GiveItAPunt Posted October 3 Report Share Posted October 3 (edited) I'm wondering whether a license is required for a 1.65 inch Punt gun manufactured circa 1850s for the purpose of an ornament. Literally just display because these things are incredible. I've read the legal definition: "pre 1939) rifles, shotguns and punt guns chambered for the following cartridges expressed in imperial measurements: 32 bore 24 bore, 14 bore, 10 bore (5/8″ and 2 7/8″ only), 8 bore, 4 bore, 3 bore, 2 bore, 1 1/8 bore, 1 1/4 bore and 1 1/2 bore, and vintage punt guns and shotguns with bores of 10 or greater." 1.65" converts to 1 bore. Now where in tripping up is; "bores of 10 and greater". Does this mean greater than 10 i.e not bore size greater but number greater - e.g, 12-14 or does it mean actual bore size greater, I e 8, 6, and therefore 1. Edited October 4 by GiveItAPunt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 I would imagine that because of it's age and most likely Black Powder added to the fact that you are not going to use it then no licence is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 If it dates from before WW2 then you may keep it as a "curio or ornament" I think the phrase is. However, if you propose to fire it then you must enter it on your certificate and inform the police. "Greater than" refers to the size of the hole in the muzzle. Punt guns are usually classified by bore in inches/fractions although there is a letter system which was used occasionally. I have actually have done this stuff rather than looked it up on line. If you need further help (and are a member) then talk to Bill Harriman at BASC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveItAPunt Posted October 4 Author Report Share Posted October 4 (edited) 37 minutes ago, Pushandpull said: If it dates from before WW2 then you may keep it as a "curio or ornament" I think the phrase is. However, if you propose to fire it then you must enter it on your certificate and inform the police. "Greater than" refers to the size of the hole in the muzzle. Punt guns are usually classified by bore in inches/fractions although there is a letter system which was used occasionally. I have actually have done this stuff rather than looked it up on line. If you need further help (and are a member) then talk to Bill Harriman at BASC. I assumed the bore size greater than 10 meant that a 1 bore would be allowed without a license due to it being the greater bore size. However my dyslexia proper tripped me up as I wasn't sure if they were talking about the actual bore size being greater which would mean 9 bore, 8 bore, 7 bore, and so on or greater in terms of literal numbers like 11, 12, 13 and so on . I've asked the actual auctioneer to confirm whether a license is required also, as they should have firearm experts to consult but from the replies I've received it sounds like no license is required as I have no intentions to fire or keep ammunition. Thank you for the reply Edited October 4 by GiveItAPunt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moongeese Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 If made in the 1800's and being kept as a collectors weapon, and not being fired, no licence is required. Should you wish to fire it, it would have to be put on your certificate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 This gun might have been built as a nominal 1 5/8" (1.625"). Look for a capital H with the proof marks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feltwad Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 You do not say if it is a muzzle loader or a breech loader and if it is black powder or nitro proof Feltwad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pushandpull Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 "Percussion" does rather suggest a muzzle loader..... However M.L. or B.L. will not affect its status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feltwad Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 Well My mistake I now see it is a percussion muzzle loader and is classed has a antique but like all antiques which do not need a licence but you want to use it then it must be entered on your licence but extra large bore size does come into it to use . Before lead shot for wildfowling was banned some muzzle loading fowling guns up to four bore were entered on shotgun licence for a short period for fowling holiday and then returned to antique status. Feltwad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveItAPunt Posted October 4 Author Report Share Posted October 4 6 hours ago, Feltwad said: Well My mistake I now see it is a percussion muzzle loader and is classed has a antique but like all antiques which do not need a licence but you want to use it then it must be entered on your licence but extra large bore size does come into it to use . Before lead shot for wildfowling was banned some muzzle loading fowling guns up to four bore were entered on shotgun licence for a short period for fowling holiday and then returned to antique status. Feltwad Thank you for that bit of history and knowledge! I don't have any plans whatsoever to fire it. I don't tend to have a massive interest in operational guns, only older antiques. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feltwad Posted October 4 Report Share Posted October 4 If your intentions to make a collection of antique guns from the flintlock to the early breech loaders now is the time to buy because todays prices of these guns are at a very low price . Feltwad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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