If you're a new shooter or a more experienced shooter who needs to brush up a little on what best practice is for how to transport a shotgun legally (UK) to shoots, this is for you.

As we know, having the privilege of being a shotgun certificate holder, brings with it immense responsibility. It feels appropriate to start this guide by reminding you that safety and compliance first, as always. 

A little knowledge can really help and give you more confidence as you travel for a day of sports. You're encouraged to do your own research and ensure that you fully understand and are clear.

What You Need to Legally Transport a Firearm

First and foremost, keep your shotgun certificate on hand when transporting a shotgun. It's a good idea to take a photo of it so you have a copy and always keep it with you. If you're away on a shooting trip, many shooting hotels have a gun safe which is smart to use. If the hotel doesn't have a safe, do your best to break the gun and make it unusable - this may look like leaving the stock in your car and the barrels in your room or similar.

Plan your trips and make provision and know where or how your gun will be stored if you're staying overnight.

 There's some handy guidance from the government below: 

• Any guns should be hidden, preferably in the locked boot or other secured load- carrying area of the vehicle where practicable.

• Suppose the vehicle is left unattended for any reason. In that case, firearms should be concealed, preferably in the locked luggage compartment, and where practicable, an essential component such as the bolt or fore-end removed and kept in possession of the responsible person.  Where possible, ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm and concealed from view.

• The vehicle should be locked, and any immobiliser or alarm should be set.

• The vehicle should be parked within the sight of the responsible person.

How to Transport Firearms Legally on Trains?

For more detailed advice beyond this summary guide, you're invited to consult BASC or your local firearms department. (met.police.uk)

Please note this guide is intended for guidance purposes only to help educate and is not intended as legal guidance. 

How to Transport a Gun Legally While Travelling by Car: UK Guide?

* First and foremost, make sure that the shot gun is completely unloaded, removing all cartridges from your barrel.

* Use a secure case or a gun slip, this protects it from damage and keeps it out of sight.  

* Keep your cartridges separated from your shotgun.

* Lock the shotgun securely in the boot of your car, this is to keep it out of sight.

* If in any case you need to make a stop before the intended destination, remove the fore-end off your shotgun and discreetly take it with you. 

Can I travel abroad with my shotgun?

The quick answer is YES you can travel abroad with your shotgun, but it's crucial to follow the latest international travel regulations and consult the relevant embassies for guidance, especially post-Brexit changes affecting UK travellers."

Follow this link for quick guidance and more information basc.org.uk/firearms/taking-firearms-abroad/.

What paperwork will you need to complete to transport a shotgun legally?

1. The World Federation holding the championship will provide on their website a Gun Declaration Form GDF (usually termed something like ‘Declaracion de Armas’  or ‘Firearms Import Form’). These forms have to be completed and sent back to the required email address along with a copy of the passport and the shotgun certificate. There will be a deadline date for submitting the form. People who miss the deadline date will not be able to get their shotguns into the country. It is non-negotiable.
2. All shooters will need a formal invitation to the competition from the World Federation. Normally these can be a generic form that you download from the championship page, or you will be sent an individual one with your name on it, depending on the Federation holding the event.
3. Some Federations will process your GDF and email a formal permit to you, from the police, and received before you travel (like Portugal). Other Federations will have your permits at the airport police customs (like Spain). It is important to know which process is being used when you enter the competition. If you have been sent a permit you will have to present it to the police at the airport customs. No excuses for not having the permit will be accepted. It is a good idea to have the important paperwork in both hard copy and saved to the phone. (Phone can run out of battery and paperwork can be forgotten so keep it in 2 places).
4. It is happening more and more now, that the airport customs in the country you are flying to ask for proof of your 3^rd party liability insurance, so all those travelling should go on their CPSA dashboards and print off their name specific insurance certificate and membership card. The generic insurance document will not suffice.
5. Anything can happen when you are travelling abroad with guns that can make a perfect storm. You could be stopped by police at a championship or whilst travelling to a hotel etc. You may be asked for your paperwork, which might be in your hotel safe. It is a good idea to have in your phone the following pictures:
   1. One clear picture of the outside of your gun case, and one of your gun inside the gun case, in case it gets lost and you need to show proof to airport, or police who are searching for it etc .
   2. A picture of your shotgun certificate, because if it is lost abroad, very few people will remember the things like certificate number, gun number or expiry dates, which might be needed to solve a problem.
   3. A picture of your permit from the country that allows you to travel inside the country with a gun.
   4. A picture of your liability insurance.

If you have any concerns or you need more information on how to transport a shotgun safely in the UK then feel free to reach out at moya@howesandwayko.co.uk.