Category Archive

On the 4th November, NAReS was invited to give a presentation to the National Firearms Licensing Conference in Berkshire. There were over a hundred delegates consisting of representatives of all the police firearms licensing departments in England and Wales as well as Police Scotland. There were representatives from His Majesties Inspector of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS); Government departments; … Read More

National Association of Re-enactment Societies Invitation: NAReS 2026 AGM and discussion on the future of re-enactment Since its formation, NAReS has been officially recognised as representative of re-enactment by government departments and bodies, the police (including The National Police Chiefs Council), and the armed services. Fellow Re-enactors We would welcome your organisation’s voice in a discussion about the future of … Read More

Some of you may already be aware but the Home Office has stated that as from the 29th September 2026, there will be changes to the firearms application forms. The Secretary of State has the power under Section 53, Firearms Act, 1968 to make the rules governing the form of certificates and other things that need prescribing under the Act. … Read More

NAReS is aware of a report by HMICFRS published today, Friday 28th August, 2026, into firearms licensing in England and Wales, and will be monitoring the report and its recommendations that have been submitted to the Home Office for consideration. Over the past months His Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services  (HMICFRS) have been carrying out an … Read More

To all who use black powder, Many of you will be aware that a number of Firearms licensing Departments are struggling to keep up with demand for firearms renewals. Many make use of eight week extensions, and even longer periods for permits to possess, in order to relieve some of the pressure whilst they deal with the backlog. Whilst this … Read More

For information,  The Firearms Regulations, 2019, in respect of the requirement to notify the authorities of the transfer of ownership of deactivated firearms, has been revoked. Therefore as of the 4th March, 2026, owners will no longer be required to notify the authorities of the transfer of ownership of a deactivated firearm.  

Ladies and Gentlemen It is apparent that the proposed amalgamation of section 1 and 2 licensing applications is causing confusion and frustration, and some anger. As Firearms Portfolio holder for NAReS I have been working to ascertain the facts to understand the affect any changes may have on re-enactment. A petition promoted by the BASC attracted enough responses to trigger a … Read More

The NAReS chair, Stephen Bennett invites you to attend this year’s NAReS AGM. This years NAReS AGM will be held on Wednesday evening November 19th at 19:30 via a Teams online meeting. We’ll be reviewing challenges to re-enactment through the past year and discussing how we move forward as an organisation to support the interests of re-enactment to government, police … Read More

A Message to NAReS from the Head of Firearms & Weapons Policy Unit Home Office Notice on the Legal status of Top Venting Blank Firing Firearms manufactured by Bruni pistols By virtue of section 1 of the Firearms Act 1982, an imitation firearm is legal to purchase and possessed without a firearms certificate, provided it is not ‘readily convertible’ to … Read More

Dear Members For many months now I have been in discussions with the Police and the Home Office Firearms Policy Unit. The discussions have centred around the use of firearms in re-enactment scenarios, together with how such use is viewed by legislative authorities. As you will be aware current legislation is somewhat vague in certain areas when it comes to … Read More