United Kingdom Gun Guide 8.0

@h@This Guide has been Updated and Moved to: https://rentry.co/UKGunGuide
Updated Infographic can be found here: https://i.imgur.com/YcHH4mn.png
-------- Part 0: Contents & Preamble --------
0. Preamble
Before reading this guide it needs to be understood that this guide is split into three distinct and separate parts:

Part 1 of the Guide Covers What is Attainable within the United Kingdom for those whom simply wish to know what Firearms are Legal within the United Kingdom without learning the entire process of how to acquire these firearms, afterwards Part 1 focuses on what to do if you're Eager to begin shooting, this focuses on Shotgun Acquisition as well as Airgun Acquisition.
This Part of the Guide is Highly Recommended for the Layman to get a grasp on Firearm Terms and Firearm Law whether they be British, American or European as well as being for the average British person to learn the first steps for a forward toward full Firearm Ownership within the UK.

Part 2 of the Guide Covers the entire Process within Great Britain (England Scotland and Wales) on how to acquire Firearms, the Primary focus of this part of the guide is to those whom wish to become Target Shooters, and for them to have the most comprehensive and digestible guide possible. Part 2 However will reiterate sections of Part 1 (Such as Firearm Terminology and Legal Firearms) and will not assume that have you read Part 1.
This Part of the Guide is for those who wish to Acquire both Section 1 and Section 2 Firearms.

Part 3 of the Guide covers Miscellaneous Additional Resources that don't fit into either Part 1 or Part 2 because of this Part 3 Ranges far wider than the other two parts containing within it, UK YouTube Gun Channels, Firearm Associations, to General Firearms Advice, Infographics as well as beautifully archaic Gun Shop Websites which still have 90s Web Design.

If you prefer reading the Legacy Version of this Guide, the Pastebin will forever remain here: https://pastebin.com/6bUeDafC

@h@This Guide has been Updated and Moved to: https://rentry.co/UKGunGuide
Updated Infographic can be found here: https://i.imgur.com/YcHH4mn.png

Table of Contents
-------- Part 0: Contents & Preamble --------
0.Preamble
Table of Contents
--- Part 1 ---
1. Which Firearms are Currently Legal Within the UK?
1.1 Preface(s)
1.1.1 Keys
1.1.2 Overall Length
1.1.3 Magazine Restrictions
1.1.4 Calibre Restrictions
1.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions
1.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
1.2 UK Legal Firearms
1.2.1 Section 1 (England, Scotland and Wales)
1.2.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)
1.2.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates
1.2.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
1.2.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
1.3 What Should I do if I'm Eager to Shoot?
1.3.1 Airguns (England and Wales Only)
1.3.1.1 Airguns Scotland (Air Weapon Certificate)
1.3.2 Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit
1.3.3 Shotgun Certificate Shotguns (2+1)
1.4 Common Myths
1.4.1 Can the Police enter my house at any time because I own a Firearm?
--- Part 2 ---
2. Firearm Guide for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
2.1 Preamble
2.2 The Checklist in Brief
2.2.1 1. A "Good Reason" to own a Firearm (Applies to Section 1 Only)
2.2.2 2. The Referees
2.2.3 3. Criminal Record Check
2.2.4 4. Health Check
2.2.4.1 GP Procedure
2.2.5 5. A Passport Picture
2.2.6 6. A Safe Check
2.3 The FEO Inspection & Interview
2.4 Types of Licenses
2.4.1 Firearm Certificates (FAC)
2.4.2 Shotgun Certificates (SGC)
2.4.3 Coterminous Certificate for both Firearms and Shotguns
2.4.4 Explosives Certificate
2.5 Which Firearms are Currently Legal Within the UK?
2.5.1 Preface(s)
2.5.2 Keys
2.5.3 Overall Length
2.5.4 Magazine Restrictions
2.5.5 Calibre Restrictions
2.5.6 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions
2.5.7 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
2.6 UK Legal Firearms
2.6.1 Section 1 (England, Scotland and Wales)
2.6.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)
2.6.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates
2.6.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
2.6.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
2.7 The Application Forms
2.7.1 201 Form
2.7.2 201V Form
2.7.3 Application Submission
2.7.4 How Long will the Application Take to Process?
2.7.5 Congratulations
2.8 Firearm Purchases
2.8.1 Section 1 Purchases & Transfers
2.8.2 Section 2 Purchases & Transfers
--- Part 3 ---
3. Additional Resources
3.1 UK Firearm Channels
3.2 Firearm Associations
3.2.1 General Associations
3.2.2 Target/Practical Shooting Associations
3.2.3 Pro-Firearm Associations
3.3 Local Club Finders
3.3.1 Section 1 Club Finders
3.3.2 Section 2 Club Finders
3.4 Recommended Ranges
3.4.1 England
3.4.2 Scotland
3.4.3 Wales
3.4.4 Northern Ireland
3.5 Firearm Infographics and Misc Information
3.5.1 General Infographics
3.5.2 Rifle Infographics
3.5.3 Shotgun Infographics
3.6 Second Hand Buyers Guides
3.6.1 Rifles
3.6.2 Shotguns
3.7 Safes and Safe Information
3.8 Online Registered Firearm Dealers (RFDs)
3.8.1 New Guns
3.8.2 Milsurp/Classical
3.8.3 Slavophile/Soviet
3.8.4 Used Guns

-------- Part 1 --------
1. Which Firearms are currently Legal Within the UK?

1.1 Preface(s)
This Section covers only what Firearms are Legal within the United Kingdom, the Whole Process is found in Part 2. However, due to the amount of abbreviations and intricacies within UK Law, it is necessary to define essential terminology as well as answering some potential questions before showing the full list.
-------------------
1.1.1 Keys

BL = Barrel Length
OAL = Overall Length
(2+1) = 2 in the Magazine 1 in the chamber
Section 1 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 2 - Needs a Good reason and an Authorized slot on a FAC to own each Section 1 Firearm.
Section 2 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 1 - Primarily (2+1) Shotguns, SGC holders can acquire as many Shotguns as their safe can store.
-------------------
1.1.2 Overall Length

When measuring the length of a firearm if said firearm has any detachable, folding, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded which is why Short Barrelled Rifles (SBRs) and Handguns both fit into the Small Firearms category.

Section 1 Firearms within England, Scotland and Wales, Unless otherwise mentioned must be No Less than a 12"BL and 24" OAL.
Section 1 Shotguns of which are Semi-automatic and Pump-Action must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
Where Section 1 Short Barrelled Firearms are Legal They must be No More than a 12"BL and 24" OAL

Section 2 Regardless of Region, Firearm type or Firearm Action, Section 2 Firearms must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
-------------------
1.1.3 Magazine Restrictions

Section 1 Firearms have no Magazine restrictions.
Section 2 Firearms are Restricted to a maximum capacity of 2 Shells in the Magazine and 1 in the Chamber (2+1)
-------------------
1.1.4 Calibre Restrictions

Unless a Calibre Restriction is Specifically Mentioned within the list such as e.g.
>Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
That Firearm Does Not have a calibre restriction.
-------------------
1.1.5 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions

Unlike the United States, the United Kingdom has no Laws Prohibiting Firearms or Firearm Accessories based Solely on their appearance only on Functionality.
-------------------
1.1.6 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
-Section 1
Sound Moderators under UK Law for Section 1 Firearms are classed as if they were firearms, they like Section 1 Firearms Require a good reason to own and is subject to certificate control. If you feel you need one, then it should be included on your application. Moderator use is also limited to the Firearm slot you get the moderator with.

If the Moderator is integral (permanent) to the Firearm, separate authorisation is not required however you still need to fulfil the "Good Reason Requirement" requirement for the firearm.

If you wish to request this type of rifle it is advised that your application should read along the lines of:

"... .22 rifle with integral sound moderator ..."

Most Common Reasons to own are:
1. Hunting
2. Vermin Control
3. Night Shooting
4. Hearing Protection (Especially with indoor ranges)

-Section 2 and Other
Sound moderators on:
1. air weapons (excluding those deemed as specially dangerous - exceed 12ft lbs kenetic energy)
2. section 2 shotguns

are not considered to be component parts of a firearms.
-------------------
1.2 UK Legal Firearms

1.2.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)

Bolt Action Rifles
FAC Airguns
Lever Action Rifles
Lever Release Rifles**
Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Long Barrelled Revolvers
Manually Actuated Release System (M.A.R.S Rifles/Semi-Semi Automatic Rifles)**
Muzzle Loaded Handguns (Requires Explosives Certificate if using Black Powder)
Pump Action Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Semi-Automatic Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Straight Pull Rifles
Shotguns with over 2+1 Capacity/Detachable Magazines*
	Semi Automatic and Pump Action Shotguns require no less than 24” BL \& 40” OAL
	Any Other Type of Legal Action Shotgun (e.g. Lever Action) Require no less than 12” BL and 24” OAL

**Both Lever Release and M.A.R.S Rifles under the Offensive Weapons Bill of 2019 have become Prohibited to Purchase, however are still Legal to own until a Mandatory Surrender/Buy-Back Scheme is established, to which one has not been made as of writing (January 21st 2020)

1.2.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)

All of the Above
Airguns Over 1 ft/lb of energy must be on your FAC (Jersey)
Short Barrelled Firearms (Pistols and Short Barrelled Rifles No longer than 12" BL and 24" OAL)
Semi-automatic Rifles over 22 Rimfire cartridges (Jersey Only)

1.2.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates

Shotguns with a maximum capacity of 2+1 (24” BL and 40” OAL)
Smooth Bore Muskets
Small Cannons

1.2.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
Section 7.1
Heritage Pistols to be held at home as part of a collection, without ammunition, and allows them to be exhibited
Section 7.3
For Shooting Heritage Pistols at Designated Sites
http://www.hbsa-uk.org/HBSA-what-we-do/heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/heritage-pistol-sites

1.2.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
Antique/Obsolete Calibre Weapons

--------------------------------------------
1.3 What Should I do if I'm Eager to Shoot?

If you are eager to get yourself or others into the world of shooting you have three main options

1. an Airgun
2. a Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit
3. a Shotgun Certificate Shotgun (2+1).

1.3.1 Airguns (England and Wales Only)

If You're over the age of 18 and you currently live in England & Wales, Airguns are a great introductory way for someone to get into Shooting with the Only Requirements being if you're over the age of 18 that when purchasing, you show a valid form of I.D. that includes your photo, name, date of birth, and current address - for example a photocard drivers licence, passport with recent utility bill.

And with a Airgun you must take Reasonable Precautions with it to which are similar enough to learn the basics of overall etiquette and safety when it comes to handling firearms.

Airguns Reasonable Precautions

Store your Airgun out of sight and separately from pellets
Use a robust, lockable and secure cupboard Keeping the Keys Separate and secure
Always store your Airgun in your house rather than an outbuilding like a shed
Never store a cocked or loaded Airgun.
When using your air gun keep it under close supervision and never keep it unattended

All other Standard Safety rules apply in regards to Airguns, such as

Always treating an air weapon as though it were loaded.
Never point an air weapon at another person
Never load an air weapon until it is ready to be fired
Never fire an air rifle unless the shot is safe (make sure a backstop or pellet catcher is used and nobody is nearby who could be in danger).
Never rely on a safety catch to make the air rifle secure
Never put a loaded air weapon down. Always safely discharge or unload and uncock it first
Transport air weapons in a gun slip
Never store an air rifle loaded
Store air rifles out of sight and away from pellets
Store air rifles inside a house rather than in a garden shed
Endeavour to make a stored air rifle incapable of being fired.

1.3.1.1 Airguns Scotland (Air Weapon Certificate)

To own an Air Rifle in Scotland one must Acquire an Air Weapon Certificate (AWC). In which the Process is incredibly similar to an FAC Application, though the learning process should be valuable for a future Firearm Applications and overall procedure with a maximum cost of £72.00 compared to the £79.50 for SGC, it is overall not seen as not worth the price and procedure it asks for.
Further Information

If you're still keen on owning a Airgun in Scotland the Information on the AWP1 Process is here

https://www.mygov.scot/air-weapon/
https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/finance/service-fees-and-charges/firearms/air-weapon-licensing/air-weapon-application-forms

1.3.2 Gun Club/Clay Ground Visit

If you are new to shooting it is best to contact your local club and ask if it would be possible to come down and meet an experienced shooter or coach for a bit of 1 to 1 shooting.

Do not go on one of the party-style shooting events. You will hit nothing and pay way too much money - experienced shooters will be able to offer you advice and stance changes that will have you hitting the target more times than not on your first trip.

1.3.3 Shotgun Certificate Shotguns (2+1)

if you are Keen, Eager and absolutely set on Shooting and most of all owning firearms, a Section 2 Shotgun Certificate is the simplest way to go as it does not require a “Good Reason” as Section 1 Firearm Certificate Firearms require, however, you still need to explain as to why you want to take up shooting to satisfy the Firearms Enquiry Officer and meet the other checks on the Checklist.

Additionally with Section 2 Firearms you are only limited to the capacity of your safe, rather than the amount of Authorized Firearm slots of your Firearms Certificate. Meaning you can purchase as many Section 2 Firearms as your safe can store.

The simplest way to do this is to find a club near you using either the CPSA website or google, visit and familiarise yourself with it. No membership/probation of these clubs are required to reiterate you just need to explain why you want to take up shooting and meet the other checks for a Section 2 Shotgun Certificates.
https://www.cpsa.co.uk/where

1.4 Common Myths
1.4.1 Can the Police enter your house at any time because I own a Firearm?
No, no they cannot.

For First time applicants a home visit is a ways carried out permission is given to the police to enter your house instead of the acquisition of a warrant. This should include an interview which will revolve around questions surrounding firearm safety, safe etiquette (keys), where you intend to shoot and why, as well as a recap on your firearm slot(s) and requested amounts of ammunition (500 rounds is the standard for Target, 250 for Hunting) and consideration of your security arrangements.

At renewal of your FAC and/or SGC a risk-based assessment may indicate the need for another interview with the applicant or further enquiries about security arrangements. However These enquiries may be done over the telephone or by email rather than by home visit, in accordance with the level of the risk assessment. Home visits should always be made by prior appointment and take place at a mutually convenient time.

Unless you commit a criminal offence the likelihood of this happening is slim to none.

-------- Part 2 --------

2.1 Preamble
Before one applies for a Firearm/Shotgun/Coterminous Certificate there are (depending on which Certificate you wish to go for) either 5 or 6 checks that need to be checked against before one should send of their 201 application form to own Firearm.


2.2 The Checklist in Brief

1. A "Good Reason" for owning a firearm - (Section 1 Only)
2. One/Two Referee(s) that will support your application
3. Do not have a Serious Criminal Record
4. Ensure that you are of sound mind (Will not harm yourself or others)
5. A Passport Picture
6. A Safe Check

2.2.1 1. A "Good Reason" to own a Firearm (Applies to Section 1 Only)

To own a Section 1 Firearm you must have a Good reason for owning said firearm, as well as justifying why you need each firearm and have the safe capacity for each firearm you wish to own.

to which there are three main reasons on the mainland and a fourth reason for Northern Ireland.

1. Hunting
2. Vermin Control
3. Target/Practical Shooting
4. Self Defence (Northern Ireland Only)

For each of the listed Good Reasons, proof must be acquired and verified, in short:

To acquire an FAC for Target Shooting one must become a full member of a Gun Club (not on Probation), for Vermin Control and Hunting Game the land must be assessed and/or permission must be granted by the owner of such land must be given to the police to be verified.

Each option gives a large amount of calibres to choose from, however you will be limited to either the club’s capabilities or the appropriate calibres for the Size of Game (If Hunting or Vermin Shooting).

So for Example for Small Game Vermin Control, 22lr would be in most circumstances be an appropriate calibre for you as you will not require a .338 Lapua rifle for shooting rabbits into red mist, However you may require .243 to .45-70 expanding ammunition for Medium Game Hunting to ensure a clean and humane kill, likewise for example in regards to Target Shooting you will not be able to request a 50. cal Rifle slot if the club does not the adequate capabilities for it and/or not affiliated with the Fifty Calibre Shooters Association UK.

When deciding on how many Section 1 Firearm slots to apply for, The General Rule is that as long as you believe you can justify it (within one of those good reasons) to the police, it is best to put it onto your application, however it should also be noted that first time FAC applicants are advised to request no more than 5-6 Firearms on a first time application.

The Majority of Section 1 Gun Clubs will be listed here.

https://nra.org.uk/nra-affiliated-clubs/

2.2.2 2. The Referees
1 Referee is required in the application of a Shotgun Certificate (SGC)
2 Referees are required for a Firearms Certificate and a Coterminous Certificate.

Who is and who can be a Referee?
A referee must have known the applicant personally for at least two years, a referee may be of any background or occupation and a referee must be of good character, and someone whom the police may trust to give honest replies to any queries which the police may make of them regarding the applicant.

Members of the applicant’s family may not act as referees. Cousins are not regarded as immediate family, but cohabiting or civil partners or partner's in a same sex marriage should be considered as ‘family’ for these purposes and should not be accepted. Serving police officers, police support staff, or registered firearms dealers may not act as referees.

2.2.3 3. Criminal Record Check
One the main questions on the FAC/SGC asks whether you have ever been convicted of any offense at any time.

You Must not Withhold information about any conviction, no matter how long ago it was.

(This is including speeding offences), bind-overs, formal written cautions and convictions in and outside of Great Britain, and (by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975) convictions which are spent under the 1974 Act.
A conditional discharge and an absolute discharge both count as convictions for this purpose. Details of parking offences and fixed penalty notices do not need to be declared.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does NOT apply when applying for an FAC and the police DO check thoroughly. Previous convictions do not always necessarily mean refusal to grant an FAC, but if you do not declare an offense and it is revealed by the police checks, then you will certainly be refused and will also be looking at a prosecution for having made a false declaration to obtain an FAC.

2.2.4 4. Health Check
You must disclose any relevant physical or mental health conditions that you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past as this may affect your ability to safely possess and use a firearm or shotgun.
Relevant Medical Conditions

The Relevant medical conditions which must be disclosed are

- Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma
- Suicidal thoughts or self harm
- Depression or anxiety
- Dementia
- Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness
- A personality disorder
- A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Any other mental or physical condition which might affect your safe possession of a firearm or shotgun

It is also best to disclose conditions such as Autism and other potential conditions that may be deemed relevant.
If in doubt, consult your GP or contact your police firearms licensing department.

All applications are looked at on their own merit, with the main priority of these checks are ensuring that you pose no harm to yourself or others.

2.2.4.1 GP and Police Medical Report Procedure
If you have disclosed a relevant medical condition the police may ask you to obtain a medical report from your GP/specialist. You are expected to meet the cost if a fee is charged for this. If further information is required the police may request and pay for a further report.

Where no relevant medical conditions are disclosed the police will contact your GP asking if they are aware of any relevant medical conditions or have any concerns about the grant of the firearm or shotgun certificate. As above the police may request and pay for a further report.

After which the police will ask your GP to place a reminder on your patient record to indicate that you have been issued with a firearm or shotgun certificate.

The GP is asked to notify the police if, following issue of the certificate, you are diagnosed with or treated for a relevant medical condition previously noted, or if the GP has other concerns about your possession of a certificate that might affect your safe possession of firearms following contact from your GP there may be a need for a medical report to be obtained to assist with assessment of your continued suitability to possess a firearm or shotgun certificate. The police will pay if a medical report is required.

2.2.5 5. A Passport Picture
For the application process you require a digital photograph for your license, it must be used for online applications. Paper applications must be accompanied by one photograph. Ordinary passport-style photographs (45mm high x 35mm wide) are suitable for this purpose.

Photographs must be of a professional standard against a plain cream or grey background and without other objects or people in the background and (if printed) must be on good quality gloss or matt paper.

The photograph must be a true likeness and full face without a head covering (unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons). In your photograph you must be looking straight at the camera, have a neutral expression, with your eyes open and mouth closed. You must not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses, and the photographs must not have any ‘red eye.’ One of these photographs must also be signed.

2.2.6 6. A Safe Check
Firearm Storage under the law orders that Firearms must be stored securely at all times (except for when they are in use) to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, access to the guns by “unauthorised persons”. Briefly put the government recommends that you store them in a locked gun cabinet or other similarly secure container bolted to a solid and secure wall.

Ammunition for section 1 firearms should be kept secure and separate from the firearm. Although secure storage of shotgun cartridges is not a requirement of the Firearms Acts, it is recommended that they should be locked away separately for security.

For Additional Information Consult the Police or the Home Office's 2005 Firearms Security Guide
If in doubt please contact your local police constabulary if you want guidance.
Also remember that capacity described by the manufacturer is indicative, only usually for marketing purposes. The stated capacity of a cabinet can be doubled in reality, especially if it is installed lying down.

Some owners even rip out the foam padding within a safe for more storage space.
-------------------

2.3 The FEO Inspection & Interview

For First time applicants a home visit is a ways carried out. This should include an interview which will revolve around questions surrounding firearm safety, safe etiquette (keys), where you intend to shoot and why, as well as a recap on your firearm slot(s), Sound Moderators and requested amounts of ammunition (500 rounds is the standard for Target/Practical, 250 for Hunting) and consideration of your security arrangements, if you do not at this time have a safe, there will be a second visit to confirm your security arrangements when a safe has been installed.

At renewal a risk-based assessment may indicate the need for another interview with the applicant or further enquiries about security arrangements.

These enquiries may be done over the telephone or by email rather than by home visit, in accordance with the level of the risk assessment. Home visits should always be made by prior appointment and take place at a mutually convenient time.
-------------------

2.4 Types of Licenses and their Costs

All of the below certificates are valid for 5 years

The costs of Applying for a license excluding the cost of external factors (Club Costs, Medical Record costs) goes as follows

2.4.1 Firearm Certificates (FAC)

Grant - £88.00
Renewal - £62.00
Variation of a firearm certificate (other than when it is renewed at the same time) so as to increase the number or type of firearms or quantity of ammunition to which the certificate relates. - £20.00
Replacement if lost or destroyed. - £ 4.00

2.4.2 Shotgun Certificates (SGC)

Grant - £79.50
Renewal - £49.00
Replacement if lost or destroyed - £ 4.00

2.4.3 Coterminous Certificate for both Firearms and Shotguns

Grant - £90.00
Renewal - £ 65.00
Replacement - £4.00

2.4.4 Explosives Certificates
Acquire and Keep - Free (necessary for Black-powder shooting, but not needed if using Pyrodex)


2.5 What Can I Own with a Firearms Certificate/Shotgun Certificate?

2.5.1 Preface(s)
This Section covers only what Firearms are Legal within the United Kingdom, the Whole Process is found in Part 2. However, due to the amount of abbreviations and intricacies within UK Law, it is necessary to define essential terminology as well as answering some potential questions before showing the full list.
-------------------
2.5.2 Keys

BL = Barrel Length
OAL = Overall Length
(2+1) = 2 in the Magazine 1 in the chamber
Section 1 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 2 - Needs a Good reason and an Authorized slot on a FAC to own each Section 1 Firearm.
Section 2 = Any Firearm that is not Prohibited and does not fall into Section 1 - Primarily (2+1) Shotguns, SGC holders can acquire as many Shotguns as their safe can store.
-------------------
2.5.3 Overall Length

When measuring the length of a firearm if said firearm has any detachable, folding, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded which is why Short Barrelled Rifles (SBRs) and Handguns both fit into the Small Firearms category.

Section 1 Firearms within England, Scotland and Wales, Unless otherwise mentioned must be No Less than a 12"BL and 24" OAL.
Section 1 Shotguns of which are Semi-automatic and Pump-Action must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
Where Section 1 Short Barrelled Firearms are Legal They must be No More than a 12"BL and 24" OAL

Section 2 Regardless of Region, Firearm type or Firearm Action, Section 2 Firearms must have No Less than a 24"BL and 40" OAL
-------------------
2.5.4 Magazine Restrictions

Section 1 Firearms have no Magazine restrictions.
Section 2 Firearms are Restricted to a maximum capacity of 2 Shells in the Magazine and 1 in the Chamber (2+1)
-------------------
2.5.5 Calibre Restrictions

Unless a Calibre Restriction is Specifically Mentioned within the list such as e.g.
>Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
That Firearm Does Not have a calibre restriction.
-------------------
2.5.6 (Lack of) Aesthetic Restrictions

Unlike the United States, the United Kingdom has no Laws Prohibiting Firearms or Firearm Accessories based Solely on their appearance only on Functionality.
-------------------
2.5.7 Moderators/Suppressors/Silencers
-Section 1
Sound Moderators under UK Law for Section 1 Firearms are classed as if they were firearms, they like Section 1 Firearms Require a good reason to own and is subject to certificate control. If you feel you need one, then it should be included on your application. Moderator use is also limited to the Firearm slot you get the moderator with.

If the Moderator is integral (permanent) to the Firearm, separate authorisation is not required however you still need to fulfil the "Good Reason Requirement" requirement for the firearm.

If you wish to request this type of rifle it is advised that your application should read along the lines of:

"... .22 rifle with integral sound moderator ..."

Most Common Reasons to own are:
1. Hunting
2. Vermin Control
3. Night Shooting
4. Hearing Protection (Especially with indoor ranges)

-Section 2 and Other
Sound moderators on:
1. air weapons (excluding those deemed as specially dangerous - exceed 12ft lbs kenetic energy)
2. section 2 shotguns

are not considered to be component parts of a firearms.
-------------------
2.6 UK Legal Firearms

2.6.1 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales)

Bolt Action Rifles
FAC Airguns
Lever Action Rifles
Lever Release Rifles**
Long Barrelled Pistols (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Long Barrelled Revolvers
Manually Actuated Release System (M.A.R.S Rifles/Semi-Semi Automatic Rifles)**
Muzzle Loaded Handguns (Requires Explosives Certificate if using Black Powder)
Pump Action Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Semi-Automatic Rifles (.22 Short, .22LR, .22 Magnum)
Straight Pull Rifles
Shotguns with over 2+1 Capacity/Detachable Magazines*
Semi Automatic and Pump Action Shotguns require no less than 24” BL \& 40” OAL
Any Other Type of Legal Action Shotgun (e.g. Lever Action) Require no less than 12” BL and 24” OAL

**Both Lever Release and M.A.R.S Rifles under the Offensive Weapons Bill of 2019 have become Prohibited to Purchase, however are still Legal to own until a Mandatory Surrender/Buy-Back Scheme is established, to which one has not been made as of writing (January 11th 2020)

2.6.2 Section 1 - Firearm Certificates (Northern Ireland and Crown Dependencies)

All of the Above
Airguns Over 1 ft/lb of energy must be on your FAC (Jersey)
Short Barrelled Firearms (Pistols and Short Barrelled Rifles No longer than 12" BL and 24" OAL)
Semi-automatic Rifles over 22 Rimfire cartridges (Jersey Only)

2.6.3 Section 2 - Shotgun Certificates

Shotguns with a maximum capacity of 2+1 (24” BL and 40” OAL)
Smooth Bore Muskets
Small Cannons

2.6.4 Section 7 - Heritage Pistols (England, Scotland and Wales)
Section 7.1
Heritage Pistols to be held at home as part of a collection, without ammunition, and allows them to be exhibited
Section 7.3
For Shooting Heritage Pistols at Designated Sites
http://www.hbsa-uk.org/HBSA-what-we-do/heritage-pistol-section-7-1-7-3/heritage-pistol-sites

2.6.5 Section 58 (2) (No License required)
Antique/Obsolete Calibre Weapons
-------------------

2.7 The Application Forms

2.7.1 201 Form
The 201 Form is a formal Application for the Grant or Renewal of a Firearm and/or Shotgun Certificate that can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/667450/Form_201_-_21_Nov_2017_-_PDF.pdf
If this is your first time applying please take the time to read through the whole application form.

2.7.2 201V Form
The 201V Form Application to vary a Firearms Certificate, of which if found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/667451/Form_201V_-_21_Nov_2017_-_PDF.pdf

2.7.3 Application Submission
The receipt for electronic applications, where these are available, will be automatically generated by the system. For hard copy applications, unless advised otherwise by the police, you should post or take the completed form together with the fee and photograph to the police firearms licensing department.

In the case of an application for renewal, a signed and dated recent copy of the certificate to be renewed should be sent to police when you submit your application. If an application is being made for a variation the certificate to be varied must be included with your application. (You may wish to keep a copy of the certificate.)

2.7.4 How Long will the Application Take to Process?
The time to Process a SGC/FAC is a postcode lottery, to find out how long it will take you approximately for your area I have linked below are the Government's own findings for years 2014/2015 as well as BASC's League Table for 2018
BASC Firearms Licensing League Table For 2018:
https://basc.org.uk/firearms/firearms-licensing-league-table-2018/
Government's 2014/2015 Statistics:
https://i.imgur.com/eapjAnr.png
Source: HMIC: An Inspection of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Firearms Licensing in Police forces in England and Wales (Page 29)

2.7.5 Congratulations

Congratulations! you should now be in possession of either a Firearm Certificate and/or Shotgun Certificate, Enjoy owning your own firearms.
-------------------

2.8 Firearm Purchases
You can purchase the firearms authorised on your certificate, not only from a Registered Firearms Dealer, but also from other Firearm Certificate holders. The final handing over of the weapon must be in person, and the person transferring the firearm to you, must enter the details on the back of your Firearm Certificate at Table 1.

2.8.1 Section 1 Purchases & Transfers
You can purchase the firearms authorised on your certificate, not only from a Registered Firearms Dealer, but also from other Firearm Certificate holders. The final handing over of the weapon must be in person, and the person transferring the firearm to you, must enter the details on the back of your Firearm Certificate at Table 1.

It is not you that enters the details, but the seller.

Remember, you only write on your own certificate when you sign it

Having acquired your firearm you must, within seven days, inform the police authority that issued your certificate in writing of the transaction. The person transferring the firearm, if a certificate holder, must also inform their issuing authority.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 requires you to notify the Chief Officer of Police who issued your certificate within seven days if you: -transfer a firearm to any other person including selling it, hiring it out, lending it, or making a gift of it; or -purchase or acquire a firearm; or -deactivate a firearm or have it deactivated by someone else; or -destroy a firearm; lose a firearm; or have one stolen.

Section 33 (3) of The Firearms Amendment Act 1997 requires that such notification shall: -contain a description of the firearm in question, (giving its identification number if any); and -state the nature of the transaction and the name and address of the other party -and any such notice shall be sent by registered post or the recorded delivery service.

These requirements apply even if the matter happened outside Great Britain. However, as a result of changing technology since the introduction of the above section, most Constabulary Firearms Licensing Departments are willing to accept written notification by facsimile and email.

2.8.2 Section 2 Purchases & Transfers
There are various ways to acquire shotguns. These include buying or being given one from another certificate holder or Registered Firearms Dealer. If you look on the back of your shotgun certificate you will see "Table 2". It is this table that must be completed by the person selling/transferring the gun to you.

Similarly, if you sell or transfer one of your shotguns to another certificate holder, you must enter the details of that weapon, into "Table 2", on the back of the recipient's certificate.

You do not enter details of the transfer on your own certificate. A good thing to remember is the only time you write on your own certificate is when you sign it.

If you acquire a shotgun from a Registered Firearms Dealer, he will enter the details of the weapon, into "Table 2", on the back of your certificate.

If you sell or dispose of a shotgun to a Registered Firearms Dealer, he will enter the transaction in his register. There is no writing for you to do, other than: in all cases of acquiring or disposing of a shotgun, you must inform the Police Authority that issued your certificate. The final handover of the weapon must be done in person. It is no longer legal to acquire shotguns by mail order.

As a shotgun certificate holder it is also possible for you to borrow another certificate holder or dealer's shotgun. However, if the shotgun is to be in your possession for more than 72 hours, the person lending you the weapon must enter the details in "Table 2" stating the appropriate reason in Column B.

The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 requires you to notify the Chief Officer of Police, within 7 days, who issued your certificate if you: -Transfer a shotgun to any other person including selling it, hiring it out, lending it for more than 72 hours, or making a gift of it or -Purchase or acquire a shotgun or -Deactivate a shotgun or have it deactivated by someone else or -Destroy a shotgun, lose a shotgun or have one stolen

These requirements apply even if the matter happened outside Great Britain, for which the notifying period is extended to within 14 days.

Email notifications are allowed and are now the preferred method of notice.

-------- Part 3 --------
3. Additional Resources

3.1 UK Firearm Channels

English Shooting
https://www.youtube.com/user/EnglishShooting
The Gun Shop
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcQZw5EXW6ixRWEaNnB9E9A
RackNLoad
https://www.youtube.com/user/RACKNLOAD
SRSPower
https://www.youtube.com/user/srspower
Gunroom TV
https://gunroom.tv/
GunMart TV
https://www.youtube.com/user/GunMartTV/

3.2 Firearm Associations

3.2.1 General Associations
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation
https://basc.org.uk

The National Rifle Association
https://nra.org.uk/

Shooting UK
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/

Clay Pigeon Shooting Association
https://www.cpsa.co.uk/

3.2.2 Target/Practical Shooting Associations

United Kingdom Practical Shooting Association
http://www.ukpsa.co.uk/

Fifty Calibre Shooters Association
http://www.fcsa.co.uk/

Muzzle Loading Association of Great Britain
https://www.mlagb.com/

3.2.3 Pro-Firearm Associations
FirearmsUK
https://firearmsuk.org

3.3 Local Club Finders

3.3.1 Section 1 Club Finders
https://nra.org.uk/nra-affiliated-clubs/

3.3.2 Section 2 Club Finders
https://www.cpsa.co.uk/where

3.4 Recommended Ranges
If you are new to shooting it is best to contact your local club and ask if it would be possible to come down and meet an experienced shooter or coach for a bit of 1 to 1 shooting. Do not go on one of the party-style shooting events. You will hit nothing and pay way too much money - experienced shooters will be able to offer you advice and stance changes that will have you hitting the target more times than not on your first trip.

3.4.1 England
3.4.2 Scotland
3.4.3 Wales
3.4.4 Northern Ireland
Thatch Clay Target Club
(Recommended by /K/ommandobooks)
For about £10 they will have a 1 to 1 session on the small range to get you used to the firearms and hitting the target repeatedly, from a world class coach. Also contact NTSA to inquire about going to an event to try it out.
3.5 Firearm Infographics and Misc Information
3.5.1 General Infographics
Gun Anon’s V1 Infographic
https://i.redd.it/omo58epvmez11.png
Gun Anon's Shotgun Infographic
https://i.redd.it/op96d4pdlrk21.png

3.5.2 Rifle Infographics
/k/'s 22lr Rifle Buyers Guide
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/amagicalplace/images/2/2c/5A_-_.22_rifles.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130624204947

3.5.3 Shotgun Infographics

Chevrolet's Shotgun Beginners Chart
https://i.redd.it/rras1ce88aa21.jpg

Shotgun Gauges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OE8nQeDcYg

Shooting UK's Section 2 Shotgun Purchasing Guide
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide

3.6 Second Hand Buyers Guides
3.6.1 Rifles
ShootingUK's Second Hand Rifle Buying Guide
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/rifle/second-hand-rifle-buying-guide

3.6.2 Shotguns
Charles Smith-Jones' Gunsmith’s guide to buying guns second-hand
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide/a-gunsmiths-guide-to-buying-guns-second-hand-99252

Shane Robinson's What you need to know about buying a gun second-hand
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/buy-gun-guide/what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-gun-second-hand-97985

3.7 Safes and Safe Information
Recommended Safes
Bratton Sound Gun Safes
https://www.brattonsound.co.uk/

FEO’s Perspective of what to look for during a Firearm Inspection
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/answers/gun-storage-cut-security-risk-98103

3.8 Online Registered Firearm Dealers (RFDs)
3.8.1 New Guns
Sportsman Gun Centre
https://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/
Southern Gun Company (Custom AR-15s)
http://www.southern-gun.co.uk/

3.8.2 Milsurp/Classical
Highwood Classic Arms
https://www.highwoodclassicarms.co.uk/index.htm

3.8.3 Slavophile/Soviet
Rus Military
http://www.rusmilitary.com

3.8.4 Used Guns
Gun Star
https://www.gunstar.co.uk/
Gun Trader
https://www.guntrader.uk/