A message to BASC...

[The deer man]

Dear BASC

With events that unfolded in Cornwall last year and consequently with the Police confiscating certificate holders’ guns, and with this being copycatted elsewhere, it is becoming very apparent that law abiding shooters I speak to are worried. It is irrespective of whether someone has done something wrong as a simple complaint by an anti may be excuse enough for overzealous Police forces.

It is plainly obvious that the Police are using ‘confiscation’ to be seen to be doing something about in many cases nothing except for ticking their own boxes at the expense of shooters. Very few shooters understand the implications of surrendering their guns without a reasonable and legal reason. Although the ‘English Shooting’ channel is not something I particularly follow it was brought to my attention and was enlightening to what is happening and I would urge you to watch it and make a public announcement on how these sorts of situations should be handled from both sides.

This brings us on to another subject, covered by English Shooting, and that is insurance. Although BASC gives a limited shooting cover with membership it is useless and ineffective for a situation arising that requires legal representation. Unfortunately, as life and situations have evolved since BASC withdrew its legal cover in July 2020 advice is not enough and a more robust insurance cover needs to be re-introduced

There are now several companies offering comprehensive cover including legal representation cheaper than BASC’s full membership. These other insurance company offers are a barrier to taking up BASC membership irrespective of what other benefits BASC does for shooting. In the current climate saving money matters.

I’ve researched one insurance company who for an additional £7 on their standard premium give full legal cover up to £100,000. Why isn’t BASC using their insurance broker to offer this option so retaining or harvesting new members. The CPSA include ‘legal expenses insurance for shotgun revocation and renewal issues’ not rifles or pistols, but they give it.

Come on BASC and without being critical you need to step up to the mark and adjust to the current climate and advise on a robust legal response for shooters faced with Police on their doorstep.

From a long-term member,
(Unlike many who have left for a more economical and comprehensive cover option).

 

[finnbear270]

Hear Hear!

 

[Woodsmoke]

Good post! Best of luck getting a worthwhile response from them though. Although if members fill up Mr BASCs inbox with PMs asking for direct action it may spur him into action. Or keep him off the site. Either would be acceptable from my perspective . . . .

 

[ashray]

basc and others ngo etc can not alter the law

 

[Mike L]

The event last year was in Devon,not Cornwall.

@David BASC

 

[hammo]

Get rid of the glossy magazine, use that cash to fund better insurance.
Offer an opt in or opt out monthly email instead.

 

[The deer man]

The event last year was in devon,not Cornwall.

Yes! Devon and Cornwall Police is where I read it. Will edit.

 

[The deer man]

Get rid of the glossy magazine, use that cash to fund better insurance.
Offer an opt in or opt out monthly email instead.

Good idea. We get two in our household, one for me and one for my son and both last issues are still sitting unopened on the hall table!

 

[NullMac]

It is plainly obvious that the Police are using ‘confiscation’ to be seen to be doing something about in many cases nothing except for ticking their own boxes at the expense of shooters.

It is anything but plainly obvious as we only ever get to see some geezer telling his side of the story in a staged situation. We are not in possession of the full facts. I am sure the police would argue they are taking these measures to protect the public from a situation which could escalate. Whether the response is appropriate to the realistic level of threat is one thing but that's different from arguing that they are only doing it to be seen to be doing something.

Where is your evidence that demonstrates there is no risk at all and this is a public relations exercise? Unless you are a whistleblower all you have is hearsay.

 

[The deer man]

basc and others ngo etc can not alter the law

You're right they can't but they could advise effectively and supply an option for a more robust insurance cover to meet todays demands.

 

[hammo]

Good idea. We get two in our household, one for me and one for my son and both last issues are still sitting unopened on the hall table!

Same here, most of the content + adverts are aimed at a different shooter than me. The big money ones, in the market for a 20k shotgun and a new expensive 4x4. I would wager 75% of the members deserve something a bit more 'down to earth'

 

[The Singing Stalker]

Same here, most of the content + adverts are aimed at a different shooter than me. The big money ones, in the market for a 20k shotgun and a new expensive 4x4. I would wager 75% of the members deserve something a bit more 'down to earth'

Funny enough that is what I have been thinking. Lots of ads and articles for wealthy shoots and expensive kits for pheasant syndicates. I have been thinking that for a while now. Nb. I am not a basc basher.

 

[The deer man]

It is anything but plainly obvious as we only ever get to see some geezer telling his side of the story in a staged situation. We are not in possession of the full facts. I am sure the police would argue they are taking these measures to protect the public from a situation which could escalate. Whether the response is appropriate to the realistic level of threat is one thing but that's different from arguing that they are only doing it to be seen to be doing something.

Where is your evidence that demonstrates there is no risk at all and this is a public relations exercise? Unless you are a whistleblower all you have is hearsay.

Of course the point you make is valid however I am in possession of three incidents of people I personally know where the Police have acted beyond reason using intimidation and threats. The outcome of two of them was that their licences and guns have been returned because there was no case to answer, the third (a son of one of them) is having his licence returned. The father and son incident originated from an anti and her mother which triggered the overreaction of the Police. Of course there is more but please don't expect me to supply names and addresses!

A fourth case very local to me was the arrest and confiscation of a persons guns due to the friend of the daughter reporting him as threatening his wife. I know the wife well and the husband and although they are now divorced the incident never happened and the girl who reported it admitted she may have overreacted, of course she never got into trouble did she.

All we need is robust advise on how to deal with a situation when Police arrive on your doorstep and a membership insurance cover available to take on the legal burden.

 

[kieran222]

Why don't BASC take one case and fight it in court as a test case. This would likely ensure that any future confiscations would be given sufficient consideration to ensure that they didn't end up in court.
I also have BASC membership but won't be renewing next year as I am particularly disappointed with their lack of response or support for this issue ( and I don't live in Devon or Cornwall).

 

[The Singing Stalker]

This was covered by field sports Britain last week. Check it out on you tube.

 

[Highfield]

you might want to reserch the english shooting guy before you use him as a good source

 

[Kevgun]

Yes they seem very happy to take the £90 or whatever it is, but not do much for it, I to have a pile of Shiny unopened magazines, I don't bother reading it because the magazine is probably only read by 20% of it's audience, so the money could be put to better use.

 

[Dave Lakes]

I have no idea, but I would guess the magazine (and all similar) would wipe its own eye through advertising, so a nice thing to have a flick through without actually costing the members any money. No idea if that’s true!

 

[GeorgeC]

Quick questions and my views.

Are those affected by the police actions members of BASC? If they are, is there evidence that suggests they are not being supported?

If insurance is so cheap, can we not buy the legal cover directly ourselves? I do agree that BASC could offer this as an option [as could the other groups].

Is the magazine necessary? not really and could be done electronically.

However, I can talk from my experience and they have been supporting in my queries with the law and it's interpretation. I can also say that they have been very busy with other issues [of which I do not know the details].

 

[finnbear270]

Mrs Finnbear likes the crossword.