BRITAIN’S ONLY SHOOTING INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
ISSUE 104 AUGUST 2024
£4.95
FEWER SHOOTERS, MORE GUNS Latest Home Office Statistics show continual decline in number of shooters, yet gun numbers and RFDs are on the up
The latest statistics on gun ownership from the Home Office up until 31 March 2024 make fascinating reading for the trade. While the 40-year downward trend in the number of firearms and shotgun certificates issued continues, the total number of rifles and guns continues to rise. Here are the key figures from the annual report: • There were 147,364 firearm certificates on issue, a 0.2% increase compared with 31 March 2023 • There were 495,798 shotgun certificates on issue, a 1% decrease compared with 31 March 2023 • 510,717 people held a firearm and or a shotgun certificate, a 1% decrease compared with 31 March 2023 • 510 temporary firearm permits were granted, an 84% decrease compared with 31 March 2023
FX IMPACT M4 RELEASED The latest iteration of the highly successful Impact FX range has been released in the UK. Sportsman Gun Centre has models available in black or copper finishes. Enhancements and upgrades is the order of the day, with the M4 being an evolution of the M3 rather than a brand new iteration. The piston has been upgraded offering the M4 faster refresh rates, enhanced consistency and allowing the gun to work at higher pressures (Max 170 BAR for FAC units). A new trigger offers adjustable weight at the turn of a screw, and a new grip offers extra comfort when shooting.
• 1,042 temporary shotgun permits were granted, an 87% decrease compared with 31 March 2023 The figures also reveal that there are 54 more Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs) than last year, although this increase may be explained by the need for new registrations for already-licensed outlets in different geographical areas— at shows, for example. Our tables show the rate of fall over the last 40 years. If the current decline in the number of shotgun certificates continues GTN has calculated it will be less than 70 years before there are no certificates held in the country. As always, the Firearm Certificate numbers have all to be taken circumspectly as they include moderators as well as guns, so a clear picture is harder to discern. Full report click here.
The FX Impact M4 is available in four models, the Compact (pictured), Standard, Sniper and Extended and is available from Sportsman Gun Centre on 01392 354 870. • Compact 12ft/lb RRP: £1774.99/ FAC RRP: £1859.99 • Standard 12ft/lb RRP: £1824.99/ FAC RRP: £1859.99 • Sniper FAC RRP: £1,964.99 • Extended FAC RRP: £2,001.99
FIREARM CERTIFICATES LAST 40 YEARS Year
Applications
Total number of certificates
Guns covered
Guns per certificate
1983
10,730
159,800
Not known
Not known
1993
11,020
138,400
Not known
Not known
2003/04
7,780
122,100
342,200
2.8
2013/14
9,070
151,413
507,867
3.4
2023/24
6,809
147,364
624,245
4.2
SHOTGUN CERTIFICATES LAST 40 YEARS Year
Applications
Total number of certificates
Guns covered
Guns per certificate
1983
47,100
783,400
Not known
Not known
1993
31,550
681,100
Not known
Not known
2003/04
22,870
569,900
1,372,700
2.4
2013/14
24,355
582,923
1,329,376
2.3
2023/24
16,529
495,798
1,345,973
2.7
SHOTGUN REVOCATIONS RISE 34% The Home Office Statistics (above) also show an alarming increase in the number of revocations for firearms certificates over the 2023-2024 period. A ‘revocation’ is when a licence is taken away. The data shows that 507 firearm certificates were revoked (a 21% annual increase), while 1,559 shotgun certificates were also revoked (a 34% annual increase).
Refusals were also up, at an average of six per cent for both firearms and shotguns. In all cases, these refusals and revocations were at the highest rate since comparable records began. Turn to page 9 for more on this story, where BASC’s Conor O’Gorman delves deeper into the figures and outlines what should be done to challenge this trend.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
STORE OF THE MONTH
ON AIR
INDUSTRY INSIDER
Alex pays a visit to Horton and Sons in the heart of Birmingham
Isabel Bontoft talks all things Weihrauch with Mat Manning
Karl recalls the early lessons he learned at Game Fairs past
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