Some basic points of the law

When not in use shotguns must be stored in a secure place, reasonable precautions for their security must be taken at all other times.

It is illegal (subject to limited exceptions) to buy or sell a shotgun unless both parties hold valid shotgun certificates.  Each must then inform his own Chief Officer of Police of details of the gun bought/sold - this also applies if a gun is lent/borrowed for more than 72 hours.

It is an offence (subject to limited exceptions) to sell shotgun cartridges to anyone unless they produce their shotgun certificate.

It is illegal (subject to limited exceptions) to have a loaded shotgun in a public place.

It is illegal to sell a shotgun which is out of proof.

It is illegal (subject to limited exceptions) to possess a shotgun without a valid shotgun certificate.

It is illegal to shoot game without a game licence or on Sundays, Christmas Day or at night.

It is also illegal to shoot at all in some areas on Sundays and Christmas Day.

It is illegal to shoot out of season.

Protected species must not be shot at any time; this also applies to racing pigeons.  If one is shot by accident or found dead, always return the leg ring.

It is illegal to shoot wildfowl or game with a gun having a magazine capacity of more than two cartridges.

Provided a shotgun certificate is held, there is no restriction on possession if aged between fifteen and under seventeen, but a shotgun may not be bought or hired.

Although there is no lower age limit for the grant of a certificate, a child under fifteen can only possess a shotgun if under the supervision of a person aged twenty-one or over or if the gun is covered with a securely fastened gun-cover to prevent firing.

It is an offence for a person under fifteen to have with him an assembled shotgun other than in the above circumstances.

It is an offence to make a gift of  a shotgun or ammunition to a person under the age of fifteen, although it is not an offence for a youngster to possess ammunition.

Safety at home

Always keep your shotgun and  cartridges in separate safe places - preferably locked away out of sight.

A proper security cabinet is ideal.

Keep a separate record of serial numbers and photographs of your guns.

Always check that a shotgun is unloaded immediately you handle it.

Always hand a shotgun to someone else with the breech open and empty.

Never load a shotgun indoors.

Never allow unsupervised children to handle shotguns or cartridges.  Lock them away out of reach.

Never stand a shotgun against anything where it can be knocked over.

Safety whilst travelling

Always transport a shotgun in its case or in a protective gun cover.

If guns and cartridges have to be left in a vehicle, put them out of sight and always take some small, vital part of the gun eg the fore-end away with you.

Always leave a vehicle locked, even if unattended only for a short time.

Never travel with a loaded shotgun.

REMEMBER - IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE

Safety in the field

Always carry a shotgun so that it does not point at anyone.

Always have the safety catch on "safe" until the moment before you wish to fire.

Always unload your shotgun before crossing an obstacle, or negotiating difficult terrain.

Always show that your shotgun is open and empty before passing it to anyone.

Always pass it stock first.

Always carry a shotgun open and empty when in close company.

Always look through your barrels to check whenever and obstruction could have entered.

Never load a shotgun until you are about to start shooting.

Never put a loaded shotgun down.

Never lean a shotgun against anything, or put it on top of a vehicle.

Never touch the triggers until you want to fire.

Never attempt to shoot unless you are steady on your feet.

Never attach a dog's lead to yourself, it may pull you off balance.

Never shoot unless you are sure what you are shooting.

Never shoot unless you are sure that it is safe to do so.

Warning!

Shooting near overhead power lines or insulators can result in severe injury or death.  The main points to remember are:
*Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators
*Familiarise yourself with the location of powerlines and equipment on land where you shoot.
*Do not use power line wood poles or towers to support equipment used in your shooting activity.
*Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
*Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical apparatus.
*Avoid the use of lofting poles near overhead power lines - remember, electricity can jump across a considerable distance.

The loss of power supply also creates serious consequences to local communities.

If accidental damage does occur:

KEEP WELL CLEAR dial 999 for the emergency  services and contact your local Electricity Company immediately (under 'Electricity' in the telephone directory)

Insurance

Never shoot without adequate legal liability (3rd party) insurance.

Membership of the BASC currently gives such insurance.

The Shotgun

*Always ensure that any shotguns you use are in safe and sound condition, and that the internal mechanism is in a proper state of adjustment.
*Always ensure you understand the proof markings on any shotgun you use.
*Always ensure that the shotgun is in proof and chambered for the type of cartridge you intend to use.
*Always put the safety catch back on between shots.
Take special care with guns without automatic safety catches.
*Always make sure the barrels are pointing in a safe direction while reloading.
*Always lift the stock to the barrels when closing your shotgun.  Never lift the barrels to the stock.
*Always carry hammer guns uncocked, except when expecting a shot.
*Always take care that the barrels are pointing straight upwards while cocking the barrels, with the finger around the outside of the trigger guard and the thumb in the crutch of the hammer.
*Always open a hammer gun and remove cartridge before uncocking it, with the barrels pointing towards the ground.  If in a particular gun the right hammer obstructs the top lever, consult a gunsmith.
*Never uncock hammers onto loaded chambers.  Semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns must have a fixed magazine capable of holding no more than two cartridges (plus one in chamber = 3).  If they hold more than that they are classed as Section 1 Firearms and you need a Firearm Certificate to be in possession of one.
*Always take special care with pump-action and self-loading guns to ensure that there is no obstruction in the barrel.
*Always carry an empty gun with the slide or action open.
Never take advantage of your shotgun’s ability for multiple shots.

Buying and Selling

Under the Firearms Act 1968 (amended 1988) both the buyer and seller of any shotgun are obliged to notify the Chief Constable of the transfer (hire, sale, gift or loan) by Recorded Delivery within 72 hours of the transaction.  Forms of this purpose are available from BASC HQ on receipt of a SAE.

The Cartridge

Always ensure that the cartridge type and shot size is suitable for your purpose and your shotgun.
Be especially cautious with reloads.
Never imagine that a heavy load and a lot of choke justify shots of extreme range.
Never allow cartridges of different bore sizes to get mixed together.  A smaller size cartridge inadvertently loaded in a large chamber can lodge in a barrel.  If a correct sized cartridge is then chambered and fired it will cause a burst.
In the case of a mis-fire keep the barrels pointing in a safe direction before opening it to investigate.

Shotgun Care

Always clean your shotgun before putting it away.
Always have faults rectified before using the shotgun again.
Always have your shotgun regularly overhauled by a competent gunsmith.
Never use a shotgun with badly dented or pitted barrels.
Never use a shotgun with dangerous trigger pulls or a faulty safety catch.

BASC publication