Re: Homicides way up in handguns-banned Britain

On 10 Jul 2006 22:44:07 GMT, Amanda Williams <pms@xxxxxx> wrote:

They [handguns] are and always have been EFFECTIVELY illegal, even
before 1997 it was almost impossible to get a handgun license, even
for a single shot target pistol.

Always?

Prior to 1870: essentially, there's no regulation of the purchase,
ownership, or peaceful carrying of firearms in England.

1870: Gun Licences Act. Must obtain a "licence" if you want to carry a
gun outside the home. Purchasing a gun is not affected. Licence costs
10 shillings, and can be obtained "over the counter" at a Post Office.

1903: Pistols Act. Requires the 1870-type licence to purchase a
handgun (barrel shorter than 9 inches). Also prohibits sales to
minors, drunks, felons, and the insane.

1920: Firearms Act.

Before 1920, it was a simple matter for any person in England (as long
as he was 18 years old, sober, sane, and law-abiding, and had an extra
10 shillings for the licence) to legally purchase, possess, and carry
a handgun.

.

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