Royal Mail carriage of firearms hit by size limit rules

Shooters will now find it more difficult to post firearms longer than Royal Mail’s new maximum size limits on parcels. According to the new rules, which were introduced on 2 April, any parcel exceeding 61cm in length must be carried by Parcelforce.

But Parcelforce will only allow the carriage of guns from one registered firearms dealer to another. BASC is seeking a solution to the problem.

The decision follows last year’s consultation on Royal Mail’s proposal to ban the carriage of guns and their component parts (News, 3 October 2012).

Nearly 1,500 people expressed their views in emails and letters to Royal Mail.

A petition opposing the plans — which was set up by airgunner Geoff Chim — attracted 2,236 signatures and 1,742 comments.

There was also a significant response from the gun trade, which demonstrated that the ban would have a significant impact on Royal Mail customers.

According to BASC, other online organisations that “played a key role in motivating shooters to respond” were AirgunBBS, Airgunforum and The Stalking Directory.

BASC, which co-ordinated a response to the consultation, described the “massive feedback” that Royal Mail received as “influential”.

Last December, Royal Mail said it would continue to allow the carriage of low-powered airguns, their components and accessories, imitation, antique and deactivated firearms, as well as allowing the carriage of airgun and airsoft pellets in the post from 14 January.

But it remains unclear whether Royal Mail will consult on new proposals to restrict the carriage of guns.

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Royal Mail carriage of firearms hit by size limit rules