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

Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan outlines the layered structure of UK firearms law, highlighting how legislation, case law, statutory guidance, and practice documents work together to regulate licensing.

The article clarifies the hierarchy of legal sources—from the Firearms Act 1968 to influential case law and Home Office guidance—emphasising the balance between authority, interpretation, and practical application.

Designed to help certificate holders and professionals understand the framework, it underscores that licensing is shaped not by a single rulebook, but by a mesh of evolving legal sources.

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Land Checks
Land Checks 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

This article challenges the routine use of police land checks within firearms licensing, arguing they lack statutory backing, consistency, and evidential value.

It highlights gaps in training, arbitrary outcomes, and misaligned safety judgments, suggesting that focusing on applicant competence and adhering to guidance and case law offers a more effective, risk-led approach.

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Permanent Address
Permanent Address 2560 1920 Vicky Downs

Changes to where a certificate holder lives have important implications for licensing and compliance.

Police expect timely notification of any shift in residence, as this affects who manages the certificate and underpins the legal obligations surrounding it.

Failure to comply may lead to varying levels of enforcement, from informal warnings to more serious sanctions.

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

Many officers have little exposure to shooting sports—how you respond can shape the entire encounter.

Stay calm, courteous, and show you’re a professional.

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Crossbows & Airbows
Crossbows & Airbows 2560 1696 Vicky Downs

This guide outlines the current UK laws governing crossbows and examines the emerging legal status of airbows. While crossbows are regulated primarily under the Crossbows Act 1987, recent high-profile incidents and a government consultation suggest further restrictions may be forthcoming.

Airbows, once marketed as outside firearms law, were classified as firearms in a 2021 Crown Court ruling—posing risks for uncertificated owners.

The document highlights legal definitions, case law, and future regulatory possibilities, offering guidance for owners and certificate holders navigating this evolving area.

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Statutory Guidance Summary
Statutory Guidance Summary 2560 2138 Vicky Downs

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.

Updated August 2025

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

The British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) serves as the united voice of the UK’s licensed shooting and collecting community, representing 15 major organisations. As an umbrella body, it engages closely with government, the Home Office, and international partners to advocate for fair, evidence-based policy on firearms regulation.

Amid mounting challenges—including proposed new police powers and licensing reform—the BSSC emphasises calm, coordinated advocacy to protect lawful shooting while maintaining public safety.

With a mission rooted in trust, patience, and constructive dialogue, the BSSC works to ensure that the contributions of over half a million certificate holders and a £3bn industry are recognised and respected.

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Voluntary Surrender Tool
Voluntary Surrender Tool 1600 1204 Vicky Downs

This guide explains what certificate holders should do if police request the voluntary surrender of firearms.

It outlines key questions to ask, ethical standards expected of officers, legal rights during the process, and how to respond calmly and confidently—whether you choose to comply or not.

It also details what must happen if revocation or seizure occurs, and offers support for those in this position

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Firearms Consultation 2023
Firearms Consultation 2023 2560 1922 Vicky Downs

This article summarises the key themes, findings, and government responses from the consultation.

While much attention has centred on proposed police entry powers and closer alignment of Section 1 and 2 licensing regimes, the results also reveal wider patterns in public perception, professional concerns, and political direction—all of which may shape future legislation.

Look out for more detailed reviews of the key proposals

(Coming Soon).

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Firearms Refusal
Firearms Refusal 2560 1727 Vicky Downs

The rate of UK Firearms Certificate revocations has risen sharply post-Keyham, driven by updated guidance and regional inconsistencies, sparking concern over fairness and consistency.

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