Airgun licensing in England and Wales

[DukesArcher]

Last year there was a commotion regarding the possibility of an airgun licence being introduced into England and Wales. I believe they were also trying to ban .50 caliber weapons as well.

I assume the proposals were all dropped?

[look no hands]

There's been a lot of discussion on here about it, I can't remember what the outcome was but I don't think it will be happening very soon, the police don't have enough officers to govern it all (or the resources) and I'd say that there are bigger things to worry about at the moment like Brexit and more importantly knife crime.

The other problem will be trying to find out who has an air rifle, they are like push bikes, they have never been licenced or properly controlled in the past, so trying to trace them all will be impossible, it's also down to the individual, some of us will be honest enough to get one but many others won't bother and as per usual, it will be the honest law abiding shooter/citizen who will get picked on and the trouble makers will just sink into the shadows.

Pete

[gingernut]

The .50 cal legislation was dropped.
No legislation for airgun licensing was proposed.

The Home Office are carrying out a review of airgun law.
But are probably very busy with more important stuff.

But I see in today’s mail that pellet guns have been used in a youth bust up.
So we can imagine what’s going to happen.

I love the fact that my hobbies are only allowed as long as criminals in London behave themselves.

[DukesArcher]

I was very surprised to read on another thread that in Scotland there is still a power limit

[Archer50]

I was very surprised to read on another thread that in Scotland there is still a power limit

The power limit still stands as it comes from the 1968 Firearms Act which is a UK law, not devolved to the Scottish Government. Frankly, I'm quite glad, because it were devolved I suspect it would be a lot lower.

Alan

[bighit]

I was very surprised to read on another thread that in Scotland there is still a power limit

Why are you surprised ? They are still low powered airguns so they are on a AWL . Once over 12 ft lbs they are FAC as they are in England and Wales . Northern Ireland puts airguns over a certain limit on FAC over there (energy in excess of one (1) Joule (0.737 ft lbs) and then there is no limit on power.

Quote
Airguns not Requiring a Firearm Certificate

In Northern Ireland airguns and CO2 guns having a discharge kinetic energy in excess of one (1) Joule (0.737 ft lbs) require to be held on a firearm certificate.

[DukesArcher]

Why are you surprised ? They are still low powered airguns so they are on a AWL . Once over 12 ft lbs they are FAC as they are in England and Wales . Northern Ireland puts airguns over a certain limit on FAC over there (energy in excess of one (1) Joule (0.737 ft lbs) and then there is no limit on power.

Quote
Airguns not Requiring a Firearm Certificate

In Northern Ireland airguns and CO2 guns having a discharge kinetic energy in excess of one (1) Joule (0.737 ft lbs) require to be held on a firearm certificate.

It would have made more sense to have all airguns on a AWL.

[YorkshireDave]

But I see in today’s mail that pellet guns have been used in a youth bust up.

it said on the BBC's website shotgun pellets. There seems to be an effort among the tabloids to blur and erase any difference.

edit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47688811

[DukesArcher]

I just hope we don't see the same here. I was under the impression that any proposals for future licensing had been dropped.

[robby]

Scotland got the airgun license due to a mass outcry and long campaign from an airgun shot dead child's mother!.

[gingernut]

it said on the BBC's website shotgun pellets. There seems to be an effort among the tabloids to blur and erase any difference.

edit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47688811

Just Dumbass journalist.