What are the laws surrounding self build musket kits?

[rizzini]

What are the Laws? Can I import one from the USA, and then simply build it and put it on my SGC?
I belive it does not need to be proofed, if only myself is going to use it.

Any help would be great, as I'm pretty much lost.


Cheers

[markH]

If you are going to fire it, it has to be proofed. It might be only you using it but that doesn't stop the guy standing next to you from getting a face full of barrel if it blows up.

In the past a lot of the kits were sold as wall hangers but they could be converted to fire relatively easily. They are subject to much more lenient laws in most of Europe but I doubt whether they would be legal in this country.

Interesting thread though, I'm sure someone more conversant with current legislation will enlighten us.

[robinghewitt]

I belive it does not need to be proofed, if only myself is going to use it.

A gun doesn't have to be in proof to shoot, only if you want to sell or pawn it. There is a requirement to have it proofed if you import one without a recogmised proof mark, unless it's as curiosity or ornament which means pre-1939 and on the obsolete cartridge list. All muzzle loaders are on the obsolete cartridge list.

[rizzini]

Is it legal to make it yourself, or does a gun dealer need to do this?

Thanks

[robinghewitt]

Is it legal to make it yourself, or does a gun dealer need to do this?

Of course you can. You can even submit an ML barrel for proof without a breech plug, (aka: a pipe), if you are willing to pay the "hutting" charge