Dealer & Industry News

The UK government has announced a £7.5 million investment in a new National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS), a move that could help address one of the biggest frustrations facing the shooting community: lengthy firearms licensing delays.   American softaware giant Palantir has been selected to build the new platform, which will be used by all 43 police forces across England and Wales to manage firearms and shotgun licensing. While the system itself may not sound par...

2025 was a standout year for the shooting industry, and few things shape the direction of the market more than the events people actually show up to. From international trade floors to packed British showgrounds, this year’s calendar highlighted where interest, investment and attention were really focused.   Three events in particular stood out in the Gunstar 2025 Wrapped data and conversations across the industry: IWA OutdoorClassics, the British Shooting Show, and The Game Fai...

2025 has easily been one of the busiest years for changes in UK firearms laws and licensing. New rules dropped, big ideas were debated, and several major updates hit the shooting world all at once.   If you felt like you were constantly hearing about another licensing update - you weren’t imagining it. This article breaks it all down in simple terms.   New Licensing Rules    A lot of the talk this year focused on the updated licensing rules. Here&rsquo...

When it comes to adventure-ready camping, rooftop tents are becoming the go-to choice for for shooters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, time in the field isn’t just about the sport, it’s about the full experience. Whether you’re heading off for an early morning stalk, travelling across the country for a shooting weekend, or camping out on an estate, the right setup makes all the difference. That’s where rooftop tents come into play.   Instead of struggling wi...

Whether you’re renewing your shotgun certificate or applying for a firearm certificate for the first time, 2025 brings some of the most significant licensing changes in years. To help you stay compliant and avoid delays or refusals, we’ve created a free, easy-to-follow checklist that walks you through everything you need.   Why You Need This Checklist   The updated statutory guidance for firearms licensing came into effect in August 2025. It introduces new ch...

If you own a rifle or shotgun, plan to apply for a certificate, or are due for a renewal, the new Home Office Firearms Licensing Guidance (August 2025) brings major changes you need to know. These updates aren't just technical, they impact real people, real homes, and real rights.   Here's what’s changed, why it matters, and what you should do next.   Key Changes at a Glance:   Domestic abuse checks now include psychological, emotional, and financial abu...

New UK regulations are about to change how you buy and sell guns online.     Watch this short message from Jeff, our Director, explaining what’s changing, why it matters, and how it helps keep our community safe and trusted.   As part of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom is introducing new rules that require online platforms to make their services safer and ensure users are accountable for their actions. These changes will impact how you use Gunstar and other o...

The UK has a rich and storied firearms heritage, one that has influenced battlefields, sport shooting, and global gun design for centuries. From iconic military rifles to aristocratic shotguns, British gunmakers have created some of the most important firearms in the world.   In this blog, we’re diving into six legendary British firearms that shaped the history of shooting in the UK. Whether you're a collector, sport shooter, or history buff, these guns represent a powerful lega...

There’s some important and welcome news for UK gun owners: the government has officially agreed to deregulate sound moderators (also known as silencers).   That means you’ll soon be able to buy and own a moderator without needing it listed on your firearms certificate. No extra paperwork. No waiting for approval. Just common sense.   What’s Changing?   Up until now, moderators were classed as Section 1 firearms components, meaning you needed a s...

On Wednesday 1 November, PCC John Campion hosted a virtual Community Conversation on Facebook Live, focusing on firearms licensing in West Mercia. The event aimed to address concerns and provide transparency regarding the licensing process. DPCC Marc Bayliss and Chief Inspector Callie Bradley from West Mercia Police were present to answer questions submitted by the public. The conversation covered various topics, including licence fees, processing times, and the need for additional resources. ...

The College of Policing has released new guidance on firearms licensing in the UK. This update marks the beginning of a series of changes aimed at improving how firearms licensing is implemented in the country. The guidance not only helps police forces align with the updated statutory guidelines from the Home Office, but also provides additional support and direction.   New guidance has been introduced to address the issue of delays in firearms licensing and prevent firearms from fa...

This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of firearms legislation, system of referees, and other key aspects of firearm licensing.   From June 29 2023, to August 23 2023, Gunstar invites you to participate by completing the online form available at: [https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/firearms-licensing/]   The primary objective of this paper is to gather valuable insights and opinions on the recommended changes ...

Will this help or hinder Firearms License Certificates in the UK? The UK's first digital firearms marker has been enabled in certain GP practices across the country, to enhance safety in firearms certification across the UK. As of 6th February 2023, practices using an EMIS Web System can now add this SNOMED code to patients' records in a bid to increase safety mechanisms within UK firearms licensing. The scheme is scheduled for Cegedim/Vision systems in March 2023.    How t...

BASC Investigation Finds Shocking Inconsistencies in Firearms Licensing System   The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has just released the findings of its investigation into the performance of firearms licensing departments (FLDs) in England and Wales, and it makes for an interesting read. BASC found "considerable differences" between the 42 separate firearms licensing departments investigated, concluding major failings to the shooting community. These f...

  2022 Statistics on Firearm and Shotgun Certificates   The Home Office has just released the latest statistics on firearm and shotgun certificates in England and Wales. These statistics cover the period from April 2021 to March 2022 and provide a detailed overview of firearm and shotgun certificates during that time period. This information is valuable for both firearms and shotgun owners and registered firearms dealers, Gunstar hopes you find this overview an interesting ...

  3D Printed Guns: Will They Affect the Firearms Industry?   In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in the number of 3D printed guns on UK streets. This could have a devastating impact on the UK's firearms industry, which is already struggling with stricter gun laws. This article will explore the potential implications of 3D printed guns and ask whether enough is being done to stop them from hitting our streets.   What are 3D printed guns and how ...

Both clay and game lead ammunition will be completely banned from being sold and used before the year 2025, large-calibre hunting bullets will be completely banned from use before the year 2025, and small-calibre hunting bullets will be completely banned from use with a transition period of 5 years, a ban on lead bullets for target shooting, unless a shooting range has been specially licensed.

Home Office to Replace Gun Register System: What This Means for RFDs   The Home Office is seeking to replace its National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS), which could have a significant impact on registered firearm dealers (RFDs) in the UK. The current system, which has been in place since the mid-2000s, is due for replacement and the Home Office has put out a call for tenders. This has caused some concern among gun dealers, who are worried about how the new system ...

The shooting industry has been working closely with the government’s top health and safety advisors to find the best solution for eliminating lead shooting in the UK.

The current, shambolic general licences expire on 29 February 2020. Tied in legal knots by the anti-shooting Wild Justice group, UK environment department DEFRA is currently not in a position to issue new general licences for the shooting and trapping of pest birds in England when they expire in February, says the shooting organisation BASC.