BRITAIN’S ONLY SHOOTING INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
ISSUE 95 NOVEMBER 2023
£4.95
LEAD LAWS PROPOSED Five years to a ban from date of enactment The Health & Safety Executive has finally published its proposals for the future of lead ammunition in the UK. It sets the ambition of the proposed regulations in the executive summary: “For the environment there are risks that are not adequately controlled for lead shot, lead bullets and airgun ammunition, and amongst consumers of high volumes of game meat that has been shot with lead ammunition, there is a risk to the health of They key features of the ban are • The use of lead shot for live quarry shooting would be prohibited. • The use of lead shot for target shooting would be prohibited. • The sale or trade of lead shot would be prohibited. • The use of lead bullets for live quarry shooting would not be prohibited. • The use of lead bullets for outdoor target shooting would be prohibited. • The use of lead ammunition in air weapons would not be prohibited. Further details and news of some exemptions can be found in Simon West’s column on page 42.
vulnerable people that is not adequately controlled. Therefore, the Agency is recommending measures to restrict the use and placing on the market of some types of lead ammunition.” The published proposals are unlikely to become law until next year. There will now be a further consultation process during which the industry can continue to comment on the proposals. This ends on 10 December. Legislation, therefore, seems unlikely before spring at the earliest, which would mean the proposed ban coming in some time in 2029.
“The likely reprieve for lead airgun ammunition is very good news,” said Mat Manning. “Lead pellets are by far the best option for delivering precise, clean kills when using airguns to control pests. Airgun shooters use a tiny amount of ammunition out in the field, and when larger volumes are used for practice or competition, it can usually be recovered. I am still of the mind that we should consider a leadfree alternative if offered something of comparable price and performance in the future. I haven’t seen anything that comes close to that yet, though.”
The British Shooting Sports Council gave a cautious welcome to the proposals, with Secretary Graham Downing telling us: “We are encouraged by the fact that the Health & Safety Executive is not proposing to restrict the use of lead in airguns or for hunting with bulleted ammunition. Likewise, target rifle shooters will benefit from a derogation that will enable them to use lead ammunition provided that the range they are shooting on complies with NRA codes of practice on lead recovery. We believe that most established ranges will already be in compliance. This will also allow the users of vintage, historic and muzzle loading rifles to continue shooting with the ammunition for which their guns were originally designed. “HSE is proposing a five-year transition for lead shot. The live quarry shooting associations have already signed up to a voluntary phase-out for shotgun shooting, but there will undoubtedly be a challenge for clay shooting, which consumes around 70% of all the shotgun ammunition sold in the UK, and it remains to be seen how the derogation for elite international clay shooting competitors will work. “The 60-day public consultation is now open and we will see whether this will affect the Health & Safety Executive’s final proposals, and how Ministers will react to them.”
LEVELLING UP? SGC AND JSB JOIN FORCES Fans of second-hand and antique guns will no doubt be delighted by the news that a new auction powerhouse is emerging in the north. Lonsdales Auctioneers is holding its inaugural firearms sale on 9 November 2023. The auction house, run by John Tamlin (pictured), holds a Section 5 authority allowing them to handle prohibited weapons and ammunition. John explains: “Since opening, our geographical convenience has been highlighted by a number of elderly gunowners who have contacted us wishing to dispose of their guns without leaving the inconvenience of disposal to relatives and, at the same time, being able to realise their value. This has become even more apparent when clients wish to dispose of Section 5 items.” For more, see Auction View on page 23.
The Sportsman Gun Centre Group has announced that they will be the UK and Ireland’s official importer for JSB ammunition. Through this new venture SGC and JSB hope to grow market share and increase availability to airgun shooters in the UK and Ireland. JSB munitions have been the competitor’s choice for years, winning countless competitions and championships. Unrivalled in shot-to-shot consistency, accuracy and quality, JSB is the choice of leading manufacturers, hunters and sportsmen. JSB recognise that manufacturing processes and tolerance vary between gunmakers. To this end many of the products are offered in minute varia-
tions (0.01mm/0.025g). It is these variations that ensure the perfect pellet to gun fit and an unrivalled level of accuracy and performance. As part of the SGC’s commitment to JSB and the British and Irish markets, the group will be including a UK identification mark so dealers and the public know they are buying the genuine/official product imported through the correct channels. This process will ensure that JSB’s good name is upheld and consistent pricing is maintained. SGC Managing Director and founder Gary Lamburn said: “SGC are proud to represent the world’s leading brand in airgun ammunition. JSB offer the best all-round performance of any pellets we have
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
WOT NO SOCKS!
The famous Christmas gear round up is upon us already – Page 27 –
SHOOTING PARTY
The inimitable Mike Hurney talks everything airgun with Mat Manning – Page 20 –
seen. Our plan is to stock enough ammunition to accelerate the brand to new heights and fulfil every shooter’s needs.”
PURDEY FINE
We step inside the grand doors on South Audley Street for a chat – Page 15 –
