air rifles in public?

[Siberianfury]

My freind from a town near by is asking me if i can bring my BSA rifle over for some target shooting tommorow, this would require taking the rifle on a bus in a slip and walking to his house through town.

is it illegal to carry a sub 12 ft/lbs rifle in a public place even if its enclosed in a slip?

ive checked a few websites but not found anything solid, just wondering if anyone here could help.

ATB
Josh

 

[keen-edge]

hi here you go josh
http://www.youngmans.com/acatalog/law.html

 

[Ahjno]

Guys,

Could you please think, step away from the computer, brew up, think again and then post a proper answer on this valid question?

This to prevent the thread going downhill and getting locked, as it's a perfect topic for it ...

I suffice by refering to:

This locked thread:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53039

Merci beaucoup!

 

[Andy2112]

As long as it's slipped, ie in a gun bag, unloaded you will be perfectly fine Josh. I walked through a city centre last year in exactly the same way and no one batted an eyelid.

 

[ashab1]

Make sure its not loaded

 

[nitrambur]

Information from an airgun forum, similar question asked part way down the thread. General answer, yes it's ok as long as it's not loaded or cocked and you have reasonable excuse, taking it directly from home to a friends would probably be reasonable.

http://www.airgunforum.co.uk/forums/anything-airgun-related/76641-uk-airgun-law.html

 

[lee2205]

to my knowlage it is not legal, let alone advisable, to transport such items openly in puplic. i would advise talking to your local gunshop or police before taking a wander round to your friends. on top of that it would be only to easy for a group of less desirables to give you a thump and go of to rob some poor member of the public with your gun. the secure, legal and safe transportation of anything that can be deemed a weapon is something to swat up on as often as possible as things do change without warning making it much easier to end up in the brown stuff.
lee

 

[British Red]

If you are under 18 SF, then you would be committing an offence, even if the gun is cased by carrying it in a public place

http://www.sussex.police.uk/online_forms/firearms_new_laws.asp

Red

 

[HillBill]

My freind from a town near by is asking me if i can bring my BSA rifle over for some target shooting tommorow, this would require taking the rifle on a bus in a slip and walking to his house through town.

is it illegal to carry a sub 12 ft/lbs rifle in a public place even if its enclosed in a slip?

ive checked a few websites but not found anything solid, just wondering if anyone here could help.

ATB
Josh

Yes you are fine to do that.

 

[JonathanD]

I'd seriously advise against getting on a bus with it even though it is legal. Too many people are anti gun nowadays. Get a lift or taxi.

 

[wattsy]

as long as its uncocked, in a slip and the ammo is kept separate its perfectly legal

 

[Doc]

If you're over 18, it can be carried if you have good reason - otherwise how would anyone get them home after buying one?

However, I would agree with JonathanD's view here. It might attract attention, and you may end up having to prove your good reason. Also the bus company might have 'conditions of carriage' preventing carriage of such items.

So, legally yes, but practically questionable. One solution might be to carry a written invitation to shoot in case of problems.

 

[Barn Owl]

Why not put the gun and slip in a guitar case?

No-one will bat an eye at that.

 

[HillBill]

Best to go by the law, not the public perception of it. One is right the other is so far removed from whats right as to be totally wrong.

The Law says you can carry it, simple as. There really is nothing else to consider. Its sporting equipment nothing more.

 

[Siberianfury]

If you are under 18 SF, then you would be committing an offence, even if the gun is cased by carrying it in a public place

http://www.sussex.police.uk/online_forms/firearms_new_laws.asp

Red

nahh im almost 19, so it should be ok as long as i have my ID

 

[Everything Mac]

as far as i am aware you are ok to take it to your friends house as long as it is covered and not cocked. - carry ammo in a separate bag.

if in doubt - call your local police station - tell them whats happening and they can inform you for definite.

 

[phill_ue]

Why is something so simple made out to be so difficult here? It's just an air rifle! It's legal to carry or how would you get it home when you bought it, teleportation? Just be sensible, have it in a gun case with your pellets in your pocket, carry your driving licence just in case you get stopped and if you are paranoid call the plod to say you will be moving an air rifle from your house to your friends at a specific time and route and it will comply with all regulations as laid down by the law.

To be fair, I think most of the advice smacks of paranoia. If you're doing nothng wrong, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Klenchblaize]

I've taken that "step back" from the keyboard and would only say how sad it is that the suggestions offered by JD and Doc; made only to be helpful to both questioner and the sport of sh**ting, should be so necessary.

When I recall how my first Highland stalking trip started with a walk to a bus stop, another walk from bus to local BR station, a train journey to King Cross (via the Underground), an overnight sleeper to Edinburgh, various buses to Kirrimuir and then a taxi to Glenisla and all whist toting a Dumoulin 243, 80 rounds of Federal Premium Grade ammo and - I nearly forgot - a very large knife, I guess you would expect me to marvel at the times we live in!

Hope you get there safely and enjoy your days sport.

Cheers

 

[HillBill]

Indeed Phill

Medias to blame.

 

[johnnytheboy]

http://www.airgunbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434531&highlight=public+transport

another thread along the same lines