How Can I Obtain a Shotgun License?
Shotgun Licenses can be obtained from police stations. The process involves the applicant filling in a form, paying a fee and enclosing 4 passport-sized photographs.
The police must be satisfied that applicants should be permitted to store and use a shotgun without posing any threat to public safety or to the peace of their surroundings.
The police will check for previous convictions on the application form. Applicants should expect to be visited at home by a police officer who will discuss security arrangements. The application will then either be approved or rejected.
The BS7558/92 Standard Explained
The BS7558/02 Standard refers to the storing of all shotguns in a dwelling in the UK. Shotguns should be securely stored in a cabinet specifically designed for this purpose. The cabinet needs to be fixed securely to a structure and should be designed to thwart intruders or attacks on the cabinet by any persons who may visit the premises. The BS7558 standard was first introduced in 1992.
How Can Gun Cabinets be Fixed or Attached?
Gun cabinets are the preferred method for storing firearms.
Ideally, the cabinet should be fixed to a brick wall or one that is constructed from reinforced concrete or concrete blocks. The room in which the cabinet and firearms are stored should not have access directly to the outside, but be an inner room.
Gun cabinets should feature welded seams and lock mechanisms on the insides, containing 5 levers. Rifle cabinets should feature two locks, because of their height.
Gun Capacity Explained
Each individual gun cabinet is designed to hold a specific number of guns and this capacity can vary widely, according to your needs.
If you are relatively new to the sport of shooting, a small gun cabinet may suffice for your hobby. However, if you are planning on expanding your gun collection, investing in a larger capacity gun cabinet will probably suit you better.
Cabinets range from single or double gun capacities with a two key lock, to multi storage, bolted cabinets. Often, multi-berth gun cabinets do not vary in size that much from their single counterparts.
Lock Types Explained
Locks for gun cabinets are an essential component, to prevent the vital security of your guns being compromised in any way.
For smaller gun cabinets, a single key lock is sufficient and will provide adequate security for your valuable collection.
Vault locking mechanisms provide more security for peace of mind, with lever locks and 5 point locking systems.
You may also want to consider a combination of electronic locks for your gun cabinet. Many buyers prefer electronic locks as they are more convenient to use, open quickly and their combination can be changed easily by the owner.
What are Break Down Gun Cabinets?
Break Down Gun Cabinets are smaller cabinets which can be used when space is limited in your home.
These cabinets have a reduced height size, as they are designed to accommodate shotguns that have been broken down into two components. The cabinets will feature foam dividers for easy storage of the guns’ components.
Break Down cabinets range in their flexibility, from the storage of between 1 and several shotguns and they feature the same security measures as full sized cabinets. Break down cabinets should conform to the same British safety standards as larger cabinets.
Why Might I Need an Extra Deep Gun Cabinet?
Extra deep gun cabinets are useful for storing guns with the scopes attached, for the user’s convenience.
These cabinets feature superior safe locks, including strong hinges and anti- lever flanges. They also feature foam dividers and floor mats for the secure storage of your guns. The depth of extra deep cabinets is designed for maximum storage capacity and are 100% guaranteed to be police acceptable.
Extra deep gun cabinets vary in size and can generally hold up to 9 guns securely, whilst ensuring that the scopes of your gun(s) remain undamaged.