INSIDE THE GTA’S RFD TRAINING COURSE

For anyone considering entering the UK gun trade as a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD), navigating the application process, legal obligations, and all of the regulatory expectations can be quite daunting. That’s why the Gun Trade Association’s RFD training course has become an increasingly important foundation for newcomers and a valuable refresher for established dealers alike.

Run primarily out of Bisley Camp, the course is the only one of its kind in the UK. Designed and delivered by Paul Green, the GTA’s Technical Director, it offers two packed days of education, guidance and candid insight into the practical realities of running a compliant firearms business.

“I’ve been delivering the course for a little over three years now,” says Paul, who brings more than four decades of experience in the defence and firearms sectors. “We are well into the hundreds of graduates by now. We’ve had attendees from all over the UK, and even further afield - Spain, for example.”

Paul’s professional background gives the course rare authority. After 12 years as a military armourer, he worked in the defence industry with companies including Manroy Engineering, Muller & Co Ltd and Oerlikon Contraves, delivering weapons systems training across the globe. Later, he established his own RFD business specialising in the repair and restoration of historic rifles. That combination of technical knowledge and commercial experience shapes every element of the training.

“When I joined the GTA, I assumed I knew the trade inside out. But the reality is you only really know your corner of it, whether that’s retail, repair, or manufacture,” Paul explains. “Once I started looking at the wider picture, I realised how much I didn’t know. Rewriting the training programme helped me learn alongside the students.”

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

The GTA course is aimed at three groups: non-RFD holders looking to enter the trade, existing RFDs who want to sharpen and widen their understanding of their obligations and associated professions such as logistics and import/export.

“For new applicants, it’s a vital foundation,” says Paul. “The police expect two things when someone applies for an RFD: a clear understanding of firearms law and a demonstrable grasp of the specific business activity. This course helps lay that groundwork.”

As part of the training, attendees are guided through the process of producing the kind of detailed business plan police forces now expect to see. These are not generic commercial forecasts, they must explain security procedures, customer management, transport, storage and management of firearms and ammunition, and more.

“The financials aren’t the police’s main concern,” says Paul. “They want to know you’re not going to be tempted into the illicit market. They want to see you’re competent and safe.”

Existing RFDs, meanwhile, benefit from up-to-date guidance on compliance, recent changes in legislation, and a refresher on best practice. The course also facilitates valuable peer networking, with participants ranging from new business owners to police firearms officers and even MOD personnel.

Asked what he’d say to someone on the fence about attending, Paul is clear: “If you’re serious about joining the trade, this course will save you time, help you get it right first time, and show the authorities you know what you’re doing. For existing dealers, it’s a chance to refresh and expand your knowledge, understand recent changes and make new contacts.”

The GTA’s RFD training course is more than just an introduction, it’s quickly becoming an essential rite of passage for responsible firearms dealers across the UK.

There are two-day RFD Courses scheduled throughout July, August, October, and November of this year. Open to both prospective and current RFDs, they provide practical guidance on licensing, firearms law, security, marketing, import/ export, and more. You can check dates and make a booking through the GTA website, by phone, or email.