Section 1 firearms require a firearms certificate (FAC), and includes any article that can be defined as a firearm but which is not covered under some other section. Section 1 most commonly includes bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles in rimfire only, long-barrelled pistols, and all shotguns that do not conform to section 2 requirements. There are additional requirements for both sections, such as length and ammunition type, and some accessories such as suppressors are also subject to licensing restrictions. Section 2 firearms are shotguns with a maximum magazine capacity of two cartridges, excluding those in the chamber, and require a Shotgun Certificate (SGC); unlike the other licences, the onus is on the police to find good reason not to grant applicants a licence. Section 5 firearms are generally prohibited from private ownership. A S.5 permit may be obtained under certain circumstances, but from the Home Office, rather than local Police. Section 5 firearms include fully automatic firearms; semi-automatic rifles in centre-fire calibres; "short firearms" (most handguns); rocket launchers and mortars (other than for line throwing or pyrotechnic use); firearms disguised as another object; ammunition designed to explode on impact. Section 7(3) permits bona-fide collectors to obtain Section 5 firearms "of particular rarity, aesthetic quality or technical interest" or "of historical importance" on the authority of local Police, rather than with Home Office. Section 7(3) permits are typically granted only to those with a demonstrable academic background in firearm or military history, such as members of the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association (HBSA) or institutions such as the Royal Armouries Museum or Imperial War Museum. Section 7(3) firearms are subject to enhanced conditions of storage, being kept at Designated Sites.
Section 1 firearms require a firearms certificate (FAC), and includes any article that can be defined as a firearm but which is not covered under some other section. Section 1 most commonly includes bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles in rimfire only, long-barrelled pistols, and all shotguns that do not conform to section 2 requirements. There are additional requirements for both sections, such as length and ammunition type, and some accessories such as suppressors are also subject to licensing restrictions. Section 2 firearms are shotguns with a maximum magazine capacity of two cartridges, excluding those in the chamber, and require a Shotgun Certificate (SGC); unlike the other licences, the onus is on the police to find good reason not to grant applicants a licence. Section 5 firearms are generally prohibited from private ownership. A S.5 permit may be obtained under certain circumstances, but from the Home Office, rather than local Police. Section 5 firearms include fully automatic firearms; semi-automatic rifles in centre-fire calibres; "short firearms" (most handguns); rocket launchers and mortars (other than for line throwing or pyrotechnic use); firearms disguised as another object; ammunition designed to explode on impact. Section 7(3) permits bona-fide collectors to obtain Section 5 firearms "of particular rarity, aesthetic quality or technical interest" or "of historical importance" on the authority of local Police, rather than with Home Office. Section 7(3) permits are typically granted only to those with a demonstrable academic background in firearm or military history, such as members of the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association (HBSA) or institutions such as the Royal Armouries Museum or Imperial War Museum. Section 7(3) firearms are subject to enhanced conditions of storage, being kept at Designated Sites.