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Hi Bob Glad you found it useful.  The changes in the law that have been made since the end of last year are fairly poorly documented.  I have a couple of books on the law previous to that. If you're a member of one of the online book clubs such as Amazon try a search for  "la reglementation des armes" buigne collet which will show you one of the excellent works that these chaps have done in the past.  The most recent one I can find is number 7 (yellow cover) BUT a lot of the information contained has been superseded.  It is despite that an excellent work and a lot of it is still current. Even the stuff that has been outdated is represented  in a way that clarifies a lot of your queries.  Heartily recommended reading.  Oh, but it's entirely in French (of course) so have a dictionary to hand for some of the lesser known words and expressions. Kind Regards Phil

It's the fall out zone.  If one goes off a bit high then the overtravel is a worry.  Not a prob for the last month or so as all shooting was called off at Bisley because of foot and mouth.  Apparently it's open again now, so I'm off for a trek down there this weekend.  :-)  

Hi Bob.  The law is quite complicated on this subject, at least as complicated as back in England.  In a nutshell: 1st category is for weapons designed to be used in war or capable of shooting a war-designed cartridge.  This would include for example a 7.62 mm target rifle or even a .303 Lee Enfield.  This also means .45 and 9mms.  You need to have prefectoral authority to buy one of these.  That includes the cartridges and even the empties!  This doesn't include old black powder large bullet types such as the Martini-Henry in 577/450, they have been relegated to 5th category.  See below. 4th category.  Weapons of defense.  That is, small calibre handguns (I think it's .32 or less) and also includes .22 semi automatic rifles with more than 3 shots in the magazine.  Again you need prefectoral authority before having one of these. 5th Category.  This splits into two.  Smoothbore rifles (eg 12 bore shotguns) with one shot per barrel are 5th category but not subject to declaration.  You either have to have a hunting permit or a tir sportif permit (for example a balltrap licence) to buy one, but you don't have to tell the gendarmerie you've bought it afterwards.  If you buy a proper "rifle" then you have to let the gendarmerie know by doing a declaration at the prefecture.  They'll let the gendarmerie know and the gendarmes will arrive at your house with some paperwork for you to sign.  This may well scare the life out of your wife as it did to mine!  This includes semi automatic shotguns. 7th category.  Airguns over a specific power (this is so low as to include everything except airsoft guns), plus .22 rifles, 9mm rimfire shotguns and the like.  The law has recently changed on this, and whereas you used to be able to purchase one without a permit, you can't now.  You may be able to get away with buying one if you have had a certificate to your physical and mental health signed by your doctor, but it's much less hassle to just get the permit and have done. You have to declare these at the prefecture in the same way as 5th category arms (Not sure if the doctor's note or the declaration applies to airguns).  8th category is for antiques and modern reproductions IF they are manufactured exactly the same as the originals.  Antiques are for weapons produced before a certain date (I think it's 1892) BUT they must be of a design previous to 1870 (with the exception of very few cases).  So for example, in England a 1871 black powder cartridge Mauser would be classed as an antique, but it France it isn't and is classed in the 5th category.  There are a couple of useful exceptions such as the 1873 French Ordinance Revolver in 11 mm calibre is classed as antique, as is the 11 mm Gras rifle SO LONG AS THEY HAVEN'T BEEN MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. The law above is as I understand it currently, but appears to be in a constant state of flux, which I anticipate will become more difficult for all target shooters and hunters with the new President.  This is only a guideline too, and before you act or make any purchases then it is up to you to varify the accuracy of the above with either the Gendarmerie or your prefecture.  BTW, I am registered in England as a section 1, 3 and 7 firearms permit holder, plus I have a French licence for target shooting and clay pigeon shooting.  For a good French website with antiques and old guns for sale try visiting www.lehussard.fr  as all his items for sale tell you which category they belong to (oh, and that's the law in France too, if you're selling then you have to declare which category the arm belongs to). So to answer your original query about shotguns.  If you've got a permit you should be ok to possess.  If you want to sell one then your prospective purchaser will have to have a permit too (and I'd also advise you to keep records of any transations).   If you haven't got a permit then I wouldn't advise doing anything until you've got one.  Hope this helps.  Regs Phil

I've heard that there's one that goes out to 2km in the South but don't have an address sadly.  Looking on the bright side, the NRA has disallowed the use of the 338LM on it's ranges at Bisley, so you're no worse off there.  You could try this link http://feulibre.forumactif.com/ I've found them really helpful on the law etc. Regs Phil

Beware.  The law changed in September 2005.  To buy a rimfire rifle now, you need to be a member of a shooting club, although a clay pigeon club is ok.  You then need to declare it at the prefecture and the gendarmes will visit you to issue a certificate that you've declared it.  If you buy a shotgun, then you will also need to be a member of a club, but you don't need to do the declaration.  Regs  Phil

Hi Jon.  The law in France currently says to purchase an airgun over 10 joules (about 7 ft/lb) you have to be over 18.  Pretty much that's all.  It's difficult to get a permis de chasse because you have to do an intensive course before they'll grant you one, and it covers everything including what to shout when you're getting chased by a wild boar.   If you fancy a pop on your own land it might be easier to join a target club like a clay pigeon club.   Regs  Phil