Disposal of shotguns following a death
Discussion
My dad died last month and has six shotguns in a secure cabinet. My mum is the next of kin and executor and is the only one who knows where the keys are. I have spoken to the police firearms licensing and will notify them officially in writing. There are two options - for my mum to have a temporary licence or for them to be looked after for someone with a licence- my uncle has one.
My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
limpsfield said:
My dad died last month and has six shotguns in a secure cabinet. My mum is the next of kin and executor and is the only one who knows where the keys are. I have spoken to the police firearms licensing and will notify them officially in writing. There are two options - for my mum to have a temporary licence or for them to be looked after for someone with a licence- my uncle has one.
My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
Had same when my FIL died.............I contacted police and got a temporary license so that I could then deal with their sale / disposal. was a very simple process....... Hope this helps.My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
Sorry for your loss.
I would speak to a gun dealer, they are, IME, pretty decent and will help you dispose of them without getting ripped off or bending the law.
I don't know any down your way, but if you're desperate, this is my local guy (Essex), I've known him for years, used to work for him, and had plenty of work done by him - he's eccentric but he knows his trade.
http://www.kdradcliffe.co.uk/
He may have some contacts in your area.
Re the legality, I think (it's been a while since I held a cert) that you can carry a covered/cased gun in your car if it's in the boot and you have no ammunition, don't hold me to that though - a resident PH BiB/firearms officer will know more.
I would speak to a gun dealer, they are, IME, pretty decent and will help you dispose of them without getting ripped off or bending the law.
I don't know any down your way, but if you're desperate, this is my local guy (Essex), I've known him for years, used to work for him, and had plenty of work done by him - he's eccentric but he knows his trade.
http://www.kdradcliffe.co.uk/
He may have some contacts in your area.
Re the legality, I think (it's been a while since I held a cert) that you can carry a covered/cased gun in your car if it's in the boot and you have no ammunition, don't hold me to that though - a resident PH BiB/firearms officer will know more.
In your position I would probably pass them to your Uncle to store if you have no longterm wish to use them yourself and obtain a licence.
You could look on Guntrader.co.uk for an idea of values. It is probably the largest auction/dealer/private sale site. Perhaps your Uncle could sell on also.
I would personally prefer to sell via a local gunshop as you can do face-to-face. If you use the gunshop your Father used they should be fair with you.
You could look on Guntrader.co.uk for an idea of values. It is probably the largest auction/dealer/private sale site. Perhaps your Uncle could sell on also.
I would personally prefer to sell via a local gunshop as you can do face-to-face. If you use the gunshop your Father used they should be fair with you.
OpulentBob said:
Sorry for your loss.
I would speak to a gun dealer, they are, IME, pretty decent and will help you dispose of them without getting ripped off or bending the law.
I don't know any down your way, but if you're desperate, this is my local guy (Essex), I've known him for years, used to work for him, and had plenty of work done by him - he's eccentric but he knows his trade.
http://www.kdradcliffe.co.uk/
He may have some contacts in your area.
Re the legality, I think (it's been a while since I held a cert) that you can carry a covered/cased gun in your car if it's in the boot and you have no ammunition, don't hold me to that though - a resident PH BiB/firearms officer will know more.
To transport them you need a licence so the Uncle collecting them ASAP would remove any need to think about them urgentlyI would speak to a gun dealer, they are, IME, pretty decent and will help you dispose of them without getting ripped off or bending the law.
I don't know any down your way, but if you're desperate, this is my local guy (Essex), I've known him for years, used to work for him, and had plenty of work done by him - he's eccentric but he knows his trade.
http://www.kdradcliffe.co.uk/
He may have some contacts in your area.
Re the legality, I think (it's been a while since I held a cert) that you can carry a covered/cased gun in your car if it's in the boot and you have no ammunition, don't hold me to that though - a resident PH BiB/firearms officer will know more.
Sorry for your loss OP. The Beretta is worth a fair price, depending on year of manufacture and condition etc. I am about to embark on clay shooting as a hobby and many people have advised me that the Beretta Silver Pigeon is a very good gun for a beginner so you should find some demand for it.
As your profile shows you in Haslemere perhaps a chat with the staff at Bisley may provide you with some answers:
http://www.bisleyshooting.co.uk/bisley-shooting-gr...
As your profile shows you in Haslemere perhaps a chat with the staff at Bisley may provide you with some answers:
http://www.bisleyshooting.co.uk/bisley-shooting-gr...
Because of the legalities of shipping firearms there is some sort of dealer to dealer shipping service in operation at low cost (I don't know the ins-and-outs but if you buy a gun new or secondhand from a dealer 200 miles from your house it is normal to collect from your local shop for either no extra or a low charge.
So you could deal with your local dealer for the sale of the guns and a gunshop local to your Mother would ship them there.
So you could deal with your local dealer for the sale of the guns and a gunshop local to your Mother would ship them there.
limpsfield said:
My dad died last month and has six shotguns in a secure cabinet. My mum is the next of kin and executor and is the only one who knows where the keys are.
Sorry for your loss.Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
MKnight702 said:
Sorry for your loss.
Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
Valid point which I had considered mentioning. Another reason for the Uncle to take possession quickly.Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
limpsfield said:
My dad died last month and has six shotguns in a secure cabinet. My mum is the next of kin and executor and is the only one who knows where the keys are. I have spoken to the police firearms licensing and will notify them officially in writing. There are two options - for my mum to have a temporary licence or for them to be looked after for someone with a licence- my uncle has one.
My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
you're in Haslemere ? - Go to Haslemere Gun shop (Mr Wells i think.. ) .. he should be able to give you advice! My question is more about what happens next. Most of the guns are quite old but there is a beretta silver pigeon s in there which seems to have a second hand value of around £800/£1000. What is the best way of getting rid of the guns? If anyone has any experience of using an auction or a dealer I would be grateful - and the legality of actually getting them out - can auctioneers/dealers just come and take them. Even though my mum could have the licence I don't want her dealing with this so any practical help from those who have been through this, or with legal knowledge would be gratefully received.
What to do http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/answers/legal-answers/...
Your Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
Your Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
Edited by Old Fart on Thursday 29th December 13:25
MKnight702 said:
Sorry for your loss.
Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
Thanks for this - I think you have to let someone know where your keys are after you have gone to the great grouse moor in the sky otherwise the cabinet isn't going to get opened!Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
Point taken on the old thing. My dad always mentioned his Beretta but not the others. So I think that's the db5 and the rest are Morris Marinas. But have no idea myself, will get an expert along.
I really appreciate everyone making the effort on here with all the suggestions.
limpsfield said:
MKnight702 said:
Sorry for your loss.
Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
Thanks for this - I think you have to let someone know where your keys are after you have gone to the great grouse moor in the sky otherwise the cabinet isn't going to get opened!Be careful here, unless your Mum has a shotgun certificate it is not lawful for her to have access to them, knowing where the keys to the cabinet are means she has access. Grieving widows have got into trouble over this before with over zealous authorities. This is why no-one in my family has any idea where my keys are kept or how to get to them.
Oh, and just because the guns are old doesn't mean that they won't be worth much!! Is a DB5 not worth much because it is quite old?
Point taken on the old thing. My dad always mentioned his Beretta but not the others. So I think that's the db5 and the rest are Morris Marinas. But have no idea myself, will get an expert along.
I really appreciate everyone making the effort on here with all the suggestions.
While the Silver Pigeon is indeed a beautiful gun, most guns are still likely to be worth into the hundreds and possibly more. - A good indication can be the level of engraving on the metalwork, and the quality of wood on the stock - those and the brand are good indicators of value.
don't worry about your mother knowing where the keys are - it is only an issue for the licence holder who shouldn't make location known and only the licence holder can be 'told off' - your mother can't be criticised for knowing...
Old Fart said:
What to do http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/answers/legal-answers/...
Your Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
^^^^^^ ThisYour Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
Edited by Old Fart on Thursday 29th December 13:25
Getting a temp certificate was very easy and I was then able to subsequently sell / dispose / gift my FIL's guns at our own pace.
The neighbouring farmer was not able to simply add them to his license IIRC.
alfie2244 said:
Old Fart said:
What to do http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/answers/legal-answers/...
Your Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
^^^^^^ ThisYour Uncle cannot enter any shotgun on his own certificate.
Edited by Old Fart on Thursday 29th December 13:25
Getting a temp certificate was very easy and I was then able to subsequently sell / dispose / gift my FIL's guns at our own pace.
The neighbouring farmer was not able to simply add them to his license IIRC.
"Section 2 Shotguns
If the guns were previously held by the deceased by virtue of a shotgun certificate, then they can be
transferred to the holder of a valid shotgun certificate. No prior authorities are required on a shotgun
certificate.
Note: If you transfer shotguns to the holder of a shotgun certificate, you should complete Table 2 of their
certificate. Notification of the transfer should be sent to the police by the certificate holder within 7 days."
Edited by paintman on Thursday 29th December 18:27
Just been through this with a friend....
1) Don't just assume you should get rid. They were your father's guns .... you may decide you really want them in few years.
2) Your mother does NOT know where the keys are. She may have a clue where your father kept stuff that was important to him, and could direct someone to search there, but she doesn't know. OK?
3) Anyone with a cert can transport them or add them to their licence. Meet the wrong copper transporting them without a cert .... 5 years is the worst case.
Best option - go to a local dealer, ideally one where your dad bought stuff, explain the situation and they will send someone up to get them. They will store them for a few quid a month.
Alternatively, your uncle could write them onto his cert - he needs to send the transfer forms into his licensing authority. Note - you cannot do this with rifles (section 1), but shotguns are fine.
If I was in your position - I'd store with the dealer, and apply for your own cert - you'll get one unless you have something dodgy in your past!
1) Don't just assume you should get rid. They were your father's guns .... you may decide you really want them in few years.
2) Your mother does NOT know where the keys are. She may have a clue where your father kept stuff that was important to him, and could direct someone to search there, but she doesn't know. OK?
3) Anyone with a cert can transport them or add them to their licence. Meet the wrong copper transporting them without a cert .... 5 years is the worst case.
Best option - go to a local dealer, ideally one where your dad bought stuff, explain the situation and they will send someone up to get them. They will store them for a few quid a month.
Alternatively, your uncle could write them onto his cert - he needs to send the transfer forms into his licensing authority. Note - you cannot do this with rifles (section 1), but shotguns are fine.
If I was in your position - I'd store with the dealer, and apply for your own cert - you'll get one unless you have something dodgy in your past!
Edited by rxe on Thursday 29th December 19:02
Don't panic is the first thing
I am a registered firearms dealer and come up against this regularly - speak to your local Firerams enquiry officer - they are there to help but
There is no point in your mum getting a certificate if you just want to dispose of the guns better to put them on your uncles certificate and this will allow the matter to be dealt with at leisure - write the guns up on The back of his cert do a covering letter and enclose a death certificate and advise the force that issued the original certificates - if your wish to sell them then the key thing is to value the, the Beretta will be saleable and a sale can be made privately if your uncle is happy to deal with this or sell them to your local dealer. Auction is expensive and I think you will get more selling as I have just said. The old guns are the problem the market is very poor for unfashionable guns or ones that need repair. I am happy to give you a guide over the phone based on your descriptions my daytime is 01983 523352 - happy to help with disposal if I can.
I am a registered firearms dealer and come up against this regularly - speak to your local Firerams enquiry officer - they are there to help but
There is no point in your mum getting a certificate if you just want to dispose of the guns better to put them on your uncles certificate and this will allow the matter to be dealt with at leisure - write the guns up on The back of his cert do a covering letter and enclose a death certificate and advise the force that issued the original certificates - if your wish to sell them then the key thing is to value the, the Beretta will be saleable and a sale can be made privately if your uncle is happy to deal with this or sell them to your local dealer. Auction is expensive and I think you will get more selling as I have just said. The old guns are the problem the market is very poor for unfashionable guns or ones that need repair. I am happy to give you a guide over the phone based on your descriptions my daytime is 01983 523352 - happy to help with disposal if I can.
When my father died a while back, he left behind 2 Glock pistols (one 9mm, one .45), a Browning hi-power 9mm, a custom-built 7.62 rifle, a .303 rifle, and 3 Anshutz .22 rifles.
We are in N. Ireland so allowed to possess pistols and long rifles for target shooting, the rifles can also be used for hunting where legal.
All I did was ring the police and warn them that I was going to come in to have them safely kept in their armoury, along with a ridiculously huge amount od ammunition and small arms nitro compound.
They took them in, and when we decided what to do with them, they handed them over to the people we had nominated as the future owners, having had them added to their firearms certs in advance, and once probate was sorted.
We are in N. Ireland so allowed to possess pistols and long rifles for target shooting, the rifles can also be used for hunting where legal.
All I did was ring the police and warn them that I was going to come in to have them safely kept in their armoury, along with a ridiculously huge amount od ammunition and small arms nitro compound.
They took them in, and when we decided what to do with them, they handed them over to the people we had nominated as the future owners, having had them added to their firearms certs in advance, and once probate was sorted.
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