Conman: The ratcatcher

[angrybear]

There’s no precise definition - that would be for case law.

An example would be the Infamous Idiot “RQMS” formerly on Freeads who was always selling off his “collection”. A “collection” that closely correlated with successful low bids in the preceding Holts sealed bid sale.

Its an unfortunate bit of law in that it creates a grey area for collectors downsizing or “flipping” items to fund their collection - or to pay for a new roof or car repairs or whatever they need money for. You are legitimately selling private property; he is an illegal black market gun dealer….

But it’s the law. I guess it was intended to catch people who buy a lot of guns and then sell them to crims. If that ever happened with airguns. Or to stop market stall sales of B2s etc to ASBO kids. Which isn’t completely unreasonable.

I seem to remember HMRC have a very simple definition;
A hobby costs money, a business makes money, a Paying hobby may cover your costs but if you make profit it has become a business.

Glad to hear that the OP is getting help from Brocock, not surprising if management is on the forum & has seen this thread, It's turning a rifle fault in to a potential PR goldmine.