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NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINIATURE RIFLE RANGES AND AMMUNITION COMPONENTS UNDER FIREARMS ACT 2023
The Home Office has confirmed that the Firearms Act 2023 will come into effect on 1 May 2025, introducing some key amendments to the Firearms Act 1968. The changes will have direct implications for operators of miniature rifle ranges and individuals in possession of ammunition components.
UNDER THE REVISED LEGISLATION:
• Operators of miniature rifle ranges will now be required to hold a valid firearm certificate. This amendment updates section 11(4) of the 1968 Act, which previously allowed certain exemptions.
• The type of firearm permitted for use on miniature rifle ranges has been restricted to .22 rimfire rifles. This change narrows the previous exemption by amending section 23(2)(b) of the 1968 Act.
• A new offence has been introduced under section 2 of the Firearms Act 2023. It will now be illegal to possess component parts of ammunition with the intent to manufacture complete rounds without proper authorisation.
These legislative amendments apply across England, Wales and Scotland, with the exception of air weapon regulation in Scotland, which remains a devolved matter.
A detailed examination of these changes, including the potential implications for registered firearms dealers and range operators, can be found in Laura Saunsbury’s article on page 22 of this issue.
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - ASCANNIO