Antique Guns??

chem

This poped up on the shooting forum. Can I ask if the lack of any "legal" definition of what is an antique firearm is, but a guideline as issued below. Has any weight in a court?

http://sparks.journals.ie/2009/09/04/commissioners-guidelines/

COLLECTORS/DEACTIVATED FIREARMS
Antique firearms are exempt from the provisions of the Firearms Acts provided they are held as ornaments or curiosities. In the absence of a definition for an ‘antique’ firearm, Ballistics section at Garda H.Q. applies the ‘Pre Unitary Cartridge’ rule which appears to conform to international standards. Unitary cartridge ammunition consists of a cartridge - usually metal which contains the primer – the propellant and the bullet within it.
Modern reproductions of antique firearms are not exempt from firearms legislation.
Some people will occasionally wish to buy an old or antique firearm, or one which is valuable because of its historical significance, for no reason other than as an investment. This may sometimes be regarded as ‘Good Reason’ having regard to all the circumstances, and if capable of being fired, these firearms will require a firearms certificate.

Deactivated/Defective firearms, not capable of being fired, may be kept on the written authorisation of the local superintendent under S.6 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 as amended. The superintendent must be satisfied that the firearm is actually permanently deactivated and may request certification of same from a recognised proof house and have the firearm examined by a suitably qualified member of the Garda Síochána. Ballistics section Garda H.Q. may also be contacted to offer any further assistance if required. The serial number on such a deactivated firearm should always be maintained for identification purposes.

Tom Young

Sparks is knowledgeable on the Fire Arms items of law. I am going to suggest that the above is either taken of paraphrased from the 1990 Act.