I am already worried about the lead ban that looks likely to be implemented in 2029 in the UK. Indeed, I have written on here about my intention, should the legislation go through parliament, to cease all shooting that year. I shall be offering my guns for sale on here first!
Now an additional possible restriction has been mooted by Government and/or nameless civil servants. That is to restrict the number of shotguns an individual can own and to justify their ownership. This is already the case for rifles, held on Firearms Certificate. The new proposal will mean that Shotgun Certificate holders will be treated in the same way. This is another stab in the heart of gun enthusiasts, countrymen and game shots and their enjoyment of their sport.
In my case I have 7 shotguns on my certificate. My great grandfathers 1922 Henry Clarke of Leicester 12 BLE, with which he, my grand father, my father and I have shot. Now retired from use, pretty much. I have a 1899 Frederick Beesley best 12 SLE, used by my father and me and which I had fitted to my specifications. Used maybe twice a season. I also have what is now my go-to game gun, a delightful HJ Hussey Ltd best 12 SLE Imperial Ejector in original condition; the same barrels, stock, action and fore part as it came from the Hussey workshops for its first owner in 1904 (I use a leather slip-on stock extension). I also have a beautiful little ex-rook rifle, converted to .410, by Lang & Hussey from 1896, hammer and, unusually, a top lever. It feels wonderful in the hands and I use it several times a year at the shooting grounds, for fun. Lastly, I have a 1911 Hussey Ltd 'The Times' 12 SLE which I bought and made into a cut-away gun. The barrels had had it, the stock had a crack which had been crudely repaired, but the wonderful workmanship of the action and ejector are now visible. I cut virtually all of the stock off and would liked to have sliced the barrels in half and cut them down to a few inches, but that would be against the law here, so it remains a 'gun', one which I take out to admire the innards of every now and again. Lastly, I also hold two Browning over and unders, one 12 and one 20, for an American friend, so that he can use them when he comes here to shoot game. Because it is also the law here, my guns are all held locked up inside two secure steel gun cabinets, which themselves are located in a hard to find location in my house, so I can not even sit in my study and look at those lovely guns on display.
Diggory has written an article on the proposals here:
https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/proposals-to-restrict-shotguns With all this legislation coming along, it is no wonder I feel angry and sad about my shooting, which I have enjoyed since I was a boy in shorts.
Tim
