Drill Purpose Rifle L59A1 UK Legal Status

[Kev G]

Can someone answer my probably nieve question please ?

If they are considered a firearm can you have one put on an open slot on your ticket ?
Would they pass proof ?
If not surely option 1 doesn't apply ?
If this is the case what is there classification ?

Cheers

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[Beerhunter]

Can someone answer my probably nieve question please ?

If they are considered a firearm can you have one put on an open slot on your ticket ?
Would they pass proof ?
If not surely option 1 doesn't apply ?
If this is the case what is there classification ?

It is an offence to sell an unproofed firearm. Anyone selling an L59 as a Section 1 Firearm would, in my opinion, be guilty of an offence because it would not be proofed for the reason that it could not pass proof. However no Proof doesn't mean that it ceases to be a Firearm. 'Out of proof' firearms turn up all the time and the Police take the view (backed up by the courts) that proofed or unproofed they are still firearms. For example a Webley MkVI with only military proofs may not be sold but is a still a firearm.

If an L59 was offered for Proof, the Proof House MAY issue a Certificate stating that the was "The arm is an Antique or collectors piece, which is not intended to be fired, is unlikely to withstand the proof test and might be severely damaged if subjected to proof." I quote from such a certificate.

Some have claimed that such a certificate unquestionably puts the firearm in question into Section 58.

So someone needs to put an L59 forward for proof, get the Certificate and then convince ACPO and/or the courts.