What IS the cut-off point for antiques?

[rayman]

I buy & sell a lot of antique obsolete pistols & rifles from the USA, the law in the UK is to be by virtue sec 58.2 they must be over 100 years old with an obsolete calibre ie, 44 rus, 41, 32 rim, 38 rim, 9mm swiss, 442, 10.6mm, 11mm, the list is vast, unlike the USA we have a wider span for cut off age bringing us up to 1908, but unlike the USA we cannot shoot them without sec 5 or 7 certificate. Take a look at www.coreden.com they have a wide range of antique obsolete rifles & pistols for sale like myself.

Cheers, Glynn.

[Jim McArthur]

the law in the UK is to be by virtue sec 58.2 they must be over 100 years old with an obsolete calibre ie, 44 rus, 41, 32 rim, 38 rim, 9mm swiss, 442, 10.6mm, 11mm, the list is vast, unlike the USA we have a wider span for cut off age bringing us up to 1908, but unlike the USA we cannot shoot them without sec 5 or 7 certificate

Cheers, Glynn.

OK, it's making more sense all the time: it's a combination of age ("more than 100 years old"), PLUS, being chambered for an obsolete caliber.

Yes, our "pre-1898" law in the US is tougher in that respect. However, while I may very well be wrong, I think that the pre-1898 rule applies regardless of what caliber it is: as long as that particular gun meets the age requirement.

Jim

[Jim McArthur]

I buy & sell a lot of antique obsolete pistols & rifles from the USA, the law in the UK is to be by virtue sec 58.2 they must be over 100 years old with an obsolete calibre ie, 44 rus, 41, 32 rim, 38 rim, 9mm swiss, 442, 10.6mm, 11mm, the list is vast, unlike the USA we have a wider span for cut off age bringing us up to 1908, but unlike the USA we cannot shoot them without sec 5 or 7 certificate. Take a look at www.coreden.com they have a wide range of antique obsolete rifles & pistols for sale like myself.

Cheers, Glynn.

Some very nice guns there, Glynn: too bad I'm not in the neighborhood, I could give you some business!

And speaking of which - you'd be the one to ask - is there any restriction on private sales of antique guns between the US and the UK (assuming they're "exempt antiques" under both country's laws, of course)?

Jim

[Smokeless Coal]

We hold antiques under section 58 of our firearms act.

Interestingly as well as obsolete calibre it also says all muzzle loaded firearms are sec 58, no FAC needed. Our HomeOffice issues guidelines to local licencing offices that modern replica m/l's must be held under section 1 and on a FAC. But they are guidelines our Law says different.

The hundred years I think covers all antiques or old stuff rather than our firearms that can be held. Not looking at the Firearms act again today but 2 dates flash before my brain cell of 1919 and 1939, we could certainly hold a Colt 1911 in an obsolete caliber.

As well as obsolete caliber we can have rare or special interest or forming part of a collection firearms, like someone I know has a collection of all the AMT stuff stashed around the world who would like to have it over here. Not particulary old but no longer produced so potentialy of future historic interest.

[Jim McArthur]

We hold antiques under section 58 of our firearms act.

Interestingly as well as obsolete calibre it also says all muzzle loaded firearms are sec 58, no FAC needed. Our HomeOffice issues guidelines to local licencing offices that modern replica m/l's must be held under section 1 and on a FAC. But they are guidelines our Law says different.

Another of the unfortunately many examples of government "interpreting" laws to achieve the desired result.

Jim

[rayman]

Some very nice guns there, Glynn: too bad I'm not in the neighborhood, I could give you some business!

And speaking of which - you'd be the one to ask - is there any restriction on private sales of antique guns between the US and the UK (assuming they're "exempt antiques" under both country's laws, of course)?

Jim

Hi Jim, it's all very easy, if you can find a like minded person in the States you can bring in AOs into UK with no problem, but you must state on Customs form that it is an Antique Curio sec 58.2, with no 38 centre fires or alike getting through as they do, Customs open most packets from the US to UK, most days of the week Customs in UK pick up modern firearms like ppks etc, they don't make it to the new owner & are destroyed, so be mindfull, as for sending AOs to the States it's a nightmare, ATF do not want them.
But I do have some very good contacts in PA & TX this works very well as I have been dealing with some of them for over 15 years. I should think you being on the otherside of the pond have a great chance of finding SAA & Smoots at fairly good prices at these gun shows you do over there. Take a look at the AuctionArms.com they have loads of great AO deals & it's all in the USA lots of Private & Trade sales.

ATB, Glynn.