Registered User
The storage of "high=powered" guns at clubs has no security or safety benefits.
Miniature range rules predate the FAC system and have been of benefit to clubs and ranges. Where is the evidence that the miniature range rules have caused a crime problem? The case involving a miniature range recently did not involve anyone being injured, although I agree that their behaviour was not endearing.
Guest
https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/up...rom-gun-range/Originally Posted by Powderfinger
Former solider Craig Savage stole the semi-automatic rifle which he used to murder his estranged wife and her mother from a local gun range just minutes before the murders.
https://www.1066ts.co.uk/FAQS
Do I need to be a member?
No, anyone aged within our age requirements can take part in our Experiences.
We offer Membership's to customers who own their own equipment and regularly hire lanes.
Do I need to have a firearms Certificate?
No, however by signing our Section 21 form you will be declaring that you have never had a firearm or shotgun application refused or such a certificate revoked. You will also declare that you are not a person prohibited to use Firearms by virtue of Section 21 of The Firearms Act 1968.
If you are bringing your own .22 Rifle, we would need to see proof of your Firearms Certificate.
Last edited by bighit; 25-11-2020 at 04:07 PM.
Registered User
One crime that happened at a miniature range in about 120 years.
Guest
One is enough though . The other incident at the Full Metal Jacket Range with bullets flying over the heads of truckers may have been the straw that broke the camels back.
It only takes one incident to get the ball rolling sadly.
Registered User
Just submitted my reply online, simple & an hour well spent.
Registered User
Unfortunately there have also been a number of other cases over the years involving individuals who have been deemed unsuitable to possess firearms; some having had their certificates revoked; who have (mis)used S11(4) to acquire or reacquire them. These cases have attracted little media interest as they are usually thought of as too “technical” by the press and action was taken by the licensing authorities before any serious criminality occurred. Indeed some have gone unreported altogether. The cases have usually resulted in suspended sentences sufficient to invoke the provisions of S21 and thus making it unlikely that the individual will ever be granted a S1 certificate again.
I accept that reform of S11(4) is necessary and for a properly constituted and managed rifle club still employing it there should be no substantial difficulty in becoming a Home Office approved club. Those who it will impact most are the outlier groups such as Scouts who would have practical difficulties in complying with the HO criteria. Cadet units wishing to acquire rifles to augment the MoD issued equipment, or purchase better quality ammunition, will also be disadvantaged. A one size solution will definitely not fit all.
The question in the consultation that I find most interesting is this one:
In other words, should Pay to Play Miniature Rifle Ranges be permitted to offer the public “look alike” military weapons? There are many potential ramifications in that question.Q12. To what extent do you agree that self-loading .22 rimfire rifles should not be considered miniature rifles for the purposes of the provision?
Rutty
Registered User
BASC update below:
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) are gearing up to respond to the Government’s firearms safety consultation to ensure the future of sustainable shooting and firearms ownership.
The Home Office consultation, launched today (24th November), deals with several areas of interest including miniature rifle ranges, large calibre rifles, air guns and ammunition.
In detail the consultation asks for responses on:
What level of enhanced security would sufficiently reduce the risk of high muzzle energy rifles (.50 calibre rifles) being stolen and misused.
The possession of air guns by under-18s, secure storage and safe-keeping
Proposals that miniature rifle range operator to apply for a firearm certificate and undergo necessary police checks.
The controls required for the possession of ammunition propellants and primers.
The consultation will run until 16th February 2021.
Leading BASC’s response and workload will be director of firearms Bill Harriman. He said: “The topics considered in the government’s consultation have been known about for several months. BASC has been using the delay to start working on a credible and robust response. The issues raised have already been analysed, with our conclusions drawn.
“BASC’s response will challenge the government to put up evidence-led and proportionate measures in any proposal that sees to regulate legitimate firearms ownership.”
Discussing the air guns proposals, Bill said: “On first glance it would appear that the government has listened to BASC’s concerns on licensing air guns and are considering other options.
“We will now work with government during the consultation period to ensure the legitimate shooting community are not left disadvantaged.”
BASC will be publishing an advice note in due course and urge members to respond to this consultation.
See: https://basc.org.uk/government-launc...-consultation/
Registered User
My local NSRA club had to run under the miniature range rules recently when there was a delay in renewing it's permission to run as an approved FAC range. AFAIK our club is still a miniature range as well as an approved range. It's not like it's a new club run by greenhorns; our club is decades old.
The miniature rifle rules are not leading to crime any more than the FAC or SGC system is. The three worst shooting icrimes in British history had nothing to do with the miniature ranges exemption.
My guess is there are moves afoot to ban semi auto 22s especially black rifles and removing the miniature range exemption is just part of that process.
Shooters who support these changes need to think what will be the long term effects.
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