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        Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27)
        Introductory Text
        Main body
        Part I Provisions as to Possession, Handling and Distribution of Weapons and Ammunition; Prevention of Crime and Measures to Protect Public Safety
        General restrictions on possession and handling of firearms and ammunition
        1. Requirement of firearm certificate.
        2. Requirement of certificate for possession of shot guns.
        3. Business and other transactions with firearms and ammunition.
        4. Conversion of weapons.
        Prohibition of certain weapons and control of arms traffic
        5. Weapons subject to general prohibition.
        5A. Exemptions from requirement of authority under s.5.
        6. Power to prohibit movement of arms and ammunition.
        Special exemptions from sections 1 to 5
        7. Police permit.
        8. Authorised dealing with firearms.
        9. Carriers, auctioneers, etc.
        10. Slaughter of animals.
        11. Sports, athletics and other approved activities.
        12. Theatre and cinema.
        13. Equipment for ships and aircraft.
        14. . . .
        15. Holder of Northern Irish certificate.
        Prevention of crime and preservation of public safety
        16. Possession of firearm with intent to injure.
        16A. Possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
        17. Use of firearm to resist arrest.
        18. Carrying firearm with criminal intent.
        19. Carrying firearm in a public place.
        20. Trespassing with firearm.
        21. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime.
        [21A Firing an air weapon beyond premises]
        22. Acquisition and possession of firearms by minors.
        23. Exceptions from s. 22(4) and (5).
        24. Supplying firearms to minors.
        [24A Supplying imitation firearms to minors]
        25. Supplying firearm to person drunk or insane.
        Part II Firearm and Shot Gun Certificates; Registration of Firearms Dealers
        Grant, renewal, variation and revocation of firearm and shot gun certificates
        26A. Applications for firearm certificates.
        26B. Applications for shot gun certificates.
        27. Special provisions about firearm certificates.
        28. Special provisions about shot gun certificates.
        28A. Certificates: supplementary.
        29. Variation of firearm certificates.
        30A. Revocation of firearm certificates.
        30B. Partial revocation of firearm certificates.
        30C. Revocation of shot gun certificates.
        30D. Revocation of certificates: supplementary.
        31. Certificate for prohibited weapon.
        32. Fee for certificate and exemption from paying it in certain cases.
        Issue etc. in Great Britain of documents for European purposes.
        32A. Documents for European purposes.
        32B. Renewal of European firearms pass.
        32C. Variation, endorsement etc. of European documents.
        Registration of firearms dealers
        33. Police register.
        34. Grounds for refusal of registration.
        35. Fee for registration and renewal thereof.
        36. Conditions of registration.
        37. Registration of new place of business.
        38. Removal from register of dealer's name or place of business.
        39. Offences in connection with registration.
        Supplementary
        40. Compulsory register of transactions in firearms.
        41. Exemption from s. 40 in case of trade in shot gun components.
        42. Transactions with persons not registered dealers.
        42A. Information as to transactions under visitors' permits.
        43. Power of Secretary of State to alter fees.
        44. Appeals against police decisions.
        45. Consequences where registered dealer convicted of offence.
        Part III Law Enforcement and Punishment of Offences
        46. Power of search with warrant.
        47. Powers of constables to stop and search.
        48. Production of certificates.
        49. Police powers in relation to arms traffic.
        50. Special powers of arrest.
        51. Prosecution and punishment of offences.
        51A Minimum sentence for certain offences under s. 5
        52. Forfeiture and disposal of firearms; cancellation of certificate by convicting court.
        Part IV Miscellaneous and General
        53. Rules for implementing this Act.
        54. Application of Parts I and II to Crown servants.
        55. Exercise of police functions.
        56. Service of notices.
        57. Interpretation.
        58. Particular savings.
        59. Repeals and general savings.
        60. Short title, commencement and extent.
        Schedules
        SCHEDULE 1 Offences to which section 17(2) applies
        SCHEDULE 2 Offences to which sections 17(2) and 18 apply in Scotland
        SCHEDULE 3 Jurisdiction and Procedure on application under section 21(6)
        Part I Application tothe Crown Court (England and Wales)
        Part II Application to Sheriff (Scotland)
        SCHEDULE 4 Particulars to be Entered by Firearms Dealer in Register of Transactions
        PART 1 PARTICULARS RELATING TO FIREARMS (OTHER THAN AIR WEAPONS) AND AMMUNITION
        PART 2 PARTICULARS RELATING TO AIR WEAPONS
        SCHEDULE 5 Provisions as to Appeals under s. 44 of this Act
        Part I Courts with Jurisdiction to entertain Appeal
        Part II Procedural provisions for appeal tothe Crown Court
        Part III Appeals in Scotland
        SCHEDULE 6 Prosecution and Punishment of Offences
        Part I Table of Punishments
        Part II Supplementary Provisions as to Trial and Punishment of offences
        SCHEDULE 7. Repeals

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