| FIREARMS
LICENSING |
 |
|
What
is an 'antique' firearm?
The
word "antique" is not defined anywhere
within any of the Firearms Acts or Regulations,
so how do we know what is acceptable as "antique"?
Dictionary
definitions include "not of our time"
and "a relic of former times".
Consequently
it must be accepted that modern reproductions,
even of very old flintlocks, etc., cannot be antique. |
 |
Many
people use the old maxim that over 100 years old
means it is antique. To a great extent this will
prove to be true, but there are always the exceptions
to the rule. There are some old weapons which
are still capable of firing a modern centre fire
cartridge, and are therefore not classified as
antique.
It
may be easier to understand what is acceptable
as antique, if we first establish what is "modern".
Modern, in relation to firearms, has now been
established as: manufactured since or during the
Second World War. The following tables are a guide
as to what may or may not be antique. In reality
every case will need to be judged on its own merit. |
| Antiques |
Not
Antiques |
•
All muzzle loading firearms, except those of "modern"
manufacture.
• Breech loading firearms capable of discharging
a rim fire cartridge exceeding .23" calibre
(or its metric equivalent), but not 9mm.
• Breech loading firearms using ignition systems
other than rim fire or centre fire. (e.g. pin-fire and
needle-fire).
• Breech loading firearms incapable of firing
a centre fire cartridge. |
•
Breech loading firearms capable of firing either:
-
a
center fire cartridge
or
-
a
rim fire cartridge not exceeding .23" (or its
metric equivalent)
or
-
a
9mm rim fire cartridge
•
All firearms of "Modern" manufacture.
•
All ammunition. |
If
a firearm falls within the accepted definition of antique,
then it is no longer subject to the provisions of the
Firearms Acts, providing it is kept as a curio
or ornament. It will be seen above that no
ammunition can be classified as antique and the possession
of suitable ammunition, for use with an otherwise antique
firearm, may indicate that the firearm is not possessed
as a curio or ornament.
For
further information please visit The Home Office guidance
on Antique Firearms and the Law at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk
|
