Shooting WW2 Guns in the UK?

[IanC]

SORRY AdMINS



Is it wishful thinking on my part?

I think I know the answer to this question but am asking it on the off chance!

Is there anywhere in the UK where I could go to handle and\or shoot ww2 guns? pref German, I know that MG's & SMG's are out but I was wondering about rifles?

Are there any clubs that specialise in this sort of thing?

Any helps would be gratefully received!

Cheers

[Adrian Stevenson]

There are many rifle clubs within the UK. As any WW2 German rifle will be 7.92mm these are classed as "full bore". Not every club range can handle these full size rounds due to safety considerations. (The bullet will go a long way )

You should be able to find any rifle clubs in your area via the phone book, "Gun Mart" magazine or a call to your local Police firearms department will put you wise. Join a club and have fun

If you want to handle MP40/MP44/MG34/MG42 you can still buy one deactivated if you are quick....

Cheers, Ade.

[atcase]

Hi Ade,

some what off topic may be but with the impending (?) ban on the sale of replica guns will this also include de-act`s ??
Ashley

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ashley, the proposed new legislation is very vague in it's wording. I have read the Bill, which had just had it's second reading in the Commons. I suspect this is done by design. I have today read a written reply from an MP on another forum which says deacts will fall under these new rules. As a result the sale of them, but not possesion will be banned. They cannot afford to ban them, as the cost would be too much as no one actually knows how many there are in the UK.

Cheers, Ade.

[IanC]

Thanks for the info Adrian,

I'll starting looking for my local club.

Thanks again

[Adrian Stevenson]

No problem I see your location is London. Try and make it to the "War & Peace Show" at Beltring Kent next month. Plenty of WW2 German kit will be seen there.

It would be nice to call you by your first name

Cheers, Ade.

[atcase]

Hi Ade,

thanks for your reply.
Ashley

[Bill Grist]

shooting

Just come to the USA with your fellow countryman PATRICK, a member on this forum and we'll shoot everything... He will be coming back in Late September early OCT.. for the MaAX show...BILL

[petermac]

I shoot an Enfield No4 at least once a month at Bisley in Surrey (just West of London) and the club I'm a member of has the use of an Army active range 3 or 4 times a year, I try not to miss those outings even though they always occur on weekdays. I shot a k98 until a couple of years ago when I started finding the sights a bit difficult, they're definitely designed for young eyes!

There is quite an active interest in shooting militaty rifles here in the UK despite all the difficulties put in our way.

All the best, Peter

[Gene]

Are you guys allowed to own these rifles too? If so, can you keep them at home?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Gene, yes we can have bolt action rifles. These are held on a Firearms Certificate. You apply to the Police for this permit. You have to get two other people to recommend that you are of sound mind and have a good valid reason to want a rifle, such as membership of a shooting club, living history group, deer stalking, vermin control, etc. The certificate will only allow you to buy the specific weapon/s that you have asked to be allowed to own, such as Kar. 98k. You also have to state the maximum amount of rounds which you would require. To be found with just one extra will get you into touble. The Police will carry out background checks on you and visit your home to talk to you and to see where the rifle/s will be stored. This will be in a purpose made steel gun cabinet of approved design with double locks and bolted to the floor and wall. You then get a certificate which has your photo on it and lists what you are allowed to own. You can apply to own a rifle from a collecting point of view and ask to have no ammo. The procedure is just the same, but it will not allow you to posess a single round. Security will be the same as above.

Shotguns are also allowed, with a maximum of a three shot mag. Once again you need a certificate.

Hope this explains it for you?

Cheers, Ade.

[Gene]

Pretty much Ade, thanks. It sounds like a relatively simple procedure, but how much does it cost (license-wise, I'm sure a safe is a lot of money too) and how long are the licenses good for? If you have no intention of shooting a collectible piece, can you own a Garand or G43 that's live? I mean, if it's just going to sit there (like my WW2 rifles do) why not allow them too?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Gene, the cost of the certificate (both Firearm or Shotgun) is £50 and is valid for 5 years. After that renewal is £40.

Sadly, all semi and full autos are banned. No exceptions.

Well I say no exceptions, there are, for some specially licenced dealers. These come under Section 5 of the Firearms Act. Those people are very few and far between. For some living history events we get to hire these weapons, like semi auto rifles and SMG's etc. Cost is about £25 a day plus blanks. (You cannot hire one to shoot live.) To hire one you need to be registered on their books with all your personal details and a mugshot and they will take some form of ID from you (Current passport or photo card driving licence and a recent utility bill) and hold it until the weapon is returned at the end of the event. This type of thing is only done by two dealers to my knowledge. Two weeks ago I hired an early 1941 dated PPSh41 .

Cheers, Ade.

[IanC]

I shoot an Enfield No4 at least once a month at Bisley in Surrey (just West of London) and the club I'm a member of has the use of an Army active range 3 or 4 times a year, I try not to miss those outings even though they always occur on weekdays. I shot a k98 until a couple of years ago when I started finding the sights a bit difficult, they're definitely designed for young eyes!

There is quite an active interest in shooting militaty rifles here in the UK despite all the difficulties put in our way.

All the best, Peter

Thanks for the reply Peter, Shooting an Enfield No4 (along with an SMLE and a K98) is exactly what I am looking to do. Can I ask you a couple questions?

Is it your rifle? or the club that you belong to? Is it an expensive hobby, I don't need an exact figure, a rough guide would be fine.

Adrian, thanks for the info on the War and Peace show, I'll be doing my best to attend. I also need to update my location info, I am now living in NW Leicestershire!

Cheers

Ian

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ian, NW Leics; in that case you are very close to me. I am in South Derbyshire.


Cheers, Ade.