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

I was sent this link from a firearms dealer, the question I have is does it actually affect anyone? I am not really aware of how the whole RFD thing works, but I assume that shipments are not just sent in the normal post? or have they perhaps gone too far in saying anything related, i.e. components.

comments appreciated.

http://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/ ... rvices.pdf

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This is the bit that affects us:

Component parts of the items set out in a. and b. such as triggers, actions, barrels and magazines

Not being able to buy bipods, triggers, possibly optics, and whatnot and have them shipped by the PO, is a majorly big deal!!

Have BASC been made aware of this?

They have a system to alert all members and get them to respond with comments.

But then teh Royal Mail will do what it wants - and totally ignore what the public says.

Polchraine wrote:Have BASC been made aware of this?

They have a system to alert all members and get them to respond with comments.

But then teh Royal Mail will do what it wants - and totally ignore what the public says.

Yes, see http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=8912

This reached BASC a few days back, and came direct to NRA from Royal Mail today - so at least they know we exist.

The only item they are putting on the banned list that is arguable is a trigger. Otherwise they are sticking closely to the definition of component part as established by the courts in enforcing the Firearms Acts. The relevant decision defined a component part as something essential to the functioning of the firearm. So the barrel, action, bolt, firing pin and arguably trigger are "components". The stock, sights and any other bits and pieces, including small parts that have multiple applications like screws, springs and washers, are not. Therefore, bits like bipods should be fine.

Parcelforce, the Royal Mail's courier arm, will continue to offer a service.

There are inconsistencies in the Royal Mail statement, which do need to be challenged, and will be. But the practical effect is not hugely significant in my opinion.

Of course the PR announcement may have a completely different view ...

Iain

From the consultation document;

a. Firearms (including Section 1, Section 2 and Section 5 firearms)
b. Air rifles and pistols
c. Component parts of the items set out in a. and b. such as triggers, actions, barrels and magazines

Air rifles and pistols from private sales (allowed under the VCR act) will be affected as will magazines for rifles.

Did I miss magazines in the RM document?

Oh b**llocks.

Magazines, being inessential to the functioning of the firearm (you can always feed the ammo by hand) are outside the scope of "components" under the Firearms Acts.

There are a wagon load of alternatives to Royal Mail these days. Generally, they are cheaper and more reliable....

Are Royal Mail aware that the shooting sports is worth around a billion pounds a year? That's a lot of commerce they're turning their back on...... Good luck come privatisation!

Pause - the document specifically says that ParcelForce will still deliver. Most courier bits are already done with ParcelForce and not Royal Mail via normal post.

Tbh I look at this and think, broadly, that it's fine. We must make sure that it only applies to items which are covered by the Firearms Acts, however, and not let them be over-zealous in their application of those Acts.

The crux,as I see it comes from their own document

As previously stated, we currently prohibit the carriage of firearms except those guns for sporting use. We wish to now explicitly prohibit all Firearms because we are unable to offer safe custody of Firearms through the postal network within the meaning of Section 14 (1) of the 1988 Act as set out above

The Post Office have long stood liable to accusations of ineptitude. Postpersons are often convicted of theft. Mail goes 'missing'

They are merely admitting that their service is insecure, so, no great loss there then?

As has been stated already, there are other carriers.