Transporting loaded magazines

[ovenpaa]

What does the law say about carrying loaded magazines to the range? It is not something I ever do however now owning a black gun it would be as easy to load the magazines as transport them empty with ammunition in stripper clips.

[Sim G]

There is something ludicrous somewhere that deemed loaded magazines on the way or home from a shoot, equated to having a loaded firearm....

Can't remember where it is, but as Chruchill said; "Laws are for the aherence by the stupid and for the guidance of the wise......"

Loaded magazines with boxed ammo would *cough* never *cough* be in my ammo bag at the same time.

[Sim G]

Double post...

[M99]

As far as I remember, there is no distinction in law against a S1 loaded or not - it is having a Firearm and ammunition in a public place - without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (sect 19 springs to mind)

So I don't see there being a difference of mags full or not. (Unlike air rifles and shotguns)

Mike

[Blackstuff]

Loading mags at home means more time shooting on the range, simple as that. tongueout I've not seen any legislation that prohibits it and until I do ill keep doing it! :55:

[ovenpaa]

It was the air-rifle magazine thing that made me ask as I do remember it being against the law to carry loaded air rifle magazines. Time for an email to the FEO to confirm where I stand.

[Steve E]

In the 'old days' of pistols and self loading rifles, it was not the done thing to turn up with magazines already loaded, in fact it was severely frowned upon and I have witnessed (in the past) shooters being turned away if they produced loaded magazines out of their shooting bag. The loading of magazines should only ever be carried out on the firing point.

Steve

[AHPP]

The loading of magazines should only ever be carried out on the firing point.

Steve

Why?

[John25]

To the best of my knowlege, there is no law about how the ammunition should be transported, no restriction on it being carried in the magazine as long as it is not on the firearm.

Indeed, a gun with an empty magazine fitted is considered 'loaded'.

It is however bad practice to carry filled magazines for two reasons.

1. Prolonged pressure will weaken the spring and cause feeding problems in due course.

2. The magazine is likely to pick up some debris, which will cause you problems on the day.

My advice? Carry them wrapped and empty.

You lose only seconds by it and it should be part of your final preparations, especially in competition, as your cone of concentration narrows.

[ovenpaa]

I do agree stripper clips and a speed loader mean you can load a magazine in seconds and I do not personally feel comfortable about having a range bag full of loaded magazines. I do transport some rifles with a magazine in, the Schultz & Larsen is a good example as would any Lee Enfield however I always transport my AI with the magazine out.