Author archives: hbsa-uk

Legislative Update, 4th Quarter September – December 2022  Legislative and Home Office New Ministerial appointment: As part of a Government reshuffle, Chris Philp MP was appointed as Minister for Policing, with responsibility for firearms licensing matters. Among his first actions was to give evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee on firearms licensing. Firearms Safety: Following …

Continue reading “Legislative Update, 4th Quarter September – December 2022”

Dear Members The March Midweek shoot will take place on Wednesday 15th March. This will be at 200 yards on Century The April Midweek will be on 19th April, again this is at 200 yards on Century. Sorry about the distance being the same but I have had Bisley cancel quite a few of the …

Continue reading “March/April Shooting 2023”

The competition was shot on the morning of Sunday 26th February. We were treated to a largely beautiful and windless morning, though the cloud had thickened up a bit by lunchtime. Some 20 shooters turned up to enjoy what proved to be the usual mix of triumph and disaster on the scoreboard. The markers were …

Continue reading “HBSA Fixed bayonet, no bayonet competition, 26th February 2023”

Please see below a link to the Minister’s statement in the House on Tuesday regarding the Plymouth shootings https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2023-02-21/debates/1CD386F0-B1D6-424E-9C85-E4F2C6D7B6CD/PlymouthShootings Please also see the IPOC report into the Plymouth shootings at the following link. Note the General Organisational Learning recommendations on pages 36 and 37 https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Op%20Begna%20executive%20summary.pdf We are working with BSSC and the other member associations to secure the best outcome …

Continue reading “Minister’s statement in Parliament and IOPC document 21February23”

Member’s attention is drawn to the attached calling notice for this year’s BSRC Open Historics Match which will take place on Sunday 5th March. Match details here >>>> Please contact Adrian Dagger on 07711 628481‬ if you have questions about entering. Regards, Derek Stimpson

Members will be interested to see the newly revised Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing  for Chief Officers of Police which can be found at the following link. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1135052/Revised_Firearms_Licensing_Statutory_Guidance_Feb_2023.pdf Work on Statutory Guidance will continue with further updates expected, particularly resulting from the Plymouth Inquest.Derek Stimpson

Dear Members Shooting dates for February are: Wednesday 15th Midweek practice. This is at 200 yards on Century Electronic targets. The usual cautions with the electronic targets are, rifles must be zeroed beforehand as the sensors at each corner cost £55.00 plus fitting. No small bore and no black powder. Some of you are already …

Continue reading “February 2023 Shooting Programme”

Members may wish to note the following new legislation re security, as expected, and applicable to rifles with kinetic energy of more than 13,600 joules at the muzzle. The Home Office have confirmed that The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2023 No. 77  was laid before Parliament on 27th January 2023 and will come into force on 27 July. A …

Continue reading “The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2023 No. 77”

HSE extends lead in ammunition restriction process by six months | HSE Media Centre This will update members regarding the extension which has been granted to HSE for evaluation of the additional information submitted in the public consultation regarding lead in ammunition. This is due to the substantial response received. More details are in the link. I …

Continue reading “Lead in ammunition consultation”

Wednesday January 18th Midweek practice @ 300 yds Wednesday 15th February Midweek Practice @ 200 yds Sunday 26th February Fixed Bayonet no Bayonet competition. 100 yds Short Siberia. Wednesday 15th March Midweek practice @ 200 yds Note:The Wednesday shoots are supposed to be self-financing. As we have started using the private markers for these there …

Continue reading “Shooting dates for 2023”

HBSA & Stourport on SevernRook & Reindeer Christmas Charity Shoot Stourport on Severn, Saturday 3rd December 2022 Dear Competitors A very big thank you for taking part in our 6th Christmas Rook and Reindeer shoot in aid of charity. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn …

Continue reading “HBSA Rook & Reindeer charity shoot Dec 2022”

For members information. The Home Office has advised that an updated version of the non-statutory firearms guidance has been published on gov.uk: Guide on Firearms Licensing Law. Updated guidance appears at:  paragraphs 6.37 and 12.67 – guidance on UK Athletics licenced race starters; paragraph 7.10 – re-inserted guidance on the exemption under section 11(6) relating to organised clay pigeon …

Continue reading “Update to the Non-Statutory Firearms Guidance Nov22”

Derek’s Legislative Update for Q3 2022 may be downloaded here >>>>

HBSA Northern Group are delighted to advise that they are now able to return to meeting at the Royal Armouries Leeds. Forthcoming dates are 19 October, 23 November, 21 December, 18 January, 22 February and 29 March. These are all third Wednesday evening of the month, from 7pm to 9pm in the Library at RAL …

Continue reading “HBSA Northern Group meetings 2022-3”

Stourport on Severn Pistol & Rifle Club Minster Road Stourport on Severn Worcestershire This Charity Shoot is in aid of the MacMillan fund and will be held at Stourport on Severn <directions>. The event is generally intended for traditional British single shot Rook & Rabbit sporting rifles (and their foreign equivalents) from the 1865-1914 period. …

Continue reading “HBSA Midlands Rook & Reindeer Charity Christmas Shoot – Saturday 3rd December 2022”

Members will be aware from the calendar that our next Mini McQueen shoot will take place on Sunday the 9th October 2022 on Time Limit range at Bisley. This is a .22RF practice at 50 yds being a miniature version of the normal McQueen. 2 sighters and 10 to count. You will need a rifle with …

Continue reading “Minni Mcqueen competition Sundat 9th October 2022”

This took place on Sunday 18th September at Bisley. The course of fire was 2 convertible sighters and 10 to score. The morning session was at 300 yards, the afternoon at 500 yards. The morning was overcast with a cold, slightly gusty wind. The afternoon was pleasantly sunny with a moderate, but variable wind. We …

Continue reading “Mid-Range Competition 2022 – Results”

UPDATE: The proposed open day at the York Army Museum intended for Saturday, was postponed by the regiment due to the period of mourning and as a mark of respect. Saturday 10 September – FREE entry! HBSA Northern Group are working with the York Army Museum to facilitate one of the increasingly popular ‘Heritage Open …

Continue reading “Heritage Open Day at York Army Museum – Free”

HBSA Long Range Championships 2022Bisley camp, Stickledown range. We have just had the HBSA long range weekend. Saturday one target in the morning at 900 yards and one in the afternoon at 1000 yards.Sunday, we had two targets morning and afternoon at the same distances. The course of fire for the competition was 5 sighters …

Continue reading “2022 Open Long Range Championships results”

We now have for your delectation the mid range weekend shoots Sunday 11th September, Century 300 yds morning and 500 yds afternoon. Practice day intended for zeroing rifles prior to the competition the following weekend, however, this shoot is open to all. PLEASE let me know if you are coming so I can keep some …

Continue reading “Shooting programme September 2022”

Derek Stimpson’s “Legislative Update” for the most recent quarter can be viewed here >>>>

On Sunday August 14th the HBSA Miniature Rifle competition took place on Bisley’s 25 yard Cheylesmore Range in temperatures that exceeded 30C.  An audience of two watched 18 stalwart shooters brave the heat to shoot a total of 73 entries in 11 Matches with some excellent scores. The Results can be viewed here >>>> 264 rounds …

Continue reading “Miniature Rifle Matches Results 14 August 2022”

The HBSA will once again be holding the Annual Midland Rook & Rabbit Championship Meeting at Stourport On Severn. Saturday 1st October 2022. Please see the attached entry form here >>>> Regards Paul Smith This Championship Meeting will be held at Stourport on Severn. The event is intended for traditional British single shot Rook & Rabbit …

Continue reading “Midlands Rook & Rabbit matches 1st October 2022”

The topic of lead was discussed at the last BSSC meeting and a working group was formed to assist with the BSSC response to the HSE consultation. The group has had one meeting and is working to put the case for retaining lead in ammunition where possible, and notably where there is no food or …

Continue reading “Lead and HSE consultation”

Stourport on Severn, Saturday 30TH July 2022 Dear Competitors Thank you all for competing in this our 1st Long Rang Midland Rook and Rabbit competition.  Results >>>> This year it was decided to run a Long-Range meeting to see how these old Rook & Rabbit Rifles would perform at 100yds. The standard course of fire …

Continue reading “HBSA Midland Longrange Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition”

This was shot on Sunday 24th July. We had 15 competitors and 3 targets with private markers The results can be viewed here >>>> The weather was very nice, sunny with occasional gusts of wind. The markers were a bit ragged to start with, tending to rush things and not give correct number of exposures. …

Continue reading “Four Types competition 24th July 2022”

Members will find the Government response to this consultation at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-safety/outcome/firearms-safety-government-response-accessible-version There are no surprises here and the results are as expected. Certain elements remain under review, again as expected. Please direct any questions to me at  chairman@hbsa-uk.org Regards Derek Stimpson    

Dear All Thank you to the many people who have got in touch with me with lovely messages and memories of my Dad. They have been enormously comforting. I am going to miss him very much and it has been very helpful to me to try and start remembering him as the man he was …

Continue reading “Fred Wilkinson (16.01.1922 – 21.06.2022)”

We have recently received this message from Andrew Mercer, NRA Secretary General & NSC Chief Executive:- Cancellations – F Class, Match Rifle, ISCRM and IHAM Competitions – 2022 Imperial Meeting The large fire in the range danger area that started on Monday 4 July remains a major threat despite the valiant efforts of a large team …

Continue reading “Bisley fire – IHAM cancelled”

July/August shooting is as follows: There is no midweek shoot this July. The Four Types will go ahead on Sunday 24th July. We currently have 6 entrants. If you are planning to shoot in this please apply soon as I may have to adjust target and marker numbers. The Historic Miniature Rifle meeting will be …

Continue reading “July & August 2022 shooting programme”

This year is the centenary of the disbandment of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC). To commemorate this important anniversary, the NRA will host a demonstration of Vickers MG on Sunday 3 July on Century Range, from 4pm. Members and guests are welcome to attend. The MGC played a pivotal role in the First World War, …

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It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing away one of our founders and Vice Presidents Emeritus, Frederick J Wilkinson. He died peacefully early today. His daughter Jo was with him. We have sent our sincere condolences. Fred, as he was known to many members, was an expert and an enormously …

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1910 cancelled As we have had only one applicant for the “1910” competition, I have decided we need to cancel it. I don’t know why the response was so low this year. If this was a competition you have shot in the past, is there a reason why not this year? Fuel cost? Lack of …

Continue reading “Four Types competition open for booking, but 1910 cancelled”

Our apologies for the late publication of our Legislative Update – there has been so much going on in this field! Read the Latest Update here >>>> Derek

We shot the McQueen competition this morning (Sunday 15th). View the results here >>>> This was the first McQueen competition since 2019. The weather was overcast with light occasional rain until the end of the morning when it poured. Luckily we had pretty much finished by then. I have been trying some new markers recently, they …

Continue reading “McQueen post match report 2022”

For members information we received the following today, as expected. We are studying it together with BSSC and other relevant associations. This is a 213 page document with 13 pages of references so the process will not be quick. The consultation opened today closes on the 6th November 2022 so there is time for HBSA, BSSC …

Continue reading “HSE publishes restriction dossiers and opens public consultations on lead in ammunition and substances in tattoo inks and permanent make-up (PMU)”

Dear MembersWe have 2 shooting events this month: Sunday 15th May, McQueen Competition. There are still places left on this popular competition. Sights: Any, including magnifying or telescopic in the spirit of the original. Modern optics for honours only. Iron sighted rifles the target appears above the castle only. Online booking here >>>> Wednesday 18th …

Continue reading “Shooting programme May/June 2022”

HBSA Bisley Rook & Rabbit Rifle CompetitionBisley, Sunday 25 April 2022 Thank you to the 15 brave competitors who endured some of the sunniest weather so far this year to shoot their historic little rifles in our competition on the BSRC’s Time Limit Range. The 44 match card results are here >>>> Overall the event …

Continue reading “HBSA Bisley Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition April22 – match report”

There will be a further full Legislative Update in the next issue of Report. The meetings and processes already reported on in the previous issue continue to move forward but at the time of going to print there is no additional breaking news on these topics. Responses are awaited from Government on the main issues. …

Continue reading “Legislative News April 2022”

HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition Stourport on Severn, Saturday 2nd April 2022   Dear Competitors   Thank you all for competing in this our 2nd Spring Midland Rook and Rabbit competition. THE Match Results can be viewed here >>>> Originally set up following the Covid restrictions, it has proven to be popular and …

Continue reading “HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition April 2022 – Match Report”

Dear Members April 2022 The Midweek Practice this will be Wednesday 20th April. 200 yards on Century HBSA Rook & Rabbit matches @ 25&50ydsSun, 24 April, 08:30 – 17:00BSRC Time Limit range, Bisley CampOnline booking here >>>> May 2022 The Midweek shoot is on Wednesday 18th May 100 yards short Siberia The annual McQueen competition …

Continue reading “HBSA Shooting programme April & May 2022”

The annual Bisley Rook and Rabbit Rifle shoot is back! Though impacted by Covid in 2020 and 2021 the Bisley Rook and Rabbit Rifle shoot will take place this year on April 24th.  Please dust off those wonderful little Rook rifles, dig out some ammunition and join us to shoot in up to 5 of …

Continue reading “HBSA Rook & Rabbit Rifle Shoot – BSRC Time Limit Range, Bisley – 24 April 2022”

The HBSA .22 rimfire smallbore and historic miniature rifle competition took place yesterday Sunday 20th March. The match results can be seen here >>>> The weather could not have been better, sunny with light fishtailing winds. We had 12 shooters with 17 match cards booked, compared to 14 competitors last time (2019 was the last …

Continue reading “Long Range .22 Rimfire and Historic Miniature Rifle Competition 2022”

The Phoenix Trade Fair will return for the first time since 2019 on Sit Pet Lawn, featuring a range of different suppliers for all to enjoy. Doors will open on Friday 27th – Sunday 29th May from 8am – 6pm daily. Entry is free so come along and support the suppliers!  

Colleagues, Surrey Branch will be holding a Repeating Pistol Meeting (RPM) during the Army Target Shooting Club (ATSC) Open Meeting and Club Comps weekend. This event is scheduled for April 22nd through to April 24th . The RPM will be on Saturday 23rd (am and pm sessions) and Sunday 24th (am only) on Winans-A. The ATSC entry form is attached …

Continue reading “Repeating Pistol Meeting 23/24 April 2022”

Next Sunday 20th March we are holding our open Long Range Rimfire competitions on Century Range at Bisley. Shot at 200yards in the morning and 300 after lunch, we have a wide range of classes: CLASSES HISTORIC MRSB: Classic & Veteran Miniature Rimfire Rifles with ANY contemporaneous sights HISTORIC TRSB: Classic & Veteran Miniature Rimfire …

Continue reading “HBSA Long Range .22 Rimfire and Historic Miniature Rifle Competition”

Due to covid and resulting restrictions, the President’s Cup could not be presented to the current winner – Jonathan Ferguson – at the AGM or a meeting. We were able to send the cup north care of the Royal Armouries, and Andrew Claxton of the HBSA Northern Group is shown here presenting it on behalf …

Continue reading “President’s Cup presentation 2022”

Dear Members This month we have the following dates: Wednesday 16th March Midweek shoot AM century 200 yds PM Century 300ydsThis is to allow zeroing of smallbore rifles for Sundays competition, however, it is not limited to smallbore. As ever limited capacity so please let me know if you intend to shoot. Sunday 20th March  …

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For members’ information, the following email is from the Defra Ivory Policy Team and addressed to the British Antique Dealers Association, with whom we are in touch and who have kindly kept us informed.  Any questions should be covered in the websites mentioned below or if not may be directed to me. Derek Stimpson Subject: Implementing the Ivory …

Continue reading “Implementing the Ivory Act – opening of the ivory service”

Dear Members We have today shot the Fixed/No Bayonet competition.The weather could not have been better, sunny with only very light winds. We had a full turnout of 24 competitors shooting some 96 cards. Congratulations to those who scored a max of 30 points. As ever it is good to see the variety of kit …

Continue reading “Fixed Bayonet / No Bayonet matches 2022”

We regret that our usual display and HBSA team at BSS this weekend will not be there. After the usual careful planning and BSS invitation, our show team, having arrived in good time, could not access the hall and our stand due to a mixture of lack of clear directions, bureaucracy, and overbearing security. Others …

Continue reading “No HBSA stand at BSS this year”

The British Sporting Rifle Club are running their annual Open Historics Matches on Sunday 6th March on their Sporting Rifle ranges at Bisley. There will be matches on both static and moving targets for all ages of historic rifles. Their Calling Notice with Match details and Rifle classes may be downloaded here >>>>

The entry form for this year’s Midlands Spring Rook & Rabbit Meeting and match details can be viewed here >>>> To be held at Stourport on Severn on Saturday 2nd April. Please enter As Soon As Possible as it makes life easier for me. If you cannot attend please drop me an email. If you …

Continue reading “HBSA Spring 2022 Midlands Rook & Rabbit Championship Meeting”

Please see the latest Legislative Update covering Ministerial comment, Statutory and Non Statutory Guidance, Police, Lead and other news. Regards Derek  

Dear Members The February midweek shoot will be on FRIDAY 18 th at 100 yards on Short Siberia. As usual please email me if you wish to shoot, these are number limited. The Fixed/No bayonet competition is on Sunday 27th February, 100 yds Short Siberia. The entry is already open through the new website >>>> …

Continue reading “Shooting Programme for February 2022”

Members may wish to note the following message from the Home Office confirming that the expected amendments have entered into law. This is correction of an omission which we had raised with them, plus other small corrections.   Best wishes Derek Stimpson Please see the attached link to Home Office Circular 008/2021 on antique firearms:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0082021-antique-firearms The Circular sets out amendments …

Continue reading “Amendments to the Antique Firearms Regulations 2021”

Dear Members Happy new year to all. January midweek shoot is on Wednesday 19th. This will be on Century at 300 yards. Please let me know if you are coming. We have a confirmed booking for the Fixed/No bayonet competition on 27th February, 100 yds Short Siberia. The entry is now available online >>> Hopefully …

Continue reading “Jan Feb 2022 Shooting”

For those members who might have known him, I have received the sad news of Heikki Pohjolainen’s passing away. Heikki was a remarkable collector and FESAC representative for many years.  I have sent condolences to his family and colleagues on behalf of FESAC UK. Derek Stimpson

Members should be aware that government have asked GPs to prioritise covid/booster vaccinations during January following the surge in the Omicron variant cases. This means that completion of medical proformas for FAC/SGC renewals may be delayed. We have written to FELWG asking them to ensure that no certificate holder is left in unlawful possession by …

Continue reading “FAC/SGC issue during next January”

Members who import firearms may find the attached letter of interest. It is from DIT, via BSSC. They have asked that it be circulated. Taking the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Derek Stimpson

Please see the attached link to Home Office Circular 008/2021 on antique firearms:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0082021-antique-firearms The Circular sets out amendments to the Antique Firearms Regulations 2021 to correct an omission from the 2021 Regulations by adding to paragraph 5 of the Schedule (cartridges for vintage rifles, punt guns and shot guns) “cartridges with bores greater than 10”.  The …

Continue reading “Home Office circular 008/2021 correcting an omission”

Please note the following news that we received today from the Home Office. I have not been through this yet and if members have comments or questions please email them to me at chairman@hbsa-uk.org Best wishes Derek Stimpson This e-mail is to advise you that we have today issued a fully revised version of the …

Continue reading “Non-statutory firearms guidance”

We regret to advise you that the NSC have decided that the lecture room on Cheylesmore is too confined a space for the current Covid-19 risk. Regrettably, that means that the planned Christmas Lecture with light refreshments must be cancelled for this year. The morning Heritage Pistol shoot will continue as planned.

Stourport on Severn,  Saturday 4th December 2021 A very big thank you for all for taking part in our 5th Christmas Rook and Reindeer shoot in aid of charity. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn which is an excellent venue; it provides a covered firing …

Continue reading “HBSA & Stourport on Severn : Rook & Reindeer Christmas Charity Shoot”

Stourport on Severn, Saturday 4th December 2021 A very big thank you for all taking part in our 5th Christmas Rook and Reindeer shoot in aid of charity. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn which is an excellent venue; it provides a covered firing point …

Continue reading “HBSA & Stourport on Severn: Rook & Reindeer Christmas Charity Shoot”

Derek’s Legislative Update for HBSA members, covering the third quarter of 2021, may be read and downloaded here >>>>

Following forum posts and a member’s request I am re-posting and amplifying the following post placed on the website and forum some time ago. The Non Statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law now covers all the necessary points. Collecting is well recognised by most Chief Police Officers and FLDs and is indeed an accepted “good …

Continue reading “FAC “Collecting Condition””

Dear members, We received the following notice from the Home Office yesterday. The first part, the Statutory Guidance, was advised in my post of 22nd October  (shown at the foot for easy reference). The second part relating to the Non Statutory Guidance, is, as explained by the Home Office, only an interim measure until the fully …

Continue reading “Home Office Statutory and Non Statutory Guidance”

As members may be aware this was published on 20th October and takes effect from 1st November 2021. This follows a two year consultation process in which HBSA along with BSSC and other organisations were involved. We were successful in obtaining appropriate changes where required.     Read at this link:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-guidance-for-police-on-firearms-licensing/statutory-guidance-for-chief-officers-of-police-on-firearms-licensing-accessible-version-from-1-november-2021#fn:2 You will note that the medical …

Continue reading “Statutory Guidance for police on firearms licensing”

Stourport on Severn Pistol & Rifle Club Minster Road Stourport on Severn Worcestershire This Charity Shoot in aid of the MacMillan fund will be held at Stourport on Severn. The event is generally intended for traditional British single shot Rook & Rabbit sporting rifles (and their foreign equivalents) from the 1865-1914 period. Full-stocked military training …

Continue reading “H.B.S.A. CHRISTMAS ROOK & REINDEER CHARITY SHOOT SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER 2021”

Stourport on Severn, Saturday 2nd October 2021 Dear Competitors Thank you all for competing in this our 16th Annual Midland Rook and Rabbit competition. We were once again privileged to be able to use the range at Stourport on Severn. This year we had 19 individual entrants entered inti 68 matches, 136 match cards. The …

Continue reading “HBSA Midland Rook & Rabbit Rifle Competition”

This took place on Sunday 26th September at Bisley. The Results may be viewed here >>>> The course of fire was 2 convertible sighters and 10 to score. The morning session was at 300 yards, the afternoon at 500 yards. The morning started with fairly dense mist, however, by the time shooting started there was …

Continue reading “Mid-Range Championships Match Report”