Children under 10 licensed to use shotguns, BBC learns

[Christel]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12840557

Thirteen children under the age of 10 have been issued with shotgun certificates in the UK over the past three years.

..................Under current laws, there is no minimum age for applying for a shotgun certificate in the UK. The decision to grant a licence rests with a senior police officer..............

[ovenpaa]

...including one seven year old and two eight year olds apparently

[Christel]

Law says they have to be under supervision by an adult until 15 years of age.

If that is the case why grant the license in the first place, I am not quite sure I understand the logic of that.

[Sandgroper]

Law says they have to be under supervision by an adult until 15 years of age.

If that is the case why grant the license in the first place, I am not quite sure I understand the logic of that.

I believe it is due to ambiguity in the law regarding who can borrow shotguns from the owner. If the child has a SGC then they and everybody concerned are covered.

[alan108]

It's also being said about the age of 10 being the minimum,is because that's the age that a child is "criminally responsable". Are they suggesting that a 9 year old will go on the rampage with a shotgun,and not be charged? Utter b*ll*cks :x
When will people get it into their heads that it's better for the child to be licensed and taught in the correct manner of firearms and shotguns?

Alan :x

[Robin128]

I have to say how pleased I am to see young shooters being properly coached in English Sporting.

Wish I had a grandson to take out shooting. My daughter said that my granddaughter is not likely to want to...but, she isn't half strong minded...reckon she will decide for herself.

:)

[ovenpaa]

When will people get it into their heads that it's better for the child to be licensed and taught in the correct manner of firearms and shotguns?

My son was taught in the correct manner to shoot pistol when he was 15 as was my daughter 13, both shot .22LR S/A and my son .38 revolver and 9mm S/A. He was and probably still is a safe and competent shot with a 9mm and .38

I am all for youngsters being taught how to handle firearms but quite why a seven year old needs an SGC is still beyond me. I still feel this is a matter of one upmanship for the parents.

[Chuck]

Catch them young, teach them right.

[Sandgroper]

I am all for youngsters being taught how to handle firearms but quite why a seven year old needs an SGC is still beyond me. I still feel this is a matter of one upmanship for the parents.

From BASC
http://www.basc.org.uk/en/utilities/doc ... A18D1BAAA2

6) WHY YOUNG PEOPLE APPLY FOR CERTIFICATES
Young people need shotgun certificates because the principal exemption for non certificate
holders is complicated and outdated. Section 11(5) Firearms Act 1968.
“A person may, without holding a shot gun certificate, borrow a shot gun from the occupier of
private premises and use it on those premises in the occupier’s presence”.
There is no legal definition of “occupier”. Occupation of land must be broad in nature and
enforceable at law. Normally taken to mean the holder of a formal lease. Probably does not
apply to those with verbal permission to shoot on land. This exemption discriminates against
young people from urban areas.
As the law is unclear, BASC advises young people to obtain a certificate so that they
do not stand into danger by inadvertently falling outside of the provisions of the
exemption.

So nothing to do with one upmanship - just a matter of staying legal.

[Robin128]

Well spotted Sandgroper.

:)