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Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 6:29 pm
by Hunter87
Is there anything in the law that states firearms must have there bolts removed when in storage at home or is it just a general guidence set out by the force issuing the licence.im looking for written evidence that suggests you must do it or you will be breaking the law.

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 6:35 pm
by Mattnall
I have never heard of a rule or law saying that.

You must take reasonable precautions to secure your firearms and if you are away from home that can often involve removing bolts and keeping them with you, but at home you should just be able to place in the cabinet complete.

Are you being asked to remove bolts when storing at home?

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 6:54 pm
by lasbrisas
I had my renewal recently and asked about this to confirm and was told by the FEO that they should be stored seperately, I would be interested to know the official line if it is different.

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:28 pm
by 1066
It's not going to work with all rifles anyway - Job to take the bolt of a .22 semi auto.

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:29 pm
by toffe wrapper
load of rubbish how do I remove the bolt from my HK 416 22LR or others with GSG etc.
Ammo separate
Bolts separate optional
job done

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:40 pm
by Airbrush
Sounds like your Feo is making up rules, seems to happen a lot. 5mith

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:48 pm
by bradaz11
one of the guys at my club - who came in from a pest / more general background - always removes all bolts ect and when asked about it, looked at me like i was an idiot and snapped 'bolts are never stored in rifles!'

now i came up through the .22 target section of the club, before we got an influx of fullbore and blackpowder enthusiasts and was told to only remove the bolt if there was a chance you might have to stop off somewhere on the way home / when travelling long distances etc. but to always store the bolt with the rifle.

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:59 pm
by toffe wrapper
Some rifles cock on opening if storing for long periods you are storing the bolt in the cocked position.
Every army in the world stores the rifles with the bolts in. Just because he does not doesn't make it law or best practice.

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:01 pm
by zzr1100
I tend to store my rifles with the bolt in and the firing pin forward (ie trigger pulled) .. But each to their own !

Re: Removing bolts from rifles?

Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:14 pm
by IainWR
As with many things that are stated to be "required", I'm fairly sure this appears in either the Home Office Guidance or the Home Office Security Advice as a good idea - which it is.

I am more certain that it is not a legal requirement.