Firearms laws confused and unclear, Law Commission says

[ovenpaa]

To clarify definitions, the commission says there should be:

a "single, simple test" to determine whether a weapon is lethal, based on the "kinetic energy at which it discharges a projectile"

a statutory list of what constitutes a "component part" of a firearm, with ministers allowed to make additions so the list keeps pace with technology

a definition of "antique" firearms based on use of obsolete cartridge types or firing mechanisms. These would be on a statutory list, only containing "those old firearms that no longer pose a realistic danger to the public"

Interestingly there is no author attributed to this article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35104969

[Rockhopper]

Thats all been included in the consultation process thats been going on for a while now i think?

[Blackstuff]

The part of that that worries me the most is;

"to ensure the law takes account of the technological developments that have taken place since the Firearms Acts were enacted."

As that looks like they want the ability to prevent guns like LBR/P's, SGC lever release and Caledonian MARS rifles being made

[ovenpaa]

Mark, absolutely. It is not what they are proposing now that is the problem, it is what is included at a later date and by whom.

[Racalman]

The part of that that worries me the most is;

"to ensure the law takes account of the technological developments that have taken place since the Firearms Acts were enacted."

As that looks like they want the ability to prevent guns like LBR/P's, SGC lever release and Caledonian MARS rifles being made

I raised this specific point in my response to the Law Commission. While welcoming an overhaul of the existing laws I said that it would not be acceptable to use this as an excuse to ban types of firearms currently in lawful use. If someone is deemed a fit and proper person to possess firearms then the type is totally irrelevant.