Fair enough. No problem. It would appear that,although H.O. guidelines are sent to all Police Forces, there is a large disparity how the various forces interpret them in the UK. The forms to apply, for example, are standardised nationally. The shooting club to which I belong has a membership of officers retired and serving. They represent four different police forces. We all discuss the differences between our Firearms enquiry teams and it is quite surprising how they sometimes differ. Once upon a time an application for a moderator was viewed with great suspicion and rarely granted. (Oddly enough they are illegal for civilians in USA). Now ,when I tentatively asked my FEO what the chances were of applying for one he replied," Health and Safety, environmental protection, Yes no problem. Others in the club have to go through an inquisition to get them.
Some Chief Constables have actually been threatened legal action for going beyond their brief with regards to legitimate firearms holders and have capitulated just because they personally do not like firearms.Recently their was a Home Office enquiry inspired by EU legislation. On the committee was one Shadow Home Secretary.
The discussion was to make current rifles on sale in the UK illegal if fitted with a MARS action. I can just imagine Abbots face when she was asked for her input on this particular subject. Hey Ho .Such is the ignorance of the fools who have no clue on these matters and attempt to legislate on it.