Most of us go beating or picking-up for fun and don’t think of it as a form of employment with formal beaters’ pay. There are few exceptions to this principle, such as in areas…
David Frost
Firearms licensing: the best and worst revealed
It now seems unbelievable that in 1916 you could buy and own as many guns as you liked without let or hindrance. That changed in 1920 when firearms ownership was controlled, but shotguns were not…
The firearms licensing system could do better
In September 2015 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published its report into the efficiency and effectiveness of the firearms licensing system. It had the infelicitous title “Targeting the Risk” which rather suggests that legitimate firearms owners are…
A year of change for laws on licensing firearms
First, in September 2015, came the report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) for England and Wales into the efficiency of the licensing system. It will come as no surprise to readers who have…
Poor police force firearms licensing service revealed
“We found examples of good practice, but these were the exception.” This is from the conclusions drawn by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in its September 2015 report on firearms…
Firearms law: the way forward
From the firearms point of view, 2015 was a busy year. The report of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary into firearms licensing was released in September. To nobody’s surprise, it revealed serious…
Firearms licensing 2015: the saints and sinners
In May 2013 the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC, but then called ACPO) asked Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to undertake an inspection of firearms licensing in English and Welsh…
Is shooting rooks a crime?
When reader Ian Taylor emailed to say he was being charged with shooting corvids, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Corvids such as rooks are on the general licence and may…
The real cost of no licence fee rise
There was widespread expectation that gun certificate fees, last increased in 2001, would be raised this year. But Prime Minister David Cameron has personally vetoed a rise. I think that…
Changing attitudes to firearms
“A great deal, of late, has been said and has been written against shooting. It has been denounced as unnatural, cruel, useless, and absurd.” I like that, but the words…
Shot Gun Certificate appeals
The recent announcements by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) about their standard members’ insurance can only be welcome news to…
Could privatising firearms licensing be good?
The idea of outsourcing firearms licensing rings alarm bells, but on visiting a constabulary where it has happened, David Frost is impressed
What are my chances of getting a shotgun certificate?
I was in prison for a violent crime 26 years ago and my life has changed dramatically since, but a firearms officer told me I have no chance of getting…
Can I remove a condition on my firearms certificate?
My firearms certificate says I can only use my rifle if my friend who signed my ticket is there, but he has no more experience than I do
Which is the best organsisation with insurance for a shooter on a budget?
Consider the other membership benefits as there is no single best buy
How can I get a transfer licence to buy a shotgun from Spain?
David Frost You need to contact the Spanish Embassy in London and ask them – http://spain.embassyhomepage.com Alternatively the Ministry of the Interior has a website at www.interior.gob.es and the main…
What’s this form in my shotgun licence renewal pack?
Shotgun licence: I live in Essex and included in my recent shotgun certificate renewal pack there was a form I was required to sign to the effect that if my…
I have been asked to act as a Firearms Certificate mentor!
Firearms Certificate mentor: I have been asked to act as mentor for a friend of mine who has recently been granted an FAC, subject to having a mentor. Are there…
Do I need a variation on my Firearms Certificate for dogs?
If I need to shoot dogs that are attacking my sheep do I need a variation on my Firearms Certificate?
Is your police force applying conditions to your firearms certificate?
David Frost reveals that some police forces are still slapping their own unnecessary and unsanctioned conditions on firearms certificates.