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

Hi, if I get permission from the landowner can a do some plinking on private land with a section 2 pump, provided its 50m from a public highway and there is suitable backstop etc?
This wouldn't be game shooting or pest control, it would litteraly be shooting random (non living) targets with birdshot and maybe some buckshot?
Im a bit confused as to what the law actually is.
also, if I was to buy a section 2 musket and load it with a single ball and still have it on section 2? so I could use it on an approved range and on private land?

Yes - but get the permission in writing. Some insurance would also be a good idea - maybe join a shooting organization that provides it.

Unlike section 1, section 2 aren't limited to specific uses.

Also, round balls for muskets aren't considered as ammunition and therefore aren't licensable / section 1.

Mikaveli wrote:Yes - but get the permission in writing. Some insurance would also be a good idea - maybe join a shooting organization that provides it.

Unlike section 1, section 2 aren't limited to specific uses.

Also, round balls for muskets aren't considered as ammunition and therefore aren't licensable / section 1.

So you could load a musket with a single ball and still fire it as a section 2 legally?

Ares590 wrote:

Mikaveli wrote:Yes - but get the permission in writing. Some insurance would also be a good idea - maybe join a shooting organization that provides it.

Unlike section 1, section 2 aren't limited to specific uses.

Also, round balls for muskets aren't considered as ammunition and therefore aren't licensable / section 1.

So you could load a musket with a single ball and still fire it as a section 2 legally?

Yes. There are no conditions on a SGC to prevent it. Of course, if you cock up and the ball exits the far end of Farmer Jones' field and lands in Mrs Miggins' garden and gives Tiddles a nasty fright (or worse), there may be a visit from Mr Policeman and rather a lot of words, including some that aren't very nice, to follow.

IainWR wrote:

Ares590 wrote:

Mikaveli wrote:Yes - but get the permission in writing. Some insurance would also be a good idea - maybe join a shooting organization that provides it.

Unlike section 1, section 2 aren't limited to specific uses.

Also, round balls for muskets aren't considered as ammunition and therefore aren't licensable / section 1.

So you could load a musket with a single ball and still fire it as a section 2 legally?

Yes. There are no conditions on a SGC to prevent it. Of course, if you cock up and the ball exits the far end of Farmer Jones' field and lands in Mrs Miggins' garden and gives Tiddles a nasty fright (or worse), there may be a visit from Mr Policeman and rather a lot of words, including some that aren't very nice, to follow.

I thought sect 2 ammo was defined as being 5 or more shot each measuring at least .54"

By that definition, discharging one larger ball would be section 1 ammo ?

From the regs
"Muzzle-loading muskets and small cannon are classed as section 2 shot guns for certification purposes"
Is this what you're thinking of:
"A shotgun certificate is not required to possess or acquire shotgun cartridges containing five or more shot, none of which exceeds .36 inch in diameter"
A musket doesn't use a cartridge so you just need the explosive licence for the BP as far as I've read.

Demonic69 wrote:From the regs
"Muzzle-loading muskets and small cannon are classed as section 2 shot guns for certification purposes"
Is this what you're thinking of:
"A shotgun certificate is not required to possess or acquire shotgun cartridges containing five or more shot, none of which exceeds .36 inch in diameter"
A musket doesn't use a cartridge so you just need the explosive licence for the BP as far as I've read.

Depending on the gun, you could also use a modern muzzle loading propellant like Hodgdon's 777 or Pyrodex - these don't require a licence to acquire and keep like BP would.

I was just trying to find that as I thought someone on here had said that was the case before, that's good then

breacher wrote:

IainWR wrote: Yes. There are no conditions on a SGC to prevent it. Of course, if you cock up and the ball exits the far end of Farmer Jones' field and lands in Mrs Miggins' garden and gives Tiddles a nasty fright (or worse), there may be a visit from Mr Policeman and rather a lot of words, including some that aren't very nice, to follow.

I thought sect 2 ammo was defined as being 5 or more shot each measuring at least .54"

By that definition, discharging one larger ball would be section 1 ammo ?

No. By definition (and with the exception of expanding bullets), only assembled cartridges are licensable.

That's why muzzle loader 'ammunition' is never listed on your FAC. If it was Section 1, you'd be limited to the number of balls of lead you could purchase...

It's a little complicated but I believe the answers given so far are not entirely correct in respect of firing ball from a musket. Surely by definition if only a single ball is loaded then it is no longer regarded as a shotgun. Off the top of my head I can't remember the minimum number of balls and the maximum size of those balls but it could well be as already mentioned by Demonic.

With regard to shooting within 50m from a highway you need to read what the actual law says. It is not an offence to shoot within 50m of a highway unless you cause alarm or disturbance to others (or something like that).

I would suggest that you contact BASC or whatever your shooting organisation is to get a propper answer to your questions and not rely upon the opinions of a forum on the net. While advise may be given with the best will in the world we all get it wrong and I would hate to see anyone getting into bother over incorrect information.