Antique gun?

[pigeon23]

am i right in thinking any gun pre 1900's is classed as a "antique" gun? and lastly whats the going rate for one? looking for cheap as possible.

 

 

i would like to buy a antique shotgun/rifle to put on display over my fireplace, the reason i want a antique over a deactivated is firstly because it will most likely have abit more history and also because most deactivates spoil how the gun looks etc (in my opinion).

 

 

any advice is much appreciated

[Coney Basher]

am i right in thinking any gun pre 1900's is classed as a "antique" gun? and lastly whats the going rate for one? looking for cheap as possible.

 

 

i would like to buy a antique shotgun/rifle to put on display over my fireplace, the reason i want a antique over a deactivated is firstly because it will most likely have abit more history and also because most deactivates spoil how the gun looks etc (in my opinion).

 

 

any advice is much appreciated

 

It depends which gun.

 

I have a number of pre 1900 guns (shotguns and rifles) which certainly are NOT classified as antiques such as 12 bore hammer guns (and some hammerless), but I also have a number of ones which are. You need to look at 'Firearms Law - Guidance to the Police' which is issued by the Home Office and which you can download free from their website.

 

In essence, you are looking for a gun(s) which fall under Section 58(2) of the 1968 Firearms Act (Page 34 of the guidance) and which are either pre 1939 muzzle loading guns or breech loading guns in a calibre deemed to be 'Obsolete'. There is an obsolete calibre list at Appendix 5 of the guidance. These guns can be bought quite legally 'off ticket' and displayed as long as the purchaser does not intend to fire them. If he does then they need to be put on SGC or FAC and stored in a cabinet.

 

For instance, you could buy breech loading rifles, pistols and revolvers in any number of (obsolete) calibres, obsolete calibre shotguns in 10 bore (2 5/8" & 2 7/8" chambers only), 8 bore, 4 bore etc. Any pre 1939 muzzle loading gun (rifle, pistol or shotgun), any pinfire revolver (or other obscure/obsolete ignition system) or for instance a 577/450 Martini Henry rifle.

 

You can find good examples at many classic gun arms fairs (such as ones regularly held at Bisley), good gun auctions such as Holts or Bonhams in London, or provincial gun auction (where you could pick up a nice wallhanger for around £200). Hope you have deep pockets!

 

Hope this helps

 

C-B

[Vince Green]

As said above. No cartridge shotgun is classed as an antique unless its a pinfire with a few few oddball exceptions. Irrespective of age. Some cartridge rifles can be antique if they are an exempt calibre. Usually exempt calibres sell for disproportionally higher prices. collectors can buy them.

Edited April 2, 2010 by Vince Green

[pigeon23]

It depends which gun.

 

I have a number of pre 1900 guns (shotguns and rifles) which certainly are NOT classified as antiques such as 12 bore hammer guns (and some hammerless), but I also have a number of ones which are. You need to look at 'Firearms Law - Guidance to the Police' which is issued by the Home Office and which you can download free from their website.

 

In essence, you are looking for a gun(s) which fall under Section 58(2) of the 1968 Firearms Act (Page 34 of the guidance) and which are either pre 1939 muzzle loading guns or breech loading guns in a calibre deemed to be 'Obsolete'. There is an obsolete calibre list at Appendix 5 of the guidance. These guns can be bought quite legally 'off ticket' and displayed as long as the purchaser does not intend to fire them. If he does then they need to be put on SGC or FAC and stored in a cabinet.

 

For instance, you could buy breech loading rifles, pistols and revolvers in any number of (obsolete) calibres, obsolete calibre shotguns in 10 bore (2 5/8" & 2 7/8" chambers only), 8 bore, 4 bore etc. Any pre 1939 muzzle loading gun (rifle, pistol or shotgun), any pinfire revolver (or other obscure/obsolete ignition system) or for instance a 577/450 Martini Henry rifle.

 

You can find good examples at many classic gun arms fairs (such as ones regularly held at Bisley), good gun auctions such as Holts or Bonhams in London, or provincial gun auction (where you could pick up a nice wallhanger for around £200). Hope you have deep pockets!

 

Hope this helps

 

C-B

 

cheers mate, really appreciate the help, looks like im gonna have to go for a deactivated after all (after looking at the prices for antiques!!!)

 

 

P.S. how do i give u 2 rep?