3 ms·

>For example, single shot rifles and shotguns are legal in the UK. Yet rarely used. Why is that? They're extremely well regulated. Many thousands of British pe

>For example, single shot rifles and shotguns are legal in the UK. Yet rarely used. Why is that? They're extremely well regulated. Many thousands of British people enjoy hunting and target shooting, but they do so under strict supervision. If you want to own a rifle or shotgun, you need to apply for a license. To receive a license, you need a clean criminal record, a clean bill of mental health and evidence that you have a legitimate sporting or agricultural use. In the case of a sporting application, you'll need to be a member in good standing of a recognised shooting club; if you're a target or clay pigeon shooter, the presumption is that you'll store your firearms on club premises unless you have a legitimate reason to keep your firearms at home. Any purchase of a firearm has to be approved in advance by the police. Your license permits you to hold a specified quantity of ammunition; you can be asked to account for how your ammunition was used and investigated if you purchase quantities of ammunition that appear to exceed your normal use. Your firearms must be kept in a locked container when not in use, whether in storage or in transit. The police have the right to enter your home at any time to inspect your firearms. Any breach of your license is an extremely serious offence that will almost always lead to revocation of your license and can lead to a custodial sentence.

GiorgioG 9y ago
> If you want to own a rifle or shotgun, you need to apply for a license. To receive a license, you need a clean criminal record, a clean bill of mental health and evidence that you have a legitimate sporting or agricultural use. In the U.S., we don’t need government approval, yes we need a background check if acquiring the firearm through retail. But if I choose to hand my firearms down to my kids, the government has no business being involved. But what if your child is a known felon?! Well, that’s covered too - it’s illegal to transfer guns to people who are not legally allowed to possess them. People who really don’t like it here are under no obligation to stay, though I will say you can find like-minded people in “progressive” states - so you can have your false sense of security and stay in the US too.
refurb 9y ago
Yes, and this level of licensing isn't uncommon in some US states (MA, IL come to mind) though one could argue not to the same level of strictness. I guess my point is there are still a significant number of guns in the U.K. (it's not fun-free), yet gun crimes are exceedingly rare. Why is that? I would argue it's more than just what the laws are.

GiorgioG 9y ago

> If you want to own a rifle or shotgun, you need to apply for a license. To receive a license, you need a clean criminal record, a clean bill of mental health and evidence that you have a legitimate sporting or agricultural use. In the U.S., we don’t need government approval, yes we need a background check if acquiring the firearm through retail. But if I choose to hand my firearms down to my kids, the government has no business being involved. But what if your child is a known felon?! Well, that’s covered too - it’s illegal to transfer guns to people who are not legally allowed to possess them. People who really don’t like it here are under no obligation to stay, though I will say you can find like-minded people in “progressive” states - so you can have your false sense of security and stay in the US too.

refurb 9y ago

Yes, and this level of licensing isn't uncommon in some US states (MA, IL come to mind) though one could argue not to the same level of strictness. I guess my point is there are still a significant number of guns in the U.K. (it's not fun-free), yet gun crimes are exceedingly rare. Why is that? I would argue it's more than just what the laws are.