I have just become aware of that new airgun law comes into force on 10 February. In essence one will be liable for a fine of up to £1000 if you don't lock up your airgun so it cannot be available to kids (means under-18s).

Details are on the home office website http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-c...s/lock-and-key . Difficult to believe this new legislation appeared on their site on 27th Jan and the law comes into effect 10th Feb . BASC are supporting the move it appears: http://www.basc.org.uk/en/media/pres...5D9C42CCD1DAE7

Surely that's a good thing? The fine should be alot more. I think there should be alot more controls and they shouldn't be removed from a shooting club.

geoffr70 wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:08:


How about for folk who use them legitimately for pest control - on farmland over which they have permission to shoot - which doesn't necessarily require a firearm for humane dispatch (i.e. rats, rabbits, pigeons, etc)?

My house doesnt have children in it.... certainly nobody under the age of 18......... nobody under the age of 28 for that matter.

Just another 'TV license' tax.

damon80 wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:16:


An airgun is a firearm. Like I said, I don't think they should be removed from a shooting club. As for pest control, what do you define as a pest? It's the animals planet as much as it is ours. From my experience the vast majority of people who possess airguns are people who seem to enjoy inflicting unnecessary violence on animals and people. They should get a hobby instead.

I'm generally anti legisltaion, but I think they should be banned, they're bloody stupid.

damon80 wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:34:


Exactly!

Next we'll have to lock our kitchen knives in a cabinet, and the Chain Saw, Hedge Trimmer, Ball Point Pen.............................

Once again, common sense is being removed from our young.  I sincerely hope there is a revolt of massive proportions soon!  I'm a very peaceful man, but this kind of thing boils my piss.

geoffr70 wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:31:


Correction - they are classed as Low Powered Air Weapons, as long as they are below 12ftlb in power (for rifles), or 6ftlb (for pistols).  A Firearm is classed as a rifle being above 12ftlb in power, which makes it a Section 1 Firearm, and so requires a Firearms Licence.  (Pistols being above 6ftlb are Section 5 Firearms, which are banned).

I'm not being funny Geoff, but have you actually ever been shooting before?

The reason why I ask is that many friends of mine enjoy playing cricket.  I've never played it myself, and have never wanted to.  But, I don't tell my cricket-playing friends to (and to quote you) - "get a hobby".

Each to their own mate.  And if you've seen first-hand the damage that animals such as rats, rabbits and pigeons can do to farmland, crops, and hence livelihoods, then you wouldn't question the practice of pest control 

Broomies Mate wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:38:

Funny you should say that Broomie...  We have a motorhome, and us motorhomers when in transit, have to ensure that the kitchen drawer (with the cooking knives in) is securely closed at all times

Broomies Mate wrote on 04. Feb 2011 at 00:38:

Defo Broomie - it's all about good parenting.  Good parenting nationwide removes the need for a nanny state!  And a crack round the noggin off the local bobby if little Johnny steps out of line!