gun regulations

[newtron]

I just moved to the UK  from the US and I would like to do some duck hunting or at least some target practice.  What exactly do I have to do to be able to own a firearm of any type.  I've done a little research and it appears I might need to join some sort of gun club.  How do I go about doing this and about how much would this cost?

[Skids]

You need to become a full member of a gun club to get a firearms certificate.  Joining one is easy, if you can find one, and their rates vary.  You can get the application forms for a firearms licence from the local "cop shop".  You apply and two people you've known for a while fill out seperate forms.  The police interview you and, if you want to keep the firearms at home, they will inspect the place you intend keeping them (a locked metal cabinet that is bolted to the floor and a wall).  You can own shotguns or bolt action rifles of varying calibres (my friend owns a Lee Enfield .303).  Magazine feed is allowed but you're not allowed anything that's self loading.  Pistols are way out.

Duck hunting is illegal.  Target practice must be carried out at a licenced range.  However, shooting on you're own land is permitted but is very restricted.

Don't take my word as gospel.  Best thing to do is track down your local gun club and ask them.

[mrs.pudding]

Duck hunting in season and with all the right licences and credentials isn't illegal.

[newtron]

Thank you for the info.

[Skids]

Self loading rifles are allowed but they must be single action.  No automatics.

[DavidUK]

Are all Americans like that - the first thing you want do when arriving in a foreign country is to kill something.

[newtron]

I would just like to continue doing some of my hobbies.  Also, duck is very tasty.

[Mattk]

killing things - what a great hobby

[Laura-sakura]

Please leave our ducks alone.

[newtron]

Do you not have duck hunters here?

[karma20uk]

The uk is slowly waking up to the fact that all life forms should be treated with love and respect.

 We are a country with strict firearm laws and are better off for it.

[newtron]

karma20uk, I assume you are a vegetarian and you hope some day that everyone will be required to be a vegetarian. Also, for your information, I am definitely not your typical hunter.  I don't drive around in ATVs and shoot anything that moves.  I actually enjoy hunting because I get to hang out in nature  and observe it closely.  There is nothing like getting up early in the morning and sitting quietly by the river just looking and listening.  To tell you the truth, I don't mind not hunting here, but I would definitely like to do some target practice or shoot some clay pigeons.  That's a lot of fun!!  Also, I don't know about the UK, but in the US, hunters contribute lots money to nature conservation.  You might question their motives, but money is money.

[TEAK36]

Newtron,

So you are not a typical hunter, you enjoy hunting because you get to hang out in nature and observe it closely.

Yeah right! and then you like to try and blow its bl==dy brains out.Mighty big of you.

Im not a vegetarian, and in fact I would not even consider myself to be an animal lover, but I dont agree with hunting of any kind, and how some people can call it a sport is beyond me.

[brian5]

I'm sorry, but this is th UK, not the US, we do not give our morons gun's to play with

[chrissie37f]

Are you allowed to keep/renew your gun licence if there is a memeber of the household with a criminal record, thanks