The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I refer to a request by ?????? on behalf of Dundee Rifle & Pistol
Club seeking clarification regarding the issue/movement of firearms
belonging to the club.

I have considered guidance contained within the Home Office document
"Firearms Law Guidance to the Police 2002" and have included relevant
details below for the information of ?????? and other club officials.

Section 18.2

Members of a rifle club, miniature rifle club or muzzle-loading pistol
club approved by the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers may,
without holding firearm certificates, have in their possession firearms
and ammunition when engaged as members in, or in connection with, target
shooting (section 15(1) of the 1988 Act as amended by section 45 of the
1997 Act). It should be noted that section 15(1) does not stipulate that
the firearms must be club firearms. It is lawful for a member of an
approved club to possess temporarily a firearm belonging to another
person for target shooting as a member of the club. Members may not
purchase or acquire firearms or ammunition unless that have been grated
firearm certificates and the exemption does not cover the use of
firearms for purposes other than target shooting. The case of R v Wilson
(1989) held that possession of firearms and ammunition must only be in
connection with the club's activities, and does not give members a wider
authority.

Section 18.12

The club's co-operation should be sought to ensure that the firearms and
ammunition owned by the club are stored securely. The signatory of the
club certificate (usually the club secretary) is ultimately responsible
for the safekeeping of club firearms and ammunition but the Secretary of
State and the Scottish Ministers take the view that they need not
necessarily be present each time these are issued to or used by club
members. It is also acceptable for members other than the firearm
certificate holder, if the activity is clearly in connection with target
shooting, to transport firearms to another club or authorised range for
a competition or to a dealer for repair. It is advisable when
transporting firearms as a member of the club to have some form of
written authorisation from a club official.

Section 22.15

Members of an approved rifle or muzzle-loading pistol club who carry
club firearms and ammunition for the purpose of club shoots or ranges
away from their home club premises benefit from the provisions of
section 15 of the 1988 Act. People so doing might be encouraged to carry
written authority from their club secretary or club official and a copy
of the club certificate. Firearms removed from club premises for the
purpose of participating in competitions should be returned, without
delay, to the club storage after the competition, unless it is
impracticable to do so.

In conclusion, I am of the view that the onus rests with the club to
ensure that the necessary practices are adopted in accordance with the
above guidance. Adherence will not only provide the necessary
flexibility with regard to the issue/movement of club firearms and
ammunition but also ensure that legislation is fully complied with.

If you wish to discuss the matter further please do not hesitate to
contact me.

Chapuis wrote:I can't see anything wrong with what has been sent to you Mike. It's how we have operated over a good many years and also how most of the clubs in my area operate. I hold the club certificate but for convenience several other cub members are mentioned on the certificate also.