If firearms licensing was to be reformed what should it look like?

[Selous]

This is a bit pie in the sky thinking as this will probably never happen but it may be a useful exercise.
How could firearms licensing be reformed to streamline the process yet maintain or hopefully improve public safety?
There are clearly regular issues that crop up that clog the system, 1 for 1 variations and changing rifles and moderators immediately spring to mind. There are also substantial differences in decisions between constabularies that are often ridiculous.
How could the system be improved?
Centralisation of licensing?
Applying bands of calibres (eg can purchase/ hold up to three deer rifles between .243 and .300 that can be purchased and traded? Similar bands for fox, small vermin, game abroad, target rimfire, target centrefire etc.,.
Standardisation of ammunition allowance for each calibre unless a need for more can be proven?
Moderators off ticket?
Thoughts on a postcard please!!

 

[JAM70]

Increase the validity of SGC & FAC from 5 Years to 10 Years will reduce admin load on renewals

 

[weblyish]

This is a bit pie in the sky thinking as this will probably never happen but it may be a useful exercise.
How could firearms licensing be reformed to streamline the process yet maintain or hopefully improve public safety?
There are clearly regular issues that crop up that clog the system, 1 for 1 variations and changing rifles and moderators immediately spring to mind. There are also substantial differences in decisions between constabularies that are often ridiculous.
How could the system be improved?
Centralisation of licensing?
Applying bands of calibres (eg can purchase/ hold up to three deer rifles between .243 and .300 that can be purchased and traded? Similar bands for fox, small vermin, game abroad, target rimfire, target centrefire etc.,.
Standardisation of ammunition allowance for each calibre unless a need for more can be proven?
Moderators off ticket?
Thoughts on a postcard please!!

Remove the focus on calibres and instead base FAC on suitable need for and training per use case

Stalking - allows purchase of up to X guns any suitable calibre once approved
Target
Night vermin
Day only vermin

Etc

 

[Selous]

Increase the validity of SGC & FAC from 5 Years to 10 Years will reduce admin load on renewals

Do you think the current system is efficient and effective?

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Just have one certificate like in Germany which is a WBK "waffenbesitzkarte" it states what you have permission to have so if you have a 12G & a .243 the shop will not let you buy .308 ammo, that would simplify FEOs licensing load plus put it all onto an A5 sized document that is easier to carry.

 

[Selous]

Just have one certificate like in Germany which is a WBK "waffenbesitzkarte" it states what you have permission to have so if you have a 12G & a .243 the shop will not let you buy .308 ammo, that would simplify FEOs licensing load plus put it all onto an A5 sized document that is easier to carry.

I’m not sure how much admin is required for the shotgun certificate side of things other than updating each persons list of shotguns they are authorised to possess for over 72 hours. We can buy as many shotguns as we like without requesting further variation or permission. Section 1 firearms are much different and need specific permission for everything so probably produce much more admin.

 

[Dickie]

The thing is we look at it from the view of what will make things better for us shooters, that's not the angle anyone else approaches if from.

 

[tackb]

the number of firearms you can store safely not the type is a good start
digital online license without the requirement to notify or get a variation , it's all completed at the time of sale online
if you are cleared responsible enough to own firearms then the type should not matter , a certain type of firearm does not change the person
i think 5 years is a good period but the renewal process needs to be much easier , if nothings changed then a few background checks to ensure nothing illegal/antisocial/red flaggy has been added to your file and theres no mental health issues listed then an interview should be sufficient max time for the checks surely shouldn't exceed a month ?
no moderators should not be licensed
it should be a national set of guidelines that are followed with an ombudsman that can easily be contacted if the local team start freestyling ?

 

[Selous]

The thing is we look at it from the view of what will make things better for us shooters, that's not the angle anyone else approaches if from.

Yes that’s true but it isn’t difficult to appreciate the need for sensible regulation. I am of the opinion that the current system is archaic, not fit for purpose and needs to be reviewed. I am confident that change could happen that would benefit those on both sides

 

[Selous]

the number of firearms you can store safely not the type is a good start
digital online license without the requirement to notify or get a variation , it's all completed at the time of sale online
if you are cleared responsible enough to own firearms then the type should not matter , a certain type of firearm does not change the person
i think 5 years is a good period but the renewal process needs to be much easier , if nothings changed then a few background checks to ensure nothing illegal/antisocial/red flaggy has been added to your file and theres no mental health issues listed then an interview should be sufficient max time for the checks surely shouldn't exceed a month ?
no moderators should not be licensed
it should be a national set of guidelines that are followed with an ombudsman that can easily be contacted if the local team start freestyling ?

Agree with this. The appeal via crown court is a joke and should be the absolute last resort.

 

[Dickie]

Lots of common sense could be applied but that seems seriously lacking nowadays in all walks of life.

 

[Malxwal]

It feels like political sentiment is opposed to anything that appears to favour firearms ownership at all, even if it were to massively reduce workload on the Police and provide continued or enhanced) public confidence.

 

[TringSaint]

I would remove the need to do a 1 for 1 variation when selling buying the same calibre weapon.
Make the trading of calibre for calibre weapons easier, so if you have a .30 cal rifle then you can buy a 308, 7.62.39, 7mm 08, etc as all are within a calibre group
I agree with the 10 year license renewal but I would enforce a medical update after 5

 

[Klenchblaize]

It feels like political sentiment is opposed to anything that appears to favour firearms ownership at all, even if it were to massively reduce workload on the Police and provide continued or enhanced) public confidence.

This and post #7 is sadly spot-on.

K

 

[Utectok]

FAC should be issued at birth to all children born in uk and compulsory firearm training at school and on graduation from primary to secondary school everyone should be issued a hand gun?!!
Maybe not lol

 

[LE9219]

Increase the validity of SGC & FAC from 5 Years to 10 Years will reduce admin load on renewals

Wouldnt this just move the problem though?

 

[tackb]

FAC should be issued at birth to all children born in uk and compulsory firearm training at school and on graduation from primary to secondary school everyone should be issued a hand gun?!!
Maybe not lol

this is not entirely stupid actually !

there should be basic firearm safety taught at school (along with first aid and loads of other useful life skills) it would de stigmatise firearms hopefully and if people came into contact with them they would know basic safety rules ?

 

[tackb]

I would remove the need to do a 1 for 1 variation when selling buying the same calibre weapon.
Make the trading of calibre for calibre weapons easier, so if you have a .30 cal rifle then you can buy a 308, 7.62.39, 7mm 08, etc as all are within a calibre group
I agree with the 10 year license renewal but I would enforce a medical update after 5

personally i think 10 years is too long when i think how much can happen and how much people can change over ten years , the difference between an 18yo and a 28 yo can be quite a lot !

i think renewals just need to be streamlined and made way more practical

just my opinion though

 

[TringSaint]

personally i think 10 years is too long when i think how much can happen and how much people can change over ten years , the difference between an 18yo and a 28 yo can be quite a lot !

i think renewals just need to be streamlined and made way more practical

just my opinion though

Yup - it’s finding that sweet spot between over zealous controls of licensing and too lax controls.
Although we do one driving test maybe at 17 and so long as you don’t lose your license then you aren’t tested again, so that could be allowing someone to drive 60+ years without any formal assessment of their capability behind the wheel.

 

[tackb]

Yup - it’s finding that sweet spot between over zealous controls of licensing and too lax controls.
Although we do one driving test maybe at 17 and so long as you don’t lose your license then you aren’t tested again, so that could be allowing someone to drive 60+ years without any formal assessment of their capability behind the wheel.

very true , although i think at 70 or 75 drivers are required to confirm they are still ok ?