Week-long gun surrender following change in legislation

Monday 29th November marked the start of a week-long gun surrender in Cheshire.

The surrender follows a change in the law, which has now made it illegal for people to own antique firearms without the appropriate certification.

The new legislation came into effect on 22 September 2021.

The UK has some of the strictest gun control legislation in the world and comparatively low levels of gun crime. These changes will help to further restrict criminal access to firearms and better protect the public.

Superintendent Richard Rees said: “This latest legislation makes it more difficult for criminals to get their hands on a gun, which is vital in protecting the public and helping prevent criminals committing serious harm to our communities.”

This change in the law means that those legitimately owning an ‘antique’ gun can still do so, providing they have the correct licence.

Supt Rees added: “The one week surrender means you can hand in any dangerous weapon, as well as the now illegal antique guns.

“If you are concerned that your antique gun may now be illegal, you can either call us on 101 requesting your gun is collected by an officer, or enquire about obtaining a licence if it falls into the categories below, but please don’t hand your gun in at a helpdesk.”

The cartridges (and any associated guns) that will require licences to be legally-held are:
• .320 British (also known as .320 Revolver CF, short or long)
• .41 Colt (short or long)
• .44 Smith and Wesson Russian
• .442 Revolver (also known as .44 Webley)
• 9.4mm Dutch Revolver
• 10.6mm German Ordnance Revolver
• 11mm French Ordnance Revolver M1873 (Army)

If you have one of these guns, call 101 so that an appropriate officer can attend your address, make the weapon safe and remove it.

Or you can contact the firearms licensing team to enquire about obtaining a licence for your antique gun between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday by calling 01606 362084. You can also go to the firearms licensing section on the constabulary’s website any time to enquire. (https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ar/applyregister/fao/af/apply-firearm-shotgun-explosives-certificate/)

For more information about the changes in legislation please visit the gov.uk website here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0012021-antique-firearms