Shotgun Cartridges and the law?

[Big Al.]

I'm bases in West Sussex, and having recently applied for a shotgun licence; today I had a visit from my local Firearms Enquiry Officer to not only check me out but also the installation of my gun cabinet.

It would appear that he was satisfied that everything was in order. Phew!

During our chat I asked a few questions about shot gun cartilages (SGC).

My first question was, do I need a licence to be in possession of SGC? he replied NO you only need a licence to buy them from a licenced arms dealer. You could have been given or bought them from someone who bought them legally (with a SG licence). It is not illegal to buy SGC from anyone without a SGC as long as it's not an arms dealer.

I was surprised with his answer to say the least.

Second question was, how do I store them? In a cool, Dry place, is that all I asked, YES was his reply.

Third question was, do they have to be stored in a locked safe away from your gun cabinet? again NO was his reply only a cool dry place out of general view.

Second Surprise of our conversation.

My third and final question was if he were me where would he store them in my home? for small amounts 100 - 300 Qty, IN MY GUN CABINET along with my gun.

I said I thought that was not allowed, as I spoke to a few guys on a clay shoot in Dorset last Sunday and all said Must be in a locked cabinet away from Gun cabinet, his reply was BARRACK ROOM LAWYERS! back up with I know the law.

Third surprise of the day!

So I light of the laws in West Sussex, are they the same in your area? if not why? surely it must be the same law that covers the whole of England and Wales should it not?

TYIA

[Big Al.]

overunder12g said:

OP I think you are confusing shotgun rules with firearms rules.
Nothing stopping you from buying a shotgun, or any other, down the pub from someone without a licence so not sure what your point is.Illegal, but happens.
I think, not sure, firearms ammo needs to be stored away from the gun. Why the difference, again, not sure.
Anyway, enjoy your shooting.

IIRC the Law as it stands at the moment is you cannot buy or possess a Shotgun without a licence, buying a shotgun from a guy down the pub would land you both in big trouble legally. Even someone who has a SGL must enter the gun on his licence if he intends for it to be in possession of said gun for more that 72 hours.

There is no confusion regarding Firearms (Rifles & Pistols) I understand the the rule are a lot stricter regarding ammunition. Purely talking cartilages here...

[Big Al.]

overunder12g said:

Nothing stopping you from buying a shotgun, or any other, down the pub from someone without a licence so not sure what your point is.Illegal, but happens.

Just for clarity:-

Firearms act 1968 Part 1 section 2.1 clearly states:-

(1) Subject to any exemption under this Act, it is an offence for a person to have in his possession, or to purchase or acquire, a shot gun without holding a certificate under this Act authorising him to possess shot guns.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/27/sectio...


So yes, it is an offence!

[Big Al.]

creampuff said:

That is the first I've ever heard of that. Also in the case of semi-autos which in the U.K. Is 22s or Sect 1 shotguns, taking the bolt out can be a major event and isn't practical.

Came across this this morning, they are only a government guideline, but it does outline the basics.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

[Big Al.]

NinjaPower said:

I think people have missed the point when a previous poster said you can "buy a shotgun from a guy in a pub" and other posters disagreed. He is entirely correct, you can buy a shotgun from anyone, anywhere at anytime, provided that you both hold the appropriate certificates

But that's not what was posted.

overunder12g said:

Nothing stopping you from buying a shotgun, or any other, down the pub from someone without a licence so not sure what your point is.