.
  • Put shooting at risk: Thousands may surrender certificates, not due to risk but because of increased red tape.
  • Strain police capacity: Additional scrutiny means more checks, longer processing times, and resource reallocation.
  • Fail to address root causes: Keyham and similar tragedies involve failures of assessment and enforcement—not regime design.

Importantly, none of the past incidents cited would likely have been prevented by the proposed alignment. Legislation should be evidence-led, proportionate, and practical.

Conclusion:

Public Safety Must Lead—Not Political Optics

Shotgun and firearm regimes are different for good reason. Reform should enhance actual safety, not just the appearance of control. That means assessing holder suitability, ensuring enforcement consistency, and supporting lawful ownership—not destabilizing it.

The Home Office is expected to launch a second consultation later in 2025. Every stakeholder—shooting organisations, legal experts, certificate holders, and the public—must engage.

This isn’t administrative tidying. It’s a fork in the road for UK shooting culture. Reform must serve real safety—not just the illusion of control.
  • Chris Downs
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Pardon
Pardon 2560 1708 Chris Downs

Summary

Audiologist Carl Weldon explores the overlooked danger of hearing loss within shooting environments.

Drawing on over a decade of clinical experience, Carl breaks down how sudden impulse noise like gunfire can cause permanent sensorineural hearing damage. He explains the science behind it, outlines practical strategies for prevention—including electronic protection and double-layered ear defence—and provides clear pathways for those already affected by hearing issues.

Whether you’re a certificate holder, instructor, or simply part of the shooting community, this guest article is a must-read for understanding, preventing, and managing hearing loss.

Protect what you can’t replace. Every shot. Every time

Member Benefits

Protect your hearing and your wallet – Mansfield Wax & Hearing Clinic will offer 10% discount on all premium level hearing aids to all members of firearmslicensing.net.

Mention your membership when first making contact and show your digital / physical card on attendance.

They can be found at https://www.themansfieldwaxclinic.co.uk/

About Carl Weldon

Carl has been a BSc qualified Audiologist for over a decade. After first qualifying he worked within the NHS before moving to the private sector to be able to offer a wider range of services and technology. He set up The Mansfield Wax & Hearing Clinic in 2021 to address gaps in available Audiology services.

Hearing Loss and the Importance of Protection in the Shooting Environment

When we talk about firearms safety, most people immediately think of eye protection, safe handling, and secure storage. However, one often overlooked aspect of firearms safety is hearing protection.

Exposure to gunfire, even during controlled and lawful shooting activities, can cause permanent hearing damage; sometimes after just a single shot.

Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. It is caused by damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) or to the auditory nerve pathways that transmit sound signals to the brain. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which can often be medically or surgically treated, sensorineural hearing loss is typically irreversible.

Loud noise, particularly sudden and intense sounds like gunfire, is one of the primary causes of SNHL. The inner ear contains thousands of tiny hair cells that respond to sound vibrations. When these cells are damaged, especially by high-decibel noise, they do not regenerate.

As a result, affected individuals may experience:

  • Difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments
  • Tinnitus (a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears)
  • Permanent reduction in hearing sensitivity

How Gunfire Affects Hearing

Gunfire is an impulse noise, meaning it is extremely loud and occurs suddenly. The average gunshot can measure between 140 and 175 decibels, well above the threshold for immediate hearing damage (about 120 decibels). To put this in perspective:

  • 85 dB: the level at which prolonged exposure can cause damage (e.g. lawnmower)
  • 120 dB: the pain threshold
  • 140+ dB: immediate danger zone (typical for gunfire)

Even a single unprotected shot can cause instantaneous and permanent hearing loss, especially in confined spaces or indoor ranges where sound reverberates.

Risk Is Not Just for Shooters

It’s not only shooters who are at risk. Range officers, instructors, gun bearers and spectators are also.

Anyone in proximity to gunfire can suffer hearing damage if proper precautions are not taken. Cumulative exposure over time without protection drastically increases the risk.

How to Minimise the Risk of Hearing Loss

Fortunately, hearing loss from gunfire is entirely preventable. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others in the shooting environment:

Always Wear Hearing Protection

Use high-quality ear protection every time you are around gunfire, whether shooting or observing.

  • Earplugs: Foam earplugs offer good protection and are inexpensive, but they must be properly inserted.
  • Earmuffs: Over-the-ear muffs provide a higher noise reduction rating (NRR) and are often more consistent in their protection.
  • Double Protection: For maximum protection, especially with high-calibre firearms or indoor shooting, use both plugs and muffs simultaneously.

Use Electronic Hearing Protection

Modern electronic earmuffs protect against loud sounds while allowing you to hear speech and ambient noise. They are especially useful for communication on ranges or during instruction.

Limit Exposure

Reduce the amount of time spent in high-noise environments and take regular breaks away from the firing line to give your ears a rest.

Maintain Distance

When not actively shooting, stay behind safety barriers or further from the source of the gunfire. Distance reduces decibel exposure significantly.

Educate and Equip Others

If you’re an instructor, range officer, or experienced shooter, educate newcomers about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss and ensure that hearing protection is both readily available and properly used.

Support for Those Already Affected by Hearing Loss

While prevention is crucial, many individuals in the shooting community have already experienced some level of hearing loss. If you are among them, know that support is available, and taking action can significantly improve your quality of life.

Hearing Assessments and Diagnosis

The first step is a professional hearing assessment. Audiologists can determine the type and extent of hearing loss and offer guidance on management options. Early intervention can also help prevent further deterioration.

Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices

Modern hearing aids are highly effective, discreet, and adaptable to different environments—including ranges and outdoor activities. There are also assistive listening devices and apps that enhance communication in noisy settings.

Tinnitus Management

For those experiencing tinnitus (ringing in the ears), various treatment strategies exist:

  • Sound therapy or masking devices
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

These can help reduce the distress caused by chronic tinnitus.

Support Groups and Resources

Connecting with others facing similar challenges can be reassuring and informative. Look for:

  • Local or online hearing loss support groups
  • Veteran services (if applicable)
  • National charities or hearing health organizations that offer education and advocacy

Ongoing Education

Stay informed about hearing conservation, technological advances, and coping strategies. Even with existing hearing loss, protecting your remaining hearing remains essential.

Final Thoughts

Hearing is one of our most vital senses, yet it is all too easy to take it for granted—until it’s too late. In the shooting community, awareness of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss must become just as routine as wearing safety glasses or checking that a firearm is unloaded. By adopting a proactive approach to hearing protection, shooters can continue to enjoy their sport or profession without sacrificing their long-term auditory health.

Stay safe. Shoot responsibly. Protect your hearing.

🩺 The Mansfield Wax & Hearing Clinic – Hearing Health Specialists

Located in Mansfield, this clinic provides expert audiology care with a focus on restoring and protecting hearing. Their services include:

Ear Wax Removal
Safe, painless microsuction performed by qualified audiologists. Ideal for shooters experiencing muffled hearing or discomfort due to wax buildup.
Hearing Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations to detect hearing loss early—especially valuable for those exposed to impulse noise like gunfire.
Hearing Aids
A wide selection from leading brands (Phonak, Starkey, Oticon), tailored to individual needs and lifestyles.
Personalised Care & Ongoing Support
Patients benefit from continuity with the same audiologist, advanced diagnostic tools, and a welcoming environment.
  • Vicky Downs
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Young People and Firearms
Young People and Firearms 2560 1703 Vicky Downs

We clarify the legal landscape surrounding young people and firearms in the UK—covering certificate eligibility, age-related restrictions, supervision, and practical pathways into shooting sports.

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  • Vicky Downs
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Intelligence Ahead
Intelligence Ahead 2560 1706 Vicky Downs

The document explores the strengths and limitations of AI in relation to Firearms Licensing

Introduction:

If I’m lucky, someone might say I’m a thinker and a tryer.

Less charitable voices might call it obsession… but let’s talk about AI and the results of my experimentation in this area.

The Rise of the Machines

The recent explosion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been fascinating to watch and potentially terrifying in equal measures.

Recent figures from employment search engine Adzuna suggest that vacancies for graduate roles, apprenticeships, internships and junior positions with no degree requirement have fallen by 31.9 per cent since November 2022, when ChatGPT was released.

The Beginnings of firearmslicensing.net

When I first thought about creating this resource my technology consultant asked me if AI would render the idea redundant.

As a result, we experimented with several available systems with initially very promising results.

But then I started noticing some things.

Hallucinations and Misdirection

Caselaw – Some of the references I was being provided with were brilliant but didn’t actually exist.

On this subject The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (“SRA”) recently said this:

“All computers can make mistakes. AI language models such as ChatGPT, however, can be more prone to this. That is because they work by anticipating the text that should follow the input they are given, but do not have a concept of ‘reality’. The result is known as ‘hallucination’, where a system produces highly plausible but incorrect results.”

Looking Elsewhere – I would ask AI a question, tell it where to find the answer and then it would look somewhere else and come back with something else entirely.

For example, I was researching the use of mentor conditions on Firearms Certificates and asked

“Are there any mentor conditions found in Appendix 3 to the Home Office Guide to Firearms Licensing Law?”

The system confidently answered yes, presented me with a direct quote of the wording and a summary of when the use of these conditions might be applicable.

This would have been fine but it’s completely incorrect.

In Conclusion

AI is a fantastic tool, I use it frequently most days but for now there are some areas that are still outside of its reach.

So where does that leave us?
🛠️ AI is a powerful toolkit—but it’s not a compass.
⚖️ For personal, procedural or high-stakes matters, always pair tech with trusted expertise.
👥 The trick is knowing when to ask… and who to ask.
(That last advice? Courtesy of AI, ironically.)

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