BASC has briefed MPs ahead of the second reading of the Offensive Weapons Bill this week.
BASC has told members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Shooting and Conservation that attempts to ban .50 calibre target rifles are disproportionate and not evidence-based.
Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “Our concern is that the Bill attempts to ban .50 calibre target rifles by setting a limit to their kinetic energy of 10,000 ft lbs. This is not an evidence based policy – there is no evidence of their use in crime.
“Moreover, the policy will have no effect because kinetic energy can be reduced by shortening the barrel and reducing the load. In addition, the policy sets a dangerous precedent which could, in the future, be used to ban other calibres.”
Mr Harriman said there were alternative ways in which the government could address any concerns that lie behind the measure, such as imposing more stringent storage conditions on those who use them.
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