The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

So, first what kind of cleaning kit do I need for a shotgun? How about maintenance? Any special tools? Where to buy it? Second, as far as I understand a gun must be 40" long by law, so You can't fix a folding stock, but can You keep, own one as a spare for a rainy day? (Without ever attaching it).

A shot gun (notice the space between the words) must be at least 40" long and have barrels at least 24" long, if it is to be licensed under S2 Firearms Act 1968. Otherwise it is a Prohibited Weapon (S5 (1) (aca)) Firearms Act 1968).

Iain

So you could have a folding stock on a shot gun if the barrels were appropriately long enough to ensure the assembly was over 40" with the stock folded?

IainWR wrote:A shot gun (notice the space between the words) must be at least 40" long and have barrels at least 24" long, if it is to be licensed under S2 Firearms Act 1968. Otherwise it is a Prohibited Weapon (S5 (1) (aca)) Firearms Act 1968).

Iain

Thank You for your answer. My question still stands: Can you legally own a spare part which is not fitted but would make it prohibited if fitted? Theoretical q.

meles meles wrote:So you could have a folding stock on a shot gun if the barrels were appropriately long enough to ensure the assembly was over 40" with the stock folded?

Correct!
The laws on shotguns only mention overall length and barrel length MINIMUMS

Depending on action length, it MAY be possible to fit a folding stock...BUT get it wrong by a millimeter...BIG TROUBLE

A folding stock can be owned but must not be fitted to a gun if it will take the length under the legal minimum

CLEANING KITS
A few options:
Traditional wooden 2 or 3 part rods...with the Payne-Galway bronze brushes, etc.
More modern one piece fluffy cleaning rod
OTIS type pull through set

The best set may depend on the type of.shotgun you are needing to keep clean

I might be totally wrong here ... But in my understanding a part is just that ... You could have a part for a vickers machine gun ... Providing its not pressure bearing (barrel or breech) it's not a problem ...
(Happy to be corrected on this !!)

A few people are not quite 100% on the rules for a shot gun:

* The 40" rule only applies to semi-automatic and pump action shot guns.
* Section 2 shot guns require a minimum barrel length of 24", so does any Section 1 semi or pump.
* Section 2 shot guns may not have a detachable magazine, or a magazine capacity greater than 2 cartridges.
* Section 1 shot guns (smooth bore firearms), that aren't semi or pump just have to conform to the 12" / 24" rule (30cm barrel, 60cm min overall length).

Yes you can own folding stocks etc. You'll see them on de-acts etc. - they're not a restricted part. However, if you fit it to your (semi or pump) shot gun, taking you under the min. overall length and someone reports you...

As for cleaning kits, buy any generic rod and brush kit for the right size bore (12, 20, .410 etc.), some gun oil and a rag - job done.

Mikaveli wrote:A few people are not quite 100% on the rules for a shot gun:

* The 40" rule only applies to semi-automatic and pump action shot guns.
* Section 2 shot guns require a minimum barrel length of 24", so does any Section 1 semi or pump.
* Section 2 shot guns may not have a detachable magazine, or a magazine capacity greater than 2 cartridges.
* Section 1 shot guns (smooth bore firearms), that aren't semi or pump just have to conform to the 12" / 24" rule (30cm barrel, 60cm min overall length).

Yes you can own folding stocks etc. You'll see them on de-acts etc. - they're not a restricted part. However, if you fit it to your (semi or pump) shot gun, taking you under the min. overall length and someone reports you...

As for cleaning kits, buy any generic rod and brush kit for the right size bore (12, 20, .410 etc.), some gun oil and a rag - job done.

Thank You.

londonercsecse wrote:My question still stands: Can you legally own a spare part which is not fitted but would make it prohibited if fitted? Theoretical q.

Yes.

That better?

londonercsecse wrote: Thank You for your answer. My question still stands: Can you legally own a spare part which is not fitted but would make it prohibited if fitted? Theoretical q.

One example is a moderator.

If the device you intend to fit it to requires an FAC then the moderator will too. However, if you possess the moderator with the intention of only fitting it to your air rifle and not the FAC listed rifle then there is no problem.