Frequently asked questions
Are shotguns and firearms defined differently and treated differently under the law?
A Shotgun is defined as: “a smooth-bored gun with barrels of not less than 24 inches if the gun is a semi-automatic or pump-action, the magazine must be restricted to hold no more than two shells, with a third in the chamber”. To buy or sell a shot gun a valid Shotgun certificate must be held. All shotguns must be kept securely according to guidelines and the police must be informed of all purchased and disposals. These details need to be outlined on the certificate.
Firearms are normally considered “any shotgun with a barrel shorter than 24 inches or a semi-auto or pump-action gun with the capacity to hold more than two shells in the magazine, or any shotgun with a detachable magazine. Air rifles which exceed the 12ft/lb power output limit are considered firearms”. The same rules apply to firearms as with shotguns but with the added requirement that firearms must be required for a specific purpose/’good reason’. More stringent rules also apply to storage of both the firearm and ammunition. The place of use will also be specified on the certificate.
How long are certificates valid for?
Firearm and shotgun certificates are both valid for 5 years.
Will past convictions affect my ability to gain a certificate?
If you have served a term of imprisonment in excess of 3 months you are banned from possessing firearms and ammunition for 5 years from the date of your release. If you have served a term of more than 3 years you are banned for life from possessing firearms and ammunition. Convictions for Drink and Drug offences may also be taken into account as in the case of Germain and Dabek.
What could lead to a refusal or revocation of a certificate being granted?
Under current legislation a firearm certificate may be refused or revoked if the applicant/holder is:
“A danger to public safety, of intemperate habits, of unsound mind, unfit to be entrusted with such a firearm, no longer has ‘good reason’ for possession”
Can another person transport my firearm or shotgun?
A firearm may not be transported by another person unless they hold a firearms certificate specifically authorising them to possess that gun.
