Firearms and Ballistics - UK Firearms Legislation

Flashcards based on Firearms and Ballistics lecture notes, covering UK firearms legislation and related legal aspects.

what is the foundation legislation that defines the legal classification of firearms in the UK? state the act and year.

1968 Firearm Act

What was the definition of a firearm under this act?

A lethal barreled weapon, prohibited weapon, Relevant components, accessory designed to reduce flash or noise.

Under the 1968 Firearms Act, what are the three main firearm classification groups?

Section 1: Firearms, Section 2: Shotguns, and Section 5: Prohibited weapons.

What is a common requirement for applicants of shotgun or firearm certificates?

Applicants must show a 'good reason' for possessing the weapon or ammunition.

What are examples of 'good reasons' for possessing a weapon or ammunition for certification?

Being a member of a gun club, sporting pursuits, land management, or professional/work requirements.

What security measures should be in place for firearm ownership?

Firearms should be stored in a secure gun cabinet, and ammunition in a separate locked area.

What are the consequences of imprisonment regarding firearm possession?

A sentence of three years or more results in a permanent ban, while a sentence of three months to three years results in a five-year ban.

What is required to possess a Section 1 firearm?

A firearm certificate.

Based on section1, what firearms are an exception to needing a firearm certificate?

A shotgun or an airweapon.

What type of firearms are typically covered under Section 1?

Mostly bolt-action rifles, as well as any other 'single shot' mechanisms meeting specific barrel and overall length requirements.

What is the barrel length requirement for firearms covered under Section 1?

The barrel has to be longer than 30 cm, and the overall length of the firearm has to be longer than 60 cm.

What is something to note when measuring the length of a firearm?

Any detachable, folding, retractable, or movable butt-stock shall be disregarded.

What defines a Section 2 shotgun within the meaning of the Act?

A smooth-bore gun with a barrel not less than 24 inches in length, with a bore not exceeding 2 inches in diameter, and either has no magazine or a non-detachable magazine incapable of holding more than two cartridges, and is not a revolver gun.

What may a firearm be classified as if it meets all the section 2 criteria but has a larger magazine capacity?

Section 1 unless it hits any of the Section 5 criteria

What weapons are covered under Section 5, prohibiting general public ownership?

Military and police hardware, automatic weapons, handguns, anti-tank rockets, grenade launchers, missiles, torpedoes, semi-automatic weapons (except those chambered in 0.22” rim-fire), firearms disguised as another object, and prohibited ammunition.

Give examples of prohibited ammunition under Section 5?

Armour-piercing rounds, incendiary and explosive rounds, and expanding ammunition for pistols.

What energy levels qualify air weapons classified as ‘specially dangerous’?

More than 6 ft-lb for an air pistol or 12 ft-lb for any other air weapon.

At what age can you purchase an air weapon if it is not ‘specially dangerous’?

18

What is the muzzle energy that is required to not need a certificate for air and gas-operated rifles?

less than 12 ft-lb in muzzle energy (or 6 ft-lb for an air pistol)

According to Section 8 of the 1988 Firearms Amendment Act, when is a firearm deactivated?

It is incapable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile; and has consequently ceased to be a firearm within the meaning of the 1968 Firearm Act