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LICENSING |
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What
is a 'restricted' shotgun?
The
Firearms Amendment Act 1988 removed "pump-action"
and "semi-automatic" shotguns, which had a
magazine capable of holding more than two cartridges,
out of the hands of shotgun certificate holders.
They
became Section 1 firearms and, since that time, can
only be legally held on a firearms certificate.
However,
many shotgun certificate holders already possessed such
weapons, and consequently either had to dispose of them
or have them "restricted".
Restriction
is the adaptation of the shotgun magazine allowing it
to hold no more than two conventional size cartridges.
A third cartridge can still be held in the breech, and
this is quite legal.
The
adaptation must be done in a manner approved by the
Secretary of State and should be carried out by a fully
qualified gunsmith. The adaptation is not legal until
the shotgun has been proved by one of the two Proof
Houses, duly proof marked and a certificate issued by
the Proof House.
If
you plan to acquire a "pump-action" or "semi-automatic"
shotgun on a shotgun certificate, you must ensure that
the magazine is incapable of holding more than two cartridges
by manufacture or adaptation. In the latter case the
shotgun must be so proof marked and accompanied by a
certificate from the issuing Proof House. The magazine
must also be non removable.
Failure
to ensure these points may expose you to being in unlawful
possession of Section 1 firearms.
See
also adaptation of shotgun
magazines by the Proof House.
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