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Firearms licensing: frequently asked questions
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
- 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
Not antiques
- 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.