Scottish Licensing, Where do I stand?

[geordiejohn]

Hi all, I live in Northumberland but regularly travel north of the border to shoot with either a BSA .22 air rifle and a colt 1911 co2 pistol, mostly just plinking on my permission.
When the new laws come in, can I still get a licence with an English address?
Will I still be allowed to use the pistol, I could justify the rifle for hunting but I understand plinking is not considered a reason to get a licence?

[angrybear]

I think the answer is that until any law is passed there is no way to know how it will be worded or what will/won't be covered.

[DedIdick]

By that time you may need your passport to come across the border!

[geordiejohn]

I think the answer is that until any law is passed there is no way to know how it will be worded or what will/won't be covered.

Laws are drawn up first for discussion before voting, I though someone on here might be aware of the draft legislation.

[Snooper601]

I think the fishy* duo are preoccupied with the independance vote and airguns are on the back burner

*Salmon and Sturgeon stinking the pla(i)ce up.

Cheers

John

[KeithW]

As proposed, you would (probably) have to apply for a visitor licence which would be valid for a certain period, can't recall if that's just a few week or longer.

My guess is that if it comes to pass, you'd probably be better applying for a licence directly - but it highlights yet another little wrinkle in the independence debate that hasn't yet been thought through

[GoodWILLHunting]

I wouldn't worry about it, it's still below the horizon yet

[geordiejohn]

Thanks for the replies, I have had a scout about and apparently they intended to have this through before the independence vote but it has been put back. One thing I noticed, the phrase

"It is simply not right that in a modern Scotland airguns are available without a licence."

is used over and over by a govt. spokesperson without anything to justify it.

[matt 1966]

Im not sure but I would of thought that of the independence vote is lost it may not come to pass as they would still be subject to UK law I thought their powers were only limited to certaiin things I

[thisisdonald]

Governance over our firearms laws were one of the powers granted to holyrood when we got devolution...

That " in modern society" quote is one of kenny macaskills, justice secretary for the peace... he is also quoted saying, about scottish airgun legislation; "its not a matter of if. Its a matter of when"

I personally wouldnt care so much, but they are trying to ban people plinking on their own property and on property where permission is given..you will have to be a member of a club or be actively carrying out pest control or prove you are a collector to obtain a license (under the proposed plan).. at least most of us will fall under the collector status. .. who DOESNT like old beesas and webleys!!!😆

[Iain K D]

... I thought their powers were only limited to certain things.

Yes, and airguns is now one of them, since a year or two ago.

The delay, while certainly welcome, is slightly odd when you consider that in 2009 when Labour didn't give them power to deal with airguns as they wanted the SNP said, in rather emotive terms I seem to recall, something along the lines of "We had legislation all ready drafted just ready to put in place and protect the public from the menace of airguns."

The Calman Commission used the term "An appettite to deal with this matter in Scotland" - I described it to my MP as little more than a political football.

Iain

[mrto]

This is all political window dressing nonsense of course, when someone needs or desires a real weapon a piddly airgun is never reached for!

I hope Salmond gets his way and an 'independent' Scotland can rue the wisdom of acquiescing to the demands of this bloated windbag at it's leisure!

[Powderfinger]

Licensing of airguns will lead to irreperable damage to the sport, the industry and the enthusiasts. The campaign against the proposed licensing system should be supported by all shooters throughout Scotland and the rest of these islands.

[thisisdonald]

Licensing in itself wouldnt be so bad.. but they want to change the rules as to why you can own a gun..the loss of plinking or informal target shooting as a reason to own an airgun will be the downfall of the sport... on the other hand.. if we get a license we may get a free power increase.. something of a bargaining chip if the ever consult again

[danco1987]

Licensing in itself wouldnt be so bad.. but they want to change the rules as to why you can own a gun..the loss of plinking or informal target shooting as a reason to own an airgun will be the downfall of the sport... on the other hand.. if we get a license we may get a free power increase.. something of a bargaining chip if the ever consult again

Licensing of airguns will be disastrous for shooting! There will no longer be any form of unlicensed shooting for potential shooters to participate in before they progress onto other firearms. So many people progress from air guns once getting into the sport and this channel will no longer exist. It may well be good for you if you get a power increase but who's going to bother to get a airgun licence if they haven't shot before? The whole beauty of airguns are that they are relatively safe to use for plinking (by responsible folks) and can be purchased freely. Take both those things away and they are simply not that appealing any more.