Hello folks

I’m just curious.

What is the current position on owing handguns and carrying them.

I know it varies from state to state and personally I think living somewhere where only the bad guy has firearms is shocking (like here in the UK for example)

Are convicts (rehabilitated obviously) allowed to own firearms of any kind?

What is the law on concealed weapons and do you ever see the US getting crazy and banning hand gun ownership as we have here.

I write this as a retired Military police officer who until fairly recently had off duty carry. I can’t get used to checking my weapon and it not being there.

A quick run down on UK gun law as it pertains to the average citizen.

Air rifles (free air not co2 or high power) available to anyone over 16 years purchased with no ID or licence.

No handguns of any kind at all

Shotguns only for those with a shotgun licence. For this you must have the following. Under 18s can own these but only with parental consent and supervision.

A background check by old bill (any convictions = no shotgun) (every 5 years now I think)

A genuine reason for wanting to own a shotgun (farmers, land owners, pest control, hobbyist)

Somewhere to regularly use said shotgun (clay shoot, farm, business etc)

A secure cabinet (5 point locking) fixed to the fabric of the building in 5 places.

Cartridges must be stored separately (in separate lockable portion of the cabinet)

There is a limit of 5 per licence and 15 per household as far as I know.

Firearms (rifles)
You must be over 18.
You must hold a Firearms Certificate (FAC)
Same checks as above and similar restrictions
Also rifles must be stored in a safe condition (I remove bolts and store with ammunition)
Ammunition must be stored separately (I have a separate lockable cabinet)

Limited to 5
Some air rifles require an FAC licence and cannot be purchased without said. Shotgun licence doesn’t cover these air rifles.

I know the US isn’t the free for all that other countries think it is with regard to firearms but I was hoping for some clarity on who can own what and where it’s stored etc.

The above is my understanding of UK law an an FAC holder and former firearms officer however law changes regularly so I stand to be corrected.

If I drive it fast enough it’ll go in there, but that would be expensive

Class 1 drivers do it longer and slower.

Bad planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.

Riding the night horse since 2002

She’s not leaking oil, she’s sweating power.