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When applying for a shotgun or firearms certificate it is best to do nothing in relation to security until a Field Officer has paid you a visit.
The officer will make a mutually convenient appointment to visit your home after all relevant enquiries have been completed.
During the visit your domestic security will be assessed and advice will be given on any necessary improvements that will need to be made.
The firearms act states that the weapons must be kept safe and secure at all times to prevent unauthorised access, as far as is reasonably practical.
However, the Chief Constable needs to be satisfied that they can be stored safety before granting a certificate. Therefore the following conditions must be met:
- All shotguns and firearms must be kept in bona fide gun cabinets
- Cabinets must be located in the main building of the house and not in a garage or outbuilding
- The cabinets must be rawl-bolted to a solid brick wall and out of sight of casual callers
- Section 1 ammunition must be stored securely and separately from section 1 weapons
British Standards
The security of the weapon is second only to the vetting of the applicant and British Standards gun cabinets (BS7558) are highly recommended.
The external security of your home should also meet BS8220 - the level of security required for home contents insurance cover.
BS8220 requires the fitting of a five-lever mortice dead lock to the front door. Any accessible windows large enough to be climbed through should be capable of being locked with a removable key. Rear door should be secured by mortice or slide bolts and patio doors fitted with anti-lift bolts.
For further information please visit the Home Office website's guidance on home security at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ppd/oppu/fahbk.htm
The Shotgun
Always ensure that any shotguns you use are in safe and sound condition, and that the internal mechanism is in a proper state of adjustment.
Always ensure you understand the proof markings on any shotgun you use.
Always ensure that the shotgun is in proof and chambered for the type of cartridge you intend to use.
Always put the safety catch back on between shots.
Take special care with guns without automatic safeties.
Always make sure the barrels are pointing to the ground while loading.
Always lift the stock to the barrels when closing your shotgun. Never lift the barrels to the stock.
Always carry hammer guns un-cocked, except when expecting a shot.
Always take care that the barrels are pointing straight upwards while cocking the barrels, with the finger around the outside of
the trigger guard and the thumb in the crutch of the hammer.
Always take special care with pump-action and self loading guns to ensure that there is no obstruction in the barrel.
Always carry an empty gun with the slide or action open.
Never take advantage of your shotgun’s ability for multiple shots.
Safety in the field
Always carry a shotgun so that it does not point at anyone.
Always have the safety catch on "safe" until the moment before you wish to fire.
Always unload your shotgun before crossing an obstacle, or negotiating difficult terrain.
Always show that your shotgun is open and empty before passing it to anyone.
Always pass it stock first.
Always carry a shotgun open and empty when in close company.
Before loading/shooting, always look through your barrels to check whenever and obstruction could have entered.
Never load a shotgun until you are about to start shooting.
Never put a shotgun on top of a vehicle.
Never touch the triggers until you want to fire.
Never attempt to shoot unless you are steady on your feet.
Never attach a dog's lead to yourself, it may pull you off balance.
Never shoot unless you are sure of your quarry identification.
Never shoot unless you are sure that it is safe to do so.
The Cartridge
Always ensure that the cartridge type and shot size is suitable for your purpose and your shotgun.
Be especially cautious with reloads.
Never imagine that a heavy load and a lot of choke justify shots of extreme range.
Never allow cartridges of different bore sizes to get mixed together. A smaller size cartridge inadvertently loaded in a large chamber can lodge in a barrel. If a correct sized cartridge is then chambered and fired it may cause serious damage.
In the case of a mis-fire keep the barrels pointing in a safe direction before opening it to investigate.
Shotgun Care
Always clean your shotgun before putting it away.
Always have faults rectified before using the shotgun again.
Always have your shotgun regularly overhauled by a competent gunsmith.
Never use a shotgun with badly dented or pitted barrels.
Never use a shotgun with dangerous trigger pulls or a faulty safety catch.
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