SPORTING ANSWERS
Rules on sharing firearms
FIREARMS LAW
Q I understand shotgun licence holders can lend each other a gun for up to 48 hours without telling the police, but is there any limit on how often this can be done?
A The loan period is actually 72 hours (Section 33 (1) (b), Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997). After that, both borrower and lender must notify their local police of the transaction. There is no limit to the number of times that this loan can take place.
In order to be bombproof, the start time of the loan should be recorded somehow, such as by a text at the time the gun is handed over to the borrower, plus a reminder of the time by which it must be returned. It is a good idea to set a reminder on a mobile phone or some other device. Make sure you see the borrower’s certificate and confirm to yourself that it is still valid. For absolute safety, take a photograph of it.
