Post by GZ22
There are two types of deactivated weapon in the UK - those deactivated before 1995 have full moving parts (though are still incapable of firing any type of projectile). Then you have weapons deactivated from 1995 - these have little to no moving parts as most of the actions are welded solid.
The information below should clear up what UK law requires in order for a weapon to be considered deactivated from a legal standpoint.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deactivated weapons are any firearms which have been converted, in such a manner that they can no longer discharge any shot, bullet or other missile. More importantly, deactivation is intended to be permanent and such firearms should be incapable of being reactivated without specialist tools or skills.
Deactivation work carried out in the UK since 1st July 1989 will generally have been endorsed by one of the Proof Houses, the weapon proof-marked and a certificate of deactivation issued. To these ends, any weapon, even a prohibited weapon such as a machine gun, can be deactivated. The outcome is that the weapon is no longer a firearm within the meaning of the Firearms Acts, and consequently may be possessed without a firearm or shotgun certificate and may be displayed in the owner's home, rather than be locked in a gun cabinet.
Deactivation of a firearm is not something to be undertaken by the layman. There are stringent requirements before a weapon can be proofed as deactivated and such work is best left to a gunsmith. A Registered Firearms Dealer is the best person to speak to if you require a weapon to be deactivated. He can make all the necessary arrangements for you, including deactivation of the weapon and getting it proofed. You should not "deactivate" a weapon yourself; for instance by filling in the barrel or filing off the firing pin. In such circumstances the weapon will still remain a "firearm" and require to be held on a certificate. Deactivation needs to be carried out by a qualified gunsmith in order to meet the standard necessary for proofing.
Although the above references to proofing and certification do not preclude the possibility that a firearm which has been deactivated in some other way may also have ceased to be a firearm within the meaning of the 1968 Act (as amended), it is important that care is taken when acquiring any firearm which is described as deactivated. You should ensure that you are shown the Proof House mark and deactivation certificate issued in respect of any gun deactivated in the UK since 1st July 1989.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, the Remington model that I am after is classified as a Restricted Shotgun in the UK, some info on that is below.
The Firearms Amendment Act 1988 reclassified "pump-action" and "semi-automatic" shotguns, which had a magazine capable of holding more than two cartridges, as Section 1 firearms and since that time, can only be legally held on a firearms certificate.
However, many shotgun certificate holders already possessed such weapons, and consequently either had to dispose of them or have them "restricted".
Restriction is the adaptation of the shotgun magazine allowing it to hold no more than two conventional size cartridges. A third cartridge can still be held in the breech, and this is quite legal.
The adaptation must be done in a manner approved by the Secretary of State and should be carried out by a fully qualified gunsmith. The adaptation is not legal until the shotgun has been proved by one of the two Proof Houses, duly proof marked and a certificate issued by the Proof House.
If you plan to acquire a "pump-action" or "semi-automatic" shotgun on a shotgun certificate, you must ensure that the magazine is incapable of holding more than two cartridges by manufacture or adaptation. In the latter case the shotgun must be so proof marked and accompanied by a certificate from the issuing Proof House. The magazine must also be non-detachable as this alone will make the shotgun a Section 1 firearm.
Failure to ensure these points may expose you to being in unlawful possession of Section 1 firearms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this is useful.
Thanks,
GZ
Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:35 pm
