The GTA’s Role in Addressing Key Challenges Faced by the Gun Trade

Far less frequently now, I get asked “What does the GTA do for me?” but I always welcome the challenge to ensure we keep your trade’s association on track.

This year we have been dealing with a growing number of challenges but, at the same time, I feel we are getting ever more traction with the decision-makers we need to reach.

I’m sorry to start with lead – but this is vital to all of us.

Through a desire to stay matched with Europe on chemical restrictions – and probably with a hint of political ambition – the Government made its proposals on moving away from lead in ammunition in outdoor use through the HSE restriction process.   The HSE largely copied what had been produced in Europe by their chemicals agency – ECHA.

When we were asked to contribute evidence to the consultation last year, I provided detailed information on a wide range of topics.  That seemed to fall on deaf ears and the proposals that were published back in May showed little sign they were listening.  We have now had the second phase of consultation where we submitted further detailed evidence on what the industry could realistically achieve and where there were technical issues in their proposals.  I do not have huge confidence in the process but I have recently picked up that they realise there is a need to talk to industry.  I hope so.  I will certainly be keeping the pressure on.

On delays in licensing.  We have been reporting to the Home Office for some time that there are unacceptable delays in some areas.  The message I got back six months ago was that it was a force-level issue – and not their problem.  Following my Freedom of Information request to the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for firearms licensing in August (which she was unable to answer at the time), I have now discovered that both the NPCC lead and the Home Office are taking an interest and have compiled the data.  In a parliamentary committee recently, the Policing Minister actually reported there were 7 forces over which he had concerns.  Finally, through GTA pressure, there is somebody taking an interest at the national level and helping to rectify the situation.   There is now sharing of best practices, a reallocation of resources and an urgency to get licensing back on track.

Where I have seen particular issues, I have sought to engage at the local level.  In Devon and Cornwall, through direct engagement, we have made the staff aware of the challenges to small businesses through delays and their inappropriate use of temporary Section 7 permits.  I think this message hit home and I’m delighted that they agreed to work with the trade, reduce the use of permits and process a block of long-awaited variations.  And the meetings continue.

Other things I am working on at the strategic level include the review of firearms licence fees, removal of moderators from licensing control, the trade’s interest in the future of the police licensing computer management system, criminal use of firearms, import and export licensing, airgun safety, licensing officer training and approved professional practice, medical checks, paper applications – to name a few.  All of these help maintain your ability to operate and do business.

Beyond that, we seek to be proactive in support of trade needs.   We continue to deliver very well-received RFD training courses, with Paul Green, our new technical advisor at the helm.  In 2023 we will also be offering Airgun-only one-day RFD training courses.  Paul and I are also in the process of writing a new ‘RFD Handbook’– a quick reference guide for all your desks.

As a trade, we are desperately in need of more trained gun fitters, gunsmiths and gun-making craftsmen.  We will be returning to our ‘careers in the gun trade’ recruiting efforts in 2023.  I am in discussions with training providers to link us to existing manufacturing and machining apprenticeship programmes to build our capacity.  If you would like to take on an apprentice in your workshops, please let us know.  Once we have a working link with a course provider, I hope we can spread the model nationwide.

We will also be running the Trade Conference again next year.  Following on from this year’s popular event, we will pick topical issues and provide a forum to exchange information and viewpoints that can benefit all of us.

That list of current activities may not address all your issues.  We are here to assist with whatever interesting challenges you might be facing.  Between me, Lin and Paul, I think we have the skill set and determination to deal with most things.  We will be at shows, game fairs and other shooting events and we are always available by phone or email; please keep the communication coming.

We cannot operate without you as members.  Thank you for your support and for empowering us to maintain the Trade’s operating environment and business opportunities.

Bullet Stability And Rifling – Trade Note On Safety And Performance Issues

Spiral grooving of barrel bores first appeared in Europe in the 16th Century but only really became common in the early 19th Century.  Although still muzzle loaded, with all the problems of getting the bullet down the barrel,  the elongated bullet made its first appearance.    It was really only the arrival of the breech loader in the mid 19th Century, that brought a practical solution and a true advance in what could be achieved.

The elongated bullet allowed more mass to be carried up a bore of any diameter.  Barrels became narrower and rifling twist rates got tighter.  Longer spinning bullets presented the opportunity for enhanced accuracy but also, due to their aerodynamic shape, were able to perform efficiently at greater range.

The basis of rifle bullet stability comes from the gyroscopic effect of spinning the bullet along its axis.  The spin provides stability in flight, keeping the bullet pointing in the direction of the target.  Short stubby bullets require less spinning than long thin ones.  If you think of a spinning top, they are designed to be short and fat – to make stabilisation easy.

The rifling in a barrel is described by the distance travelled for one complete revolution of the bullet.  For example, a standard twist rate for a .308 rifle is one revolution in 12 inches or 1:12.

The first rifle in British Army service was the Baker rifle of 1800, a muzzle loader with a 15mm round ball and a twist rate of 1:120.  Since then, the trend has been for ever smaller calibres, although the reduction to the NATO standard 5.56mm has been judged by some to be a step too far for long range effect.

For any given calibre there may be many different weight bullets but generally they have been designed to match the standard twist rate of the barrel.  For example .308WIN can fire lead bullets from 120-180 grains in the standard twist rate.  Bullets, bores, rifling and pressures are designed to provide appropriate terminal energy at the target to provide humane kills.  In military systems, everything is designed from the target back to the shooter, then working within what can be carried and fired safely.

Gyroscopic stability of bullets is calculated to ensure they have sufficient spin to keep them stabilised through the entire range from gun to target.  The bullet must have sufficient spin for its mass and shape to keep it stable, but must not be too stable so that, as it follows its ballistic trajectory, it continues to point upwards.

The Stability factor (SG) is calculated in a complex equation of mass, diameter, length, air density, velocity and twist rate.  Thankfully there are many online calculators that can be used to do the maths, for example, Dr Kolbe’s.

The figures we are looking for lie between 1 and 2.  A bullet that has a stability factor of 1 will be theoretically stable as it leaves the muzzle but must be seen as marginal.  1.2 is therefore an absolute minimum, with 1.5 being a normal working minimum.  Anything over 2 is over-stabilised and the bullet will remain point up as it follows its trajectory curve; this will affect range and accuracy due to the increased drag.

A bullet that lacks stability will yaw (up and down pointing) or pitch (side to side pointing).  All bullets will have a little of both on exiting the barrel but the gyroscopic effect will dampen such movement.

If there is insufficient stability, yaw will increase and the bullet will tumble end over end.  

So, what’s the problem?  

All of the traditional calibres and twist rates were designed for lead bullets.  For most factory loads, the ammunition available to shooters match the standards twist rates of barrels.  The challenge comes when we consider lead-free ammo.  For any given calibre, the same weight bullet in lead-free ammunition will be longer.  This produces the risk that the bullet will not stabilise in standard twist barrels.  Some companies have started increasing twist in their standard barrels to give more options on bullet choice.

Larger calibres like .308 are reasonably forgiving as the increased length of a bullet is less significant in relation to the diameter but for smaller calibres of 6.5mm and below the effects on SG are greater.  Down at .223 (5.56mm) we see real problems.

Recent GTA trials have shown the drop-off of accuracy with small calibre rifles of standard twist rate with copper alloy monolithic bullets.  In one test with a .223 1:12 twist and some heavy copper rounds, we couldn’t get any to hit the target at 100m.  At 50m we could see the problem with the bullets ‘keyholing’ the paperwork.  They had lost stability immediately and were tumbling beautifully.

A reduction in accuracy is one problem but dramatic tumbling is another.  In the extreme, tumbling bullets could impact with moderators and produce significant safety issues.

Efficient expansion of hunting rounds depends on terminal velocity.  Ammunition selection must ensure that there is sufficient residual velocity for the bullet to expand and deliver its energy effectively to the target.  For UK hunting, where most targets are engaged below 200m, velocity retention should not be an issue but it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for target-end velocity requirements.  My experience with .308 non-lead is that a light, fast bullet performs well.   This reduces the challenge of having to stabilise a longer, heavier bullet.  Fore smaller pest control calibres, the choices are more difficult.

.308 bullets: Lead-free (LF) 110gn, LF 130gn, LEAD 150gn, LF 150gn, LF 167gn

As we advise our customers on rifle and ammunition choices, it is important to pass on an understanding of stability requirements and safety.  Not every rifleman will know the twist rate of his rifle.  Assumptions may be made but it would be better to offer a measurement service, together with an appropriate offer of matched ammunition.  Find a solution that offers a stability factor of at least 1.5, particularly with moderated rifles.  There are plenty of options out there but they must be able to perform.  If the customer wants lead-free and there are no easy solutions, re-barrelling or a new rifle may be the only option.

All of this information on bullet stability has been passed to the Health and Safety Executive to inform their decisions on restrictions in lead in ammunition.  There is no point in removing lead and creating additional safety risks.

Mental Health in the Gun Trade: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Support

In the four years since I joined the GTA, it is sad to reflect that I know of four occasions when members of our gun trade family have taken their own lives.  The effect on families, friends and colleagues is devastating.  It is tragic to reflect that the thoughts of those that make such choices have not benefitted from the help that we would all wish to give – if only we had known.  It is the internalisation of hopelessness that is so sad.

In our society it is becoming so much more acceptable to be able to talk about mental health; I am less sure that it is so easy in our sector.  Possession of firearms is rightfully restricted for the purposes of public safety.   Those of us that work with firearms or enjoy shooting know that there are judgements being made on our suitability.  Protecting our ability to possess firearms and earn a wage will be a priority.  Whether an RFD, a servant or a certificate holder, we have responsibilities that we recognise.  In our daily lives, we conduct ourselves in a way that will not prejudice the privilege we enjoy.  We take those responsibilities seriously and strive to ensure that our reputation is above reproach.

But what if life is not treating us well and the pressures build up?  All sorts of factors can affect the way we feel.  Past traumas, family difficulties, and financial challenges – can all create stress.

Stress is quite natural, part of everyday life.  The difficulty comes when the stresses of life build up and prevent us from operating objectively.  If we feel that we might lose the very licence we need to work, it is easy to hide the difficulties that we are facing.

Actually, the facts show that our licensing authorities are understanding and committed to helping.  Just because we face challenges, doesn’t mean we are automatically going to lose our ability to work with guns.  There are countless examples of those who have asked for help and are managing their anxieties and depression, who continue to shoot or work in the gun trade.  The key is being open and having that conversation.

It is time we all need to look after ourselves and each other better.  I am all too aware that talking about our challenges isn’t easy.  We operate in a competitive, strong-willed environment, where there are enduring stigmas relating to talking about mental health.  Perhaps we should be more generous to ourselves and talk more openly about challenges.  Our trade has always faced headwinds – I am busier fighting these now than ever before.  Add to that challenges at the personal level and sometimes it can be difficult to see a clear way forward.  You will not be the only one under pressure and sharing those concerns can be very cathartic.

Not everybody works as part of a team but sharing our thoughts with others can help with managing difficulties.  Sometimes help comes easily from those around us.  Simply ‘A trouble shared is a trouble halved’.  For those that work alone, it’s more difficult, but there are always those willing to listen.  During lockdown, I felt privileged to take calls from members who just needed somebody to chat to.

Do continue to use the team here – it’s important for us to know what you’re having to deal with.  01684 291868.

We often hear that talking to our GPs is the right way forward – but this will be a challenge in itself.  There is a hugely useful little clip, published by Mind.org.uk about how to prepare for that move here.

Recently in Scotland, the shooting organisations, the GTA and the Police have issued a helpful guide on ‘Firearms and Mental Health – Awareness and Support’.  It recognises that problems are more common than you think and promotes positive mental health through shooting.  It talks about the role of the police in protecting public safety and the procedures they use.  But most usefully it provides information on ‘Where can I turn for help’.

You can read it at sacs.org.uk It includes some useful numbers and we hope to provide further advice across the UK soon.

The Gun and Allied Trades Benevolent Society is another port of call, assisting with financial support and connections to other organisations that can help.  More on their website: Gatbs.co.uk

We must ensure that we protect shooting as a whole and reduce risk to ourselves and others.  It is essential that members of the trade and the shooting community have a positive, open and frank relationship with their GPs and firearms licensing departments.

We know it’s difficult to talk about troubles but it’s very difficult not to answer a question.  Get into the habit of checking up on others.   We are all in this life together and need one another.  Please don’t leave it too late to look after yourselves or your mates.

Navigating International Trade Challenges: A Conversation on Gun Trade and British Representation

Simon West OBE, Executive Director of the GTA Ltd, is excited about getting a team together to discuss international trade, the challenges we face, the issue of limited British representation in the gun trade, and finding ways to ensure proper and safe movement of goods.

Adrian Bond, Department of International Trade, shares his insights on exporting firearms, global security, and how his team, along with connected departments, actively support responsible exports and trading.

Marleen Meyer, Project Executive OTSA talks to us about this year’s IWA Outdoor Classics event and the figures from both the attendees and exhibitors of the event.  She also gives us a sneak peek into the 50th anniversary IWA Outdoor Classics 2024 in Nuremberg. One event you might want to attend.

And Gary Costello, Managing Director PBS International Freight Ltd; a company that specialises in handling the transportation of firearms and other restricted items that most other freight companies shy away from, dives into the concept of consolidating shipments and proposes ideas to simplify the shipping process for the British gun trade, ultimately benefiting traders.

Simon then opens the floor to the attendees for a fascinating Q&A.