New .69 Mini Cannon

[tacfoley]

I wonder when the last homicide or robbery was committed with a muzzle loader in the UK?

Muzzleloaders should be exempt from legal restrictions, given their low likelihood of criminal abuse.

However, it also seems to me that UK law also seems to try to anticipate and control intended legal use, at the time of sale, or at any point during possession.

Case in point: an original 1851 Colt revolver would be uncontrolled, if the purchaser / possessor intends it only for a curio or ornament: but Section 1, if he intends to shoot it at the range.

It seems that the last recorded use of a BP percussion pistol being deliberately used with intent to cause harm was 1926. With long arms, it's a bit more difficult, as many shotguns used BP cartridges - generally available here until well into the 1960's, and many shotguns were used in crime before and since.

However, there is no recorded use of a BP rifle of any kind being used in crime in UK since at least 1870.

tac

[walnutfarmmick]

It seems that the last recorded use of a BP percussion pistol being deliberately used with intent to cause harm was 1926. With long arms, it's a bit more difficult, as many shotguns used BP cartridges - generally available here until well into the 1960's, and many shotguns were used in crime before and since.

However, there is no recorded use of a BP rifle of any kind being used in crime in UK since at least 1870.

tac

I doubt if there's ever been a case of anyone coming backwards out of a bank or post office holding the staff at bay with a belt buckle gun but they still got banned.

Oddly enough we had a case of attempted murder 5 miles from me in May where the weapon was a walking stick .410 so maybe we just haven't waited long enough yet. The .410 was described in court as an antique and the shooter got 5.5 years for having it. The attempted murder charge fizzled out because the victim declined to give evidence. I believe the 2 parties were related. I also think it might have shortened the respective Xmas card lists.

ATVB, Mick