Thread: The FSA are chasing down the firearms of the deceased

So yesterday I get a call from a lady at the FSA, offering me condolences for the passing of my grandfather earlier in the year. She then went on to ask the whereabouts of his firearms, explaining that they wish to know that they are in the hands of appropriately licensed persons.

I informed her not to worry, that they are indeed the possession of licensed individuals.

She then pressed for the information of what the firearms are, and the identities of said individuals.

I replied politely that those individuals, whomever they may be, will register them in due course when they have an activating event.

She further insisted to know, what, where and who.

I told her that I am not obliged to provide that information.

The conversation ended there, and I was told they would be in touch if they needed further information.

Later that day I get this email :

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today regarding your late grandfather xxxx xxxxx XXXXXX. Please accept our condolences for your loss.

This email is to confirm you that you are required to provide contact details of the person/s that are in possession of xxxxxx firearms.

As the firearms were distributed prior to June 24th, this will not become an activating circumstance so you are not required to register these, however we do need confirmation of who has taken possession of your grandfathers’ firearms and confirmation they have current firearms licences, Police must ensure that firearms licence holders continually comply with the Arms Act 1983 to ensure personal and public safety.

I appreciate your time on this.


Despite the acknowledgement that the firearms currently do not require registration, they are insisting that I provide this information. For the moment, I am not going to reply, but I suspect there will be a follow up email or phone call soon enough.

I'm not sure if anyone else has encountered this situation, regarding the passing of a family member so close to the introduction of registration and creation of the FSA.