Use of Handguns at SPR&PC

 

Legal Basis for Possession and Use of LBRs/LBPs in the UK:

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 prohibited most handguns in Great Britain. However, long-barrelled revolvers (LBRs) and long-barrelled pistols (LBPs) are exempt if they do not meet the legal definition of a “small firearm”.  A “handgun” is defined as a firearm with:

  • A barrel less than 30cm in length, OR
  • An overall length less than 60cm.

Therefore, a revolver or pistol with a barrel of at least 30cm and total length of at least 60cm is NOT a prohibited handgun and is legal under Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 with a firearm certificate.

Relevant Law:

  • Firearms Act 1968, Section 1: Possession of Section 1 firearms.
  • Firearms Act 1968, Section 5(1)(aba): Prohibition of handguns.
  • Firearms Act 1968, Section 57(4): Definition of “small firearm”.
  • Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997: Introduced the general handgun ban.

Use by Other Members in a Gun Club:
Under Section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, members of a Home Office-approved gun club can use firearms belonging to the club or other members under certain conditions:

  • The club must be approved by the Secretary of State.
  • The firearm must be used on the club premises or at an organised shoot.
  • The user must be supervised and follow club rules.
  • The user must not be prohibited under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968.

Relevant Law:

  • Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, Section 15: Use of firearms by club members.
  • Firearms Act 1968, Section 21: Prohibited persons and possession of firearms.

Summary:

  1. Long-barrelled pistols and revolvers are legal under Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 if over 30cm in barrel length and 60cm overall.
  2. Club members may use such firearms under supervision at a Home Office-approved club in accordance with Section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988