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

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.

Introduction:

On 10th July 2025 the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced a ban on “Toxic lead ammunition”.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

“Britain is a proud nation of nature lovers, but our rivers are heavily polluted, and majestic birds are declining at an alarming rate.

 

This new ban on lead in ammunition for most uses will help reverse this – rejuvenating pride in our countryside by protecting precious birdlife and cleaning up rivers.

 

Non-lead alternatives are readily available, and we’ll continue to work closely with the shooting sector throughout this transition.”

🧑‍⚕️ This policy is driven by strong evidence of health risks, especially for children and wildlife.

🔄 A major transition away from lead is coming— use the 3-year transition period to plan ahead for alternative ammunition.

🧭 Enforcement is likely at retail level, so supply chains will feel the change first.

The Message – in Brief:

The UK Government plans to introduce legislation restricting sale and use of lead ammunition by summer 2026, followed by a three-year transition period ending in 2029.

It rejected earlier proposals for a five-year transition saying that this extended time period had taken impact to supply chains from Covid-19 into consideration.

  • 🗓️ Legislation introduced: Summer 2026
  • ⏳ Transition period: 2026–2029
  • 🚫 Full ban effective: 2029 – covering sale and use of lead shot and large-calibre bullets

Exemptions will remain for:

  • Military and police use
  • Elite athletes – proof will be required
  • Indoor Ranges
  • Outdoor ranges – provided control measures are present.
  • Small-calibre ammunition
  • Air weapon pellets
  • Collectors (Not for firing)
  • Academic and forensic work

Further detail:

Small Calibre – All calibres above 6.17mm (includes .243 and everything larger) intended for live quarry shooting will be restricted.

Packaging – All lead ammunition above 6.17 (.243) sold for target shooting will be labelled “must not be used for live quarry”.

Indoor use of lead shot – This will be formally restricted to ensure that the ban on lead shot generally can be effective at point of sale. This removes the possibility that any lead shot labelled for “indoor use only” would be used outdoors and closes this potential loophole.

Outdoor Target Ranges – Must be “permanent” – The detail of how this will be defined is unclear.

In conclusion:

Lead use can be traced back over 6,000 years in the widest variety of applications. It’s density, malleability and cost-effective nature are significant contributors to the longevity of its use.

Given the breadth of evidence, few would contest the rationale behind a transition away from but it seems as if the changes impacting on UK Shooting are happening almost monthly.

Having said this there is one section of the announcement that we would highlight:

“Alternatives to lead shot have become more efficient and widely available in recent years, with steel and tungsten-based shot being two popular options.

 

The government will continue to engage with the shooting industry to support the transition to alternative ammunition types.”

While non-lead alternatives are improving, uptake and availability remain varied.

We’d encourage the Home Office to remember that UK Shooting offers real benefits to both participants and the wider population. Moving forward meaningful consultation and engagement will be critical to ensure that this to ensure this shift does not feel disproportionate for UK shooting communities.

We’ll continue to monitor and update what this means for shooters, clubs, and retailers.
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Scrap the System?
Scrap the System? 1920 2560 Vicky Downs

This visionary article explores how the UK’s firearms licensing system might look if designed from scratch.

Moving beyond a century of reactive laws—from the 1920 Firearms Act to post-Keyham reforms—it proposes a digitally enabled, service-focused framework built around public safety, consistency, and clarity.

Introduction –

Ask any certificate holder—licensing delays, legal ambiguity, and patchy communication aren’t just an inconvenience. They’re a public safety risk

If the UK were to design its firearms licensing system from scratch tomorrow, what would it look like? With a century of legacy legislation behind us—from the 1920 Firearms Act to the post-Keyham reforms—the current framework is a patchwork of historical responses.

But what if we could start fresh?

To be clear. This article isn’t fantasy. It’s achievable and a call to action

🎯 Principles for a Modern Licensing System

1. Serve the Public

Good service to certificate holders matters—but responsible licensing affects everyone. We’ve seen how poor decisions can damage community trust and compromise safety. A modern system must put fairness, transparency, and public confidence first.

2. Focus on Public Safety

Licensing isn’t just administration—it’s risk management. Lessons from past tragedies remind us: public protection must be the system’s central goal. Everything else flows from that.

3. Digital by Default, Inclusive by Design

A streamlined digital portal should be the norm—but never at the cost of access. Paper options remain where needed. Efficiency and equity can coexist.

4. Efficient Processing & Smart Safeguards

Applications and renewals should be timely, error-resistant, and secure. No medical proformas. No paper-based loopholes. Fraud risk reduced through smart design.

5. Central Oversight, Local Delivery

Leadership at the national level ensures consistency with local units continuing to engage. This balance helps eliminate patchy training, conflicting processes, and appeals driven by regional disparity.

6. Clarity & Accessibility of the Law

Rewrite the legal framework in plain English. Define terms clearly. Replace decades of piecemeal amendments with a single, understandable system—so applicants know their responsibilities and authorities apply the law fairly.

7. Transparent Cost Recovery

Fees should be proportionate, visible, and linked to service standards. Applicants deserve to know what they’re paying for—and how delivery is being measured.

🧠 What Would Be Lost—and Gained?

We’d lose the historical inertia of legacy legislation, but gain a system built for today’s risks and realities. Certificate holders would benefit from clarity and fairness; police forces from consistency and resourcing; and the public from a licensing regime that’s proactive, not reactive.

There will be challenges – Eliminating the current Court Appeal process will not be an overnight endeavour but the current system involves thousands of pounds worth of police, Court and legal effort when an estimated 90% don’t require anything more than independent arbitration.

Some might say this is wishful thinking—but firearmslicensing.net has already proved digital safeguards are possible (See our digital membership card). So why wait?

If you support a smarter licensing future, start the conversation—share your ideas, challenge assumptions, and help push for change.

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

This guide to firearms licensing resources includes reference to:

  • Statutory Guidance (2023): A mandatory reference for police decision-making, focused on consistency and public safety.

  • Home Office Guide (2024): A detailed, non-statutory companion for interpreting firearms law.

  • Firearms Security Handbook (2020): Practical requirements for safe storage, transport, and display of firearms.

  • College of Policing APP: Operational guidance for police forces in line with legal and ethical obligations.

  • Firearms Act 1968: The legal foundation defining certification, prohibitions, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms.

Introduction

This guide is intended for certificate holders, FEOs, legal professionals, and anyone seeking a structured understanding of UK firearms law.

It brings together the most authoritative materials that shape firearms licensing into one place.

It covers everything from statutory guidance and operational practice to foundational legislation and security expectations.

Each section provides a brief overview and direct access to primary documents, helping everyone navigate the often too complex world of Firearms Licensing.

The order in which I have presented these might seem wrong. Many would argue that the Firearms Act should be at the top as it represents the key legislation in this area. To be honest – they have a point, but I have arranged these in order of those most likely to help you address any issues you might experience.

Subscribers to firearmslicensing.net can access tailored breakdowns and interpretation tools.

This supports our key goal to Support Responsible Shooting and empower everyone to better understand their rights and obligations within the system.

To find out more about subscription options please follow this link.

1) Statutory Guidance

The Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on Firearms Licensing—revised in February 2023—was introduced to ensure greater consistency across police forces in the application of firearms licensing law. The need for this was first highlighted in 2015 by the “Targeting the Risk” review conducted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC) but not implemented until November 2021 (Post Keyham).

The guidance outlines the processes and criteria for assessing an applicant’s suitability to possess firearms or become a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD). It covers a wide range of checks, including background and medical checks, home visits, referee assessments, and—newly added—social media reviews. It also addresses continuous assessment, unannounced visits, and the handling of renewals, revocations, and appeals.

Importantly, while chief officers retain discretion, any departure from the guidance must be clearly justified on a case-by-case basis.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-guidance-for-police-on-firearms-licensing

2) Home Office Guide on Firearms Licensing Law

The Home Office’s Guide on Firearms Licensing Law (originally published in 2012 and most recently updated in December 2024) provides a comprehensive, non-statutory reference for police forces, firearms licensing professionals, and interested parties. It’s designed to explain the complex framework of UK firearms legislation and should be read alongside the statutory guidance for chief officers of police.

The key areas covered are:

  • Licensing Framework: It outlines the legal basis for firearm and shotgun certificates under the Firearms Acts, including eligibility, suitability, and good reason requirements.
  • Application Process: Guidance on background checks, interviews, home visits, and the role of medical information and referees.
  • Conditions and Revocations: Explains standard and discretionary conditions, revocation procedures, and appeals.
  • Firearms Dealers and Clubs: Covers registration, record-keeping, and compliance expectations for dealers and shooting clubs.
  • Specialist Topics: Includes sections on antique firearms, prohibited weapons, museum collections, and exemptions (e.g. Section 11(6) clay shoots).
  • Recent Updates: The 2024 revision reflects changes such as updated departmental names, guidance on remote sales by dealers, and reinstated exemptions for race starters and clay pigeon shoots.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-law-guidance-to-the-police-2012

 

3) The Firearms Security Handbook

The Firearms Security Handbook 2020 offers detailed guidance on the secure storage and transport of firearms, shotguns, and ammunition. It’s aimed at certificate holders, firearms dealers, museums, clubs, and police forces.

The key areas covered are:

  • Security Principles: Emphasises layered security and proportionality based on risk. It introduces three levels of security, with Level 1 being the baseline for most certificate holders.
  • Cabinet Standards: Provides specifications for gun cabinets, safes, and armoury rooms, including construction materials, fixings, and locking mechanisms.
  • Special Environments: Offers tailored advice for mobile homes, garages, and shared dwellings.
  • Section 5 and Business Use: Covers additional requirements for dealers, auctioneers, and those storing firearms for professional purposes.
  • Museums and Clubs: Sets out expectations for secure display and storage in public collections and cadet corps premises.
  • Transport Guidance: Details safe carriage of firearms and ammunition, including black powder, with reference to relevant transport regulations.
  • Annexes: Include illustrations of cabinet construction, standards references, and good practice for transporting ammunition.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-security-handbook

 

4) The Police Authorised Professional Practice – Firearms Licensing

The Authorised Professional Practice (APP) on Firearms Licensing from the College of Policing provides operational guidance for police forces in England and Wales (Last updated April 2024). It complements the Home Office statutory and non-statutory guidance and is designed to ensure consistency, transparency, and public safety in firearms licensing decisions.

The key areas covered are:

  • Purpose and Principles: The APP aims to prevent foreseeable harm, manage risk decisively, and deliver a fair, proportionate, and consistent service. It emphasises professional judgment and effective governance.
  • Legal Framework: Licensing activity is governed by the Firearms Act 1968 and related legislation. Chief constables are legally responsible for granting, renewing, or revoking certificates.
  • Suitability Assessment: Applicants must demonstrate a good reason and be assessed as suitable. The main test is whether they can possess firearms without danger to public safety or the peace. Suitability checks include criminal history, mental health, domestic circumstances, and more.
  • Application Process: Applications are logged on the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS). Enquiries begin immediately and include background checks, home visits, and interviews. Firearms Enquiry Officers (FEOs) play a key role in assessing security, competence, and any safeguarding concerns.
  • Decision Making: Decisions to grant, refuse, or revoke certificates must be evidence-based and made by appropriately authorised personnel. The APP encourages forces to document rationale clearly and act swiftly on identified risks.
  • Alignment and Accountability: Forces are expected to align with this APP and the Home Office guidance. If they choose not to, they must notify the national policing lead and provide justification.

https://www.college.police.uk/app/firearms-licensing 

5) The Firearms Act 1968

The Firearms Act 1968 is the cornerstone of firearms legislation in Great Britain. It consolidates earlier laws and sets out the legal framework for the possession, acquisition, and use of firearms and ammunition.

The key areas covered are:

  • Section 1 – Firearm Certificates: Requires individuals to hold a firearm certificate to possess, purchase, or acquire most firearms and ammunition. Applicants must demonstrate a good reason and be assessed as suitable.
  • Section 2 – Shotgun Certificates: Establishes a separate, slightly less intrusive certification process for shotguns. It could be said that the Police have to justify a refusal rather than the applicant proving themselves.
  • Section 3 – Transactions: Regulates the sale, transfer, and repair of firearms and ammunition. Only certificate holders or registered dealers may engage in such transactions.
  • Section 5 – Prohibited Weapons: Lists weapons that are generally prohibited (e.g. automatic firearms, certain handguns). Possession of these items requires special authority from the Home Secretary.
  • Section 7 – Police permit – Gives police the option to issue a permit to enable rather than a full Certificate.
  • Section 11 – Exemptions: Provides exemptions for certain activities, such as clay pigeon shooting under supervision or use at approved clubs, where a certificate may not be required.
  • Section 20 – Creates the offence of trespassing while in possession of a firearm.
  • Section 26A & 26B – Rules around the application process for Firearms and Shotgun Certificates.
  • Section 27 & 28 – Describe when a Firearms and Shotgun Certificate may be granted.
  • Section 29 – Enables variations to Firearms Certificates.
  • Section 33–39 – Firearms Dealers: Requires dealers to be registered with the police and maintain records of transactions. These sections also cover inspections and revocation of registration.
  • Section 44 – Appeals: Allows applicants to appeal refusals, revocations, or conditions imposed on certificates to the Crown Court.
  • Section 46 – 52 – Provides Police powers and rules for the punishment of offences

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/contents
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Sound Moderators
Sound Moderators 8192 5464 Vicky Downs

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

Introduction

The Home Office consulted on a proposal to remove sound moderators (commonly known as suppressors) from firearms licensing controls.

The original thinking behind including such “accessories” within regulatory control is unclear but it seems to be rooted in a misunderstanding that such items were the tools of assassins and murderers.

The proposed change to Firearms Act 1968 could remove this section at 57(1)(d)

“an accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon”

from the definition of a Firearm.

In practical terms Police are currently holding records of tens of thousands of metal tubes which are typically recorded on Firearms Certificates as “NVN” (No visible numbers).

Some questions remain about when this will take place and what the new offence of possessing a sound moderator without a firearms certificate will look like.

I strongly suspect this will cause more unnecessary confusion and leave a legally imprecise situation. i.e. if a sound moderator fits both a Section 1 rifle and an unregulated air rifle – what is it?

However overall, this direction from the Home Office is a victory for common sense and has the potential to remove significant administrative burden from police and the shooting community with no demonstrable risk to public safety.

Key Findings from the Consultation

– 94% agreed that police certification to possess a sound moderator should be removed.

– 98% agreed there is no public safety risk in deregulating sound moderators.

– 95% supported their health and safety benefits, especially for hearing protection.

– 96% felt the criteria for a Legislative Reform Order (LRO) had been met.

Most respondents were certificate holders or those involved in shooting sports. Notably, even a high percentage of police and public respondents supported the proposal.

Concerns Raised

  • Risks of substandard moderator manufacture if deregulated.
  • Potential misuse by criminals or poachers due to reduced sound.
  • Suggestions that moderators should still only be sold to certificate holders, even if no variation is needed.

Government Position

  • Sound moderators are inert, non-dangerous accessories.
  • The government agrees with simplifying their legal treatment.
  • It plans to remove moderators from the definition of “firearm” via primary legislation.
  • A new offence will be created: possessing a sound moderator without holding a valid firearms certificate—thus removing the admin burden of certificate variations but retaining some control over possession and ownership.

The full government response can be found via this link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684953fe7cba25f610c7da8c/Sound+moderators+-+Consultation+response+document+_030625_+final__8_.pdf

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