Your Interpretation Of The Recent Change In Gun Law (Securing Air Guns At Home)

[Dr B 186]

OK, so what's you're interpretation of the recent 'securing your guns at home' law, if you don't have a gun cabinet. So a recent law passed says something like we need to secure our air guns in a way to prevent kids / sub 18 year olds getting hold of them (I'm paraphrasing the actual law - but you should all know it anyway).

 

I wondered what you did. I was speaking to a friend down the pub and he said, as he does not have any kids in the house, his front door lock secures everything. He keeps his ammo in a different place to his guns, but his guns are not hidden or locked in any real way. I mentioned he might be on shaky ground with that one.

 

I currently secure and hide my guns. They are secured by a bike lock, to a wall, that prevents the gun being removed from the sleeve and secures it. It is also hidden and my ammo is in a separate place. I think that's enough. But what do you do and what's your interpretation of the law?

 

Hiding the gun under the bed is no longer sufficient I think.

[pianoman 3,589]

I'm with Timmy on this one. Commonsense measures everytime. The law is not demanding we all must lock our air rifles in firearm security cabinets as we must for FAC weapons, but, at least secure them in a part of our homes where young children are not likely to have an easy or ready access to them. A room or bedroom with a lockable door. A lockable cupboard?

 

Ours have all grown up and fled the nest but, I keep my sub 12 ft/lb rifles locked in the same room in our house where my FAC gunsafes are, that's just right for securely storing them out of sight of visitors. Especially the unpleasant ones who like to visit while you are away out somewhere.

 

Nice to have a gun room/workshop too!

Edited March 23, 2015 by pianoman

[Durham John 693]

Simple answer,

Out of sight out of mind.

If you teach children from a young age they will know the wrong and right, for all their friends that might visit just keep your guns out of sight.

As for the in welcome guest there's only so much you can do cos if they really want it they won't stop at a locked door.

[secretagentmole 1,701]

If no children ever come to your house then there is no "legal" need to securely store the guns. However you should store the guns securely even if just for your own peace of mind!

[John Stott 202]

FAC rated safe for me, also trigger locks. I see little point in the "bike cable" things, the rifle can still be cocked and the trigger used. Any curious toddler can do that. Trigger locks prevent discharge.

Had my "visit" last week funnily so I had done a mental check. House is alarmed and the dog patrols inside. He was quite happy with those arrangements.

Lets face it a safe is cheap enough now. Also the price of rifles means a burglary geared just to steal a collection is a possibility. Lots of us have several thousand pounds worth of kit.

Edited March 23, 2015 by John Stott

[Dr B 186]

Thanks to all for the helpful comments. Seems like my mate might be OK after all. I cant invest in a gun cab, wife would go mad. So I have to improvise somewhat. Thanks again for your views, very helpful.

[ChrisJones 7,975]

Gentlemen.

 

Do you think we're approaching an era where we will need to store our gear in a gun cabinet, regardless of power?

 

With the cost of the average pre-charged rig, an additional £ for a gun safe might be a pretty good investment.

[pianoman 3,589]

Gentlemen.

 

Do you think we're approaching an era where we will need to store our gear in a gun cabinet, regardless of power?

 

With the cost of the average pre-charged rig, an additional £ for a gun safe might be a pretty good investment.

It couldn't really hurt could it. I live in a very low crime, rural area thank God, but, you never know if or when a thief should happen along. I know it would be a tradgedy to lose my rifles to scum like this Chris, and it would mean the same for you.

 

I'm certain the police wouild recommend it for your home security as much as prevent stolen air rifles getting onto the streets in the wrong hands.

 

It is possibly a case of not if ,but, when will a secure cabinet will become a legal requirement or a condition of owning an unlicenced air rifle. As opposed to a licencing of air rifles across the board.

[John Stott 202]

I paid £120 for an approved four gun Buffalo River recently, the old one was, well cream crackered. It sits in a corner behind a door and would need looking for to find it. Small price to pay for peace of mind. Also they are out of reach of curious little hands.

I think our licensing system is draconian, separate subject I know, but the way Scotland has gone, is going, it will happen here soon.

I guess a few of us have military backgrounds on here, safety was drummed into me from the age of 13 in cadets, regulars, and in civilian life. We are being watched constantly, commented on daily. Every week there is a "crime" involving an idiot using an air weapon. So, what is the point in NOT having good gun security?

Preempt any future legislation, make it a habit to lock things up, it soon becomes normal and ingrained behaviour.

Frankly, I cringe at some stories I read. Somebody shot a couple of swans near us recently. The RSPCA straight away blamed, and I quote, "air gun crime". Thats what Joe Public reads in his paper, hears on the local news.

So, I ramble. I ramble because I love shooting, I do not wish to see bad press about shooting.

Lock them up.

[ChrisJones 7,975]

I've always been an above and beyond guy when it came to air rifles.

 

We're constantly under scrutiny and we risk losing our priveleges every time someone takes a tin of pellets to a park. I just think it's time we take the initiative.

[RodN 41]

That is the perfect answer.

In my mind long gone are the days when an air rifle should be just left sitting around the house.

 

I treat mine as if they were firearms. I don't own FAC rifles or shotguns, but I still have a proper gun cabinet bolted to a solid wall inside a built in wardrobe. Peace of mind. And I know I have done everything resonable to prevent access by an unauthorised person. The fact that it isn't "necessary" under current legislation doesn't mean that I can't use it as good practice.

 

Rod

 

 

"So, what is the point in NOT having good gun security?

Preempt any future legislation, make it a habit to lock things up, it soon becomes normal and ingrained behaviour."

Edited March 25, 2015 by RodN

[mark williams 7,568]

I would agree with pretty much every one`s comments on this topic but i would like to add a slight twist to it if i may.

A sub 12 ft/lb rifle under house security and locked cabinet, any of us that have shotguns i think should be allowed up to a 15 - 18 ft/lb rifle on the shotgun licence after that limit back over to fac ticket.

I agree with an earlier thread Simon (Pianoman) i think, 15 ft/lbs is perfect in .177. but with shotgun security rules.

 

atb