Application form

Download a grant pack (Firearms certificate application - Forms 101, 125, 646)

The application form (form 101) and referee form (form 125) can be downloaded below.

View an example of an accurately completed application form

Fees

The grant of a firearm certificate is £50.00. Cheques or postal orders must be made payable to 'Avon and Somerset Constabulary'. Cash should not be sent through the post.

Co-terminous certificates

If you are applying for the grant or renewal of a firearm certificate and you already possess a shotgun certificate, you may request for both certificates to expire on the same day by making them co-terminous. This process will save you money in the long run making future co-terminous renewals £50.00 in total.

Good reason

Section 27(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 states that a Chief Officer of Police shall grant or renew a firearms certificate if he is satisfied that the applicant has 'good reason' to possess, purchase or acquire the firearm or ammunition for which the application is made. 'Good reason' is demonstrated by the applicant showing that he/she has acceptable facilities to use the type of firearms concerned.

Target shooting

Please enclose a copy of your club membership card or a letter from the club secretary confirming membership. You will be expected to be a full member.

Vermin/deer/sporting shooting

If you do not own the land or the shooting rights on the land on which you intend to shoot, please enclose a copy of the authority regarding the land on which you wish to shoot. For example: if you have permission to use a .22 rifle on one piece of land and a .243 rifle on another piece of land, you will need two separate authorities.

Variations

If you are applying for a variation to increase the number of guns in your possession, you will need to clarify your 'good reason' in wanting to purchase another rifle. Simply writing 'vermin control' or 'deer control' is not sufficient reason.

Referees

Referee forms should be given to two people who have known you for at least two years. Members of your immediate family, registered firearms dealers, serving police officers or police employees cannot act as referees. If your application relates to target shooting, at least one referee must be either the club secretary, chairperson or treasurer. All referees must be of good character and when they have completed the form, must return it direct to the Firearms Licensing Department.

Notes of guidance for completion of Referee Forms

Security

Firearms and shotguns should be stored so as to prevent access by unauthorised persons, which includes other members of an applicant's household. All guns should be stored out of sight and under lock and key. Gun cabinets, gun clamps and gun rooms are the best forms of secure storage.

Gun Cabinets

1. To be made of steel at least 2mm thick and conform to BS 7558 (1992).
2. To have two five lever locks fitted inside the cabinet.
3. To be secured to the fabric of the house in a protected area (ie not a garage or an outhouse).
4. To be out of sight from casual visitors.

Gun Clamps

Are suitable if you have one gun and must conform to the same standards as a gun cabinet.

Ammunition

Should be stored in a separate lockable compartment and may form part of the cabinet. Ammunition boxes should remain ventilated.

Transporting guns

1. Always keep your firearm in its case or cover whilst transporting it.
2. Never transport a loaded firearm.
3. Any guns should be hidden, preferably in the locked boot or other secured load-carrying area of the vehicle.
4. If the vehicle is left unattended for any reason, firearms should be concealed and an essential component part such as the bolt or fore-end removed and kept in the possession of the responsible person.
5. Where possible, any ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm and this too should be concealed from view.

Please use this checklist to ensure you have included everything we need to process your application efficiently:

• Indicate whether the application is a Grant or Renewal application
• Complete all parts of the application form
• Read, sign and date the authorisation at question 16 and the declaration at Part F.
• Referees must have known you personally for at least the last two years and must not be relatives.
• Referees must have read Part A, signed the declarations at Part E and 'certified' one of your photographs.
• Referees must have each been given Form 125 and the correct address to return it direct to us after they have completed it (see below).
• Include 4 passport sized photographs - one signed by you, one 'certified' by each of your referees.
• Cheque (signed) for correct fee made payable to: Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
• If applying for 'co-terminous' application have you completed both Firearm and Shot Gun application forms?
• Included Land Form and/or Club Form to support 'good reason'
• Send application to the correct PO Box number 2781
• Have you put enough postage on? It can take several weeks to be returned to you by the Royal Mail if undelivered.