Risk of holding unlicensed firearms, what would you do?

Holding firearms licenses marks us out as being amongst the most law abiding of citizens. As such our understanding of firearms laws, the burdens and responsibilities that comes with owning guns is at much higher level than say owning cars driving on the roads which many people take for granted. I don't take owning guns for granted at all, its something I have to work at, value and protect by always doing the right thing in every situation. My current situation is no different and I thank all of you who have reinforced my view that I probably have little to worry about. But that thing that still bothers me is what if the FEO's visit results in my new licenses being withheld/revoked for this is not a formality, extension or not from that moment I will be in possession of unlicensed firearms and what happens next is unclear. Its a poor way of doing things and this has lead to me taking up more of their time than should be necessary. Last thing I need or can afford is for my guns to be removed by armed officers, or any ensuing legal battle to get them back. If there is any kind of problem then I'd prefer my guns where with my friendly RFD from where they could be sold.
 
I wouldn't worry about it. Firearms owners seem to spend far too much time looking for things to worry about, imo.

Yup, they are your legally held property.

The scrap of printed paper that plod gives you is not a 'license' either.

Meanwhile there are criminals cruising around with handguns...
 
...what happens when the 8 week automatic extension also comes and goes?


1). Your new FAC/SGC arrive on your doorstep on the last day of the eight week extension.

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2). You are issued with a s7 Permit.

Police permit.
(1)A person who has obtained from the chief officer of police for the area in which he resides a permit for the purpose in the prescribed form may, without holding a certificate under this Act, have in his possession a firearm and ammunition in accordance with the terms of the permit.

3). You are revoked.

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4). You are invited to wait a couple of more days and assured that your FAC/SGC has been 'issued' and you are OK to wait whilst the authorities promise not to rush around and arrest you.

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The main thing to remember is not to worry - it will all get done in the end.
 
1). Your new FAC/SGC arrive on your doorstep on the last day of the eight week extension.

View attachment 260099


2). You are issued with a s7 Permit.

Police permit.
(1)A person who has obtained from the chief officer of police for the area in which he resides a permit for the purpose in the prescribed form may, without holding a certificate under this Act, have in his possession a firearm and ammunition in accordance with the terms of the permit.

3). You are revoked.

View attachment 260101

4). You are invited to wait a couple of more days and assured that your FAC/SGC has been 'issued' and you are OK to wait whilst the authorities promise not to rush around and arrest you.

View attachment 260100


The main thing to remember is not to worry - it will all get done in the end.
Do I need to request a s7 prior to the expiry if the deadline comes around? I have 3 weeks more to go but I’m not holding out much hope
 
Do I need to request a s7 prior to the expiry if the deadline comes around? I have 3 weeks more to go but I’m not holding out much hope

They should issue one without you asking.

You need to email them and ask for one.

They should issue one without you asking.

They may tell you they do not need to issue one, as 'we are just about to issue you with your FAC/SGC'.

They need to issue you with one.

They (sometimes) do not like to issue s7 Permits, because they can be seen as a 'negative' performance indicator.

I am a 'glass half full' - it'll be right.

Most understaffed, undertrained and under-resourced FLDs are doing their best to provide a service.


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Last thing I need or can afford is for my guns to be removed by armed officers
The OP was sharing a good clear question/concern.
It prompted, some very good quality replies, especially the link which should have put your mind at rest

However, forgive me if I'm wrong, post #21 gives the impression your becoming overly anxious.
And in MHO, the last thing you want during a home visit is to appear anxious.

If you put you guns in storage, how will the FLO inspect them during the home visit?

If it helps you relax, rather than ask them to email you conformation, you can email them and state in a brief and polite manner, your understand of what you have been told and quote the auto 8 extension.
M
 
The outcome, this afternoon I received a phone call from my friendly FEO and the questions and answer session was done over the phone. Net result and good news is that my new licenses should arrive in the post soon. Was interesting to read all of the different points of view and experiences of others, all in all it would seem that the licensing authorities are under pressure to perform their duties to everyone's satisfaction and in most cases manage to fulfil that function just in time!
 
Interested to know when you get your certificates, check the date of issue/printing which is shown under the Chief Officers Signature. It should post date the Valid from date.
 
Holding firearms licenses marks us out as being amongst the most law abiding of citizens. As such our understanding of firearms laws, the burdens and responsibilities that comes with owning guns is at much higher level than say owning cars driving on the roads which many people take for granted. I don't take owning guns for granted at all, its something I have to work at, value and protect by always doing the right thing in every situation. My current situation is no different and I thank all of you who have reinforced my view that I probably have little to worry about. But that thing that still bothers me is what if the FEO's visit results in my new licenses being withheld/revoked for this is not a formality, extension or not from that moment I will be in possession of unlicensed firearms and what happens next is unclear. Its a poor way of doing things and this has lead to me taking up more of their time than should be necessary. Last thing I need or can afford is for my guns to be removed by armed officers, or any ensuing legal battle to get them back. If there is any kind of problem then I'd prefer my guns where with my friendly RFD from where they could be sold.
A couple of times now you've mentioned your concern that your licence may be revoked / not re-issued. Is there something that you haven't told us? A renewal should be a simple routine procedure. A mere formality. If you're still "one of the most law abiding citizens" as you clearly were at the last renewal then you're certainly worrying unduly. But has there been some change in your circumstances or suitability that's giving rise to your concern?
 
Well as I found out yesterday it was indeed a formality, home visit conducted over the phone, certificates expected in the post shortly. This was my first renewal and time was running out when I realised that bank holidays and the weekend diminished greatly the opportunity for the home visit to take place in time I was concerned that I may find myself in possession of unlicensed firearms. Strangely, I have a strong desire to maintain my "law abiding citizen" status! My gut feeling was that it would come good at the eleventh hour as indeed it did, the wealth of knowledge and experience I tapped into with this thread reinforced the view that plan B was not called for and my guns remained in the cabinet.

Perhaps I should not have watched those recent 'Fieldsport Britain' vids on youtube about folks having their firearms removed following the Plymouth incident.

Anyway, nice Wiltshire Horn ram in your avatar, I keep them myself.
 
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Actually perhaps I should confess to having dark thoughts about killing squirrels, I hate them with their twitchy noses and their fluffy tails!

Some the top Wilsthire Horn breeders are in Anglesey, this one Celyn Vaughan came from one of them.
 

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Actually perhaps I should confess to having dark thoughts about killing squirrels, I hate them with their twitchy noses and their fluffy tails!

Some the top Wilsthire Horn breeders are in Anglesey, this one Celyn Vaughan came from one of them.
The Wiltshire Horn has always been popular in North Wales, with Anglesey having been a stronghold for many years. As you say, there are some famous flocks on Ynys Mon.
I featured the breed in a magazine article some months ago, and it was well received.

Incidentally, you may have seen the photo of my Welsh tup before, as it appears on the front cover of "The Sheep Book for Smallholders", which I wrote.
 
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