Is a Grenade launcher a Section 1 Firearm Component ?

[Alan de Enfield]

I was looking at buying a Grenade Cup launcher for my No1 Mk3* but was informed I would need a variation on my FAC as it is a 'pressure bearing part'.

Looking at the 2014 Home Office Guidelines - I wonder ?

2.55
When considering whether a particular weapon should be regarded as a firearm to which
sections 1, 2 or 5 of the 1968 Act applies or which is covered by the 1982 Act, it is important to remember that the purpose of the legislation is to control the supply and possession of all rifles, guns and pistols which could be used for criminal or subversive purposes while recognising that individuals may own and use firearms and other devices for legitimate purposes. In the absence of a decision by a court, the Secretary of State takes the view that the following devices should not be regarded as firearms within the definition of the Act:
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i) harpoon guns utilising a spigot and fired by blank cartridge, such as the Greener
harpoon gun;
j) dummy and target launchers (designed to project a dummy for dog training or an artificial target for shooting), utilising a spigot and powered by blank cartridges;
k) armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) smoke dischargers used to project pyrotechnics for
smoke screening; and
l) smoothbore sleeve type chamber inserts for use in a shotgun or rifle (chamber
adaptors which incorporate rifling and chambered for any cartridge are subject to
Section 1 control.).

So if I want to use the 'launcher' to launch tennis balls as an artificial target is that OK ?

However :

Those weapons and ammunition, which are prohibited, consist of:

vi) any rocket launcher, or any mortar, for projecting a stabilised missile, other than a launcher or mortar designed for line-throwing or pyrotechnic purposes or as signaling
apparatus


Is a grenade (or a tennis bal) a 'stabilised missile' ?

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