How does the law stand...

[Goodluck247]

Hello, was up in Norfolk a few weeks back with a few friends of mine beach detecting and we came across a very large collection of fired .303 blanks (53 in all!). In this group we found 1 live 303 blank, my friend took this as I didn't particularly want it, I'm pretty sure he handed it in. I was looking in to it over the last few days as I'm curious whether you can keep live old 303 blanks. I read that you can keep anything up to a 20mm blank without a FAC, is that correct? Anyone able to clear this up for me?

Will

 

[Falcon]

Blanks under 1" calibre do not require an FAC to possess in the UK. Blaks in a wide range of calibres are often (quite legally) easily available in large quantities at shows such as Beltring.

 

[Goodluck247]

Thanks for the reply falcon, I read somewhere that because the old blanks contained cordite it makes them illegal to possess, is that correct?

Will

 

[TonyE]

I don't know who told you that Will, but it is nonsense. The law does not distinguish between different types of propellant. As Falcon says, the Act states that blanks up to 1 inch clibre are able to be held without an FAC.

Regards
TonyE

 

[Goodluck247]

Modern blanks are absolutely fine... but if you find a live WW2 blank, then thats totally different. The propellant used back then was cordite (now obsolete), and it's illegal to own in any quantity.

Found the post, it was on a metal detecting forum. Thanks again Tony for your help, I can now tell my friend that if we do find another one he can keep it if he wishes.

Will

 

[spotter]

yes legal to keep,,just remember to treat it with the same respect as any other live round,you can still get nasty injurys from blanks

 

[TonyE]

Oh, and one other detail.... It only applies to blanks without bullets. If it has a wood or even a paper bullet it is Section 1 and the exemption does not apply.

Regards
TonyE

 

[Falcon]

I had thought about adding that earlier Tony, but you beat me to it.