full bore pistol

[Rod]

Had a look at an aquaintences starter pistols yesterday.
He is a starter for an athletics club. So athletics being athletics...steeped in tradition. They have these starter pistols. 1 x .38 S&W S/Steel special with combat grips, trigger and hammer. And a S&W 586 6" target model. Strange thing is that they are fully functioning rifle barreled totally operational guns.

I was somewhat suprised that this was the case I can tell you :)

I want me Tangfolio back... I can start races too! :D

[Mohawk]

I assume you advised him about the 5 year stretch waiting for him !
Starting pistols fire blanks & do not have barrels, if he does, then he's in deep brown dod dah if the boys in Blue find out :(

[loiner1965]

at one time they use to use webleys 45s,,,,,,not sure about this cos read somewhere that they are exempt or it might be different now,

[RichardH]

Guys starting pistols (assuming you are a real bona fide race starter) are real section 5 pistols on a section 1 certificate in a similar way to expanding ammunition or the brocock fiasco.

This is one of the rare remaining good reasons for requesting a centrefire pistol, it has something to do with the muzzle flash being important........

If the man has a cert as I'm sure he does he is perfectly legit, just in a very fortunate position.

Incidentally his certificate will not allow the purchase of any bulleted ammunition.

Richard

[Rod]

I can confirm he has the required liceance.
Yes, the open barrel has been allowed, This is to ensure the flash and smoke can be seen by the competitors. My friend, is a started for national events, which is why he had the OK for the liceance.

Still a mad old world innit? He could opt to go for a .38 rifle and legally hold ammunition (though not use it) that would be fireable in said pistols.

Right where's me nearest athletics track? (JUST KIDDING) :D

Ahhhhh, Connahs Quay ;)

[Chris St. MH]

Richard, I'm sorry but (having been posting here for a mere five or six years) I only just noticed the PM feature on the BBS.

Yes, you're spot on with your answer. From the HO guidance:

Controlling races

6.31 Section 11(2) of the 1968 Act authorises
the possession, without a certificate, of a
firearm at an athletic meeting for the
purpose of controlling races at that meeting.
This section does not, however, authorise
the purchase or acquisition, without a
certificate, of a firearm for such purposes.
The possession of ammunition is not
authorised, but blank ammunition not
exceeding one inch in diameter may be
held without a certificate.

6.32 Under section 5 of the 1997 Act, no
authority is required under section 5(1)(aba)
of the 1968 Act for a person to possess a
firearm at an athletic meeting for the
purpose of controlling races at that meeting.
Furthermore, a person does not need
authority under section 5(1)(aba) of the 1968
Act to possess, purchase, acquire, sell or
transfer a firearm that is held on certificate
with a condition that it is only to be used for
controlling races at athletics meetings. The
reason for this exemption is that major
athletics events require starting guns which
are classed as firearms and are able not only
to produce a very loud bang but also a highly
visible flash from the muzzle end of the gun
to facilitate accurate timing. This is not
applicable to cycling races or other similar
events. In practice, only those starters who
have qualified by passing the UK Technical
Officials examination for starters, and
completed their probationary period (or
Grade 3 officials who have previously been
granted a certificate and are applying for a
renewal), are likely to be able to make out
a case for possession of handguns. Most
starting pistols, such as the ones used at
school sports days, do not have an open
barrel and are not classed as firearms.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the
legislation does not refer explicitly to UK
Athletics Ltd authorised starters. Although
most unlikely, there may be other starters
who can make a convincing case for
possessing such firearms.

[visceral]

I want me Tangfolio back... I can start races too! :D

Ah......I miss my TA90S

[Scarecrow]

Incidentally his certificate will not allow the purchase of any bulleted ammunition.

My understanding is that whilst you may not be able to buy ammunition without a FAC, you can purchase components to load your own without a certificate. Funny old world.

[RichardH]

But loading them would be illegal.

Similarly you can buy blocks of wood and metal but would go to prison if you built an assault rifle from them :rolleyes: