Semi Auto Ban: Basc Link To `tell Europe What You Think`

[David Aiken 253]

Semi Auto ban: BASC link to `tell europe what you think about their firearms proposals` Just filled mine in and sent it off to the European Commission!

 

http://basc.org.uk/?wysija-page=1&controller=email&action=view&email_id=417&wysijap=subscriptions&user_id=11618

[mad4it 695]

done mine

[walshie 2,804]

Done

[Born Hunter 17,907]

Done!

[Lid 194]

I changed the words offered slightly and submitted this :

 

I support evidence-based actions to stop the flow and trade of illegal weapons within Europe, so long as these are effective, proportionate and based on sound principles of better regulation. However I do not accept that further restrictions are required for licensed firearms users in Europe. I am very concerned that these proposals may have damaging, unintended consequences for law abiding firearms users and I hope that the Commission will fulfill its pledge not to restrict the legitimate use of sporting firearms for hunting, vermin control and recreation in any way.

In particular, I am concerned by your proposals for:

1. A five year ceiling on certificate life: It is appropriate risk assessment and monitoring, not certificate length, which delivers public safety. It should be up to Member States to determine an appropriate length for certificate life given their risk management and monitoring processes.

2. Standard medical tests: I agree it is important for a medical component in the license approval process, but this should not require standardized testing, which could simply lead to burdensome, non-risk based examinations and not provide any additional benefits to public safety. Member States must be permitted to determine the correct approach based on their own wider risk management and monitoring processes.

3. Under 18s: The proposed text is highly likely to harm legitimate shooting because it creates legal uncertainty and restricts opportunities for young persons to be introduced to shooting sports. A return to the existing wording of the Directive would fix this.

4. Humane dispatch: I am concerned that the proposed amendments will ban pistol ammunition used for the humane dispatch of wounded animals.

5. Deactivation and Blank firing replicas: I am concerned that your proposals will affect blank firing replicas which are used in the UK for dog training, as an example. Dangers from these can be managed through clear specifications for their construction rather than a ban. I believe that the rest of the EU should adopt the UK deactivation standards.

6. Semi-automatic weapons: In the UK, .22 rim-fire rifles are an essential vermin control tool. If the amendments are only designed to affect larger calibre military-style weapons, then I trust that small calibre sporting rifles will be excluded. Similarly I would expect semi-automatic shotguns to be excluded. These are often used by shooters who suffer badly from recoil.