The ban on the 'self-contained gas cartridge' guns came into force on the 20th January 2004.
The Home Office have issued information to Police Forces concerning the application of the new law banning the self-contained air cartridge system firearms. This law is part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 2003 which is accessible on the HMSO website:
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30038--
Anyone who owns a self-contained gas cartridge weapon on 20 January 2003 can apply to keep it on a firearm certificate. Alternatively, they may hand it in to the police for disposal. They will not be able to sell their weapon or give it away.......
.........Applicants will be required to put in place appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorised access to their weapon. [The level of security required will be the same as for other weapons held on a firearm certificate The precise arrangements are for the police to determine based on the level of risk involved in each case, taking account of factors such as local crime rates and location of the property. In most cases, a simple gun clamp or cable should be sufficient but in others (eg where a number of weapons are held) a gun cabinet or other measures might be necessary.]
A new firearm certificate costs £50 (variation of an existing certificate costs £26) The applicant will also have to meet the cost of any security measures required.
Existing owners who do not wish to keep their weapon may hand it in to the police before 1 May 2004 This can be done at any police station Compensation will not be paid for any weapons handed in.
Penalties
Anyone who manufactures, sells, purchases, transfers or acquires a self-contained gas cartridge weapon on or after 20 January 2004 will commit an offence under the Firearms Act 1968 and is liable to a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
Anyone who is found in possession of a self-contained gas cartridge weapon on or after 1 May 2004 without it being entered on a valid firearm certificate will also commit an offence under the Firearms Act 1968 and is liable to the same penalty..............
Dealers
Retailers will not be able to trade in self-contained gas cartridge weapons from 20 January 2004 although they may continue to possess their existing stock until 1 May 2004. If they wish to sell the weapons abroad or to provide a repair service, they must apply to the Home Office for the Secretary of State’s authority under section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 and to register with the police as a firearms dealer. Applications must be submitted before 1 May 2004.
From:
http://www.sportsmansassociation.org.uk/