Operational Policing
Firearms licensing guidance
The possession of firearms and ammunition in Great Britain is regulated mainly by the Firearms Acts 1968-97. This page contains guidance and good practice on firearms law and information on recent changes. It also contains downloadable application forms for anyone wishing to apply for certain authorities and approvals granted by the Home Office under firearms law.
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Firearms Law: Guidance to the Police 2002
This publication provides comprehensive guidance to the police on firearms law. It is intended to assist consistency of practice between police forces and to encourage an informed understanding among firearms users of the considerations involved. -
Firearms Security Handbook 2005
This handbook, published in 2005, provides guidance on storing firearms, firearms dealers, pistol clubs, museums licences and private collections, and transporting firearms. -
Ministerial Statement – 15 July 2003
Summarises the outcome of the firearms amnesty in 2003. -
Firearms and Ammunition handed in during the Firearms Amnesty – 2003
Final tally of relinquished items, by police force -
Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003: Firearms – January 2004 (new window)
Home Office circular 01/2004 to the police describing the firearms provisions of the 2003 Act -
Implementation of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 – February 2004 (new window)
Home Office circular 07/2004 including details of the new 5-year minimum sentence for certain firearms offences -
Ban on Self-contained Gas Cartridge Weapons: What it means for you – January 2004
Advice on how to comply with the recent ban on this type of air weapon
