The UK Government has now confirmed its intention to converge Section 1 (rifles) and Section 2 (shotguns) under a single licensing system. This proposal is no longer speculation — it is officially on the table and will now proceed to consultation.
This change, if implemented, would represent one of the most significant and damaging shifts to the trade, to shooting and countryside industries in decades.
Under the proposal, anyone wishing to own or use a shotgun — whether for work, sport, or recreation — would be required to go through the same application process as a rifle owner. This process is already widely recognised as overstretched, inconsistent, and under-resourced. Adding hundreds of thousands of additional shotgun owners into that system would create unmanageable delays, higher costs, and greater administrative burden for both certificate holders and the police.
For the gun trade, the impact could be devastating:
Dealers and retailers dependent on shotgun sales would face significant drops in business.
Customers would be discouraged by extended waiting times and increasing bureaucracy.
Shooting grounds and sporting estates could see declining participation and membership.
Rural communities — which depend heavily on the countryside economy — would suffer most.
This proposal risks undermining the very sectors the Government has repeatedly pledged to support and "level up."
The justification being presented is “public safety.” Yet no evidence has been provided to show that licensed firearms or shotguns pose any threat to public safety. In fact, crime involving legally held firearms remains at historically low levels, while the real challenge lies in areas such as knife crime and illegally held weapons. The UK’s current licensing system is already regarded internationally as one of the most stringent and effective in the world.
This proposal does not improve safety — it penalises law-abiding certificate holders and threatens the livelihoods of thousands working in and around the shooting sports sector.
The upcoming consultation will be critical. If our industry remains silent, we risk losing not only business, but an important part of our heritage, community, and way of life.
Together, we must ensure the voice of the trade is heard — clearly and loudly.
The GTA will be publishing research shortly on the likely impact of these measures on the trade.
We will be fighting convergence of Sections 1 & 2 tooth and nail on your behalf.
Stephen Jolly
Chief Executive
