A shoulder-fired long gun with rifling (spiral grooves cut in the bore to make the bullet spin, which improves accuracy.)
(Source - Firearm Terminology by Gary D Robson)
Additional note: Require a firearms certificate in Great Britain.
RIFLE OFFENCES
In 1998/99 there were 43 recorded rifle offences and in 2007/08 there were 71. The trend is rising.
Source: Home Office Statistical Bulletin Homicide Firearms Offences and Intimate Violence 2007/08 (Supplementary Volume 2 to Crime in England and Wales 2007/08) Third edition.
What are rifles used for?
Rifles are used for target shooting at approved Home Office clubs. They are used to hunt on land deemed safe and appropriate by Police, and over which the certificate holder has permission from the owner to shoot. Used for vermin control, ground game and foxes (.22 rim fire and .22 centre fire). Also .243 calibre rifles can be used used on approved land where deer are known to be present, and where the certificate holder has permission from the land owner to shoot deer.
HOW DO RIFLES CONTRIBUTE TO GUN CRIME?
Killing and injuring adults and young people
Enabling crime (robbery etc.)
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The number of crimes involving rifles/others) is increasing. Even if the rifle is not fired victims are threatened, frightened and intimidated, which can cause long lasting psychological damage. To see details of rifle incidents click on 'Gun Incidents' and from the 'Issue Type' option select 'Rifles'.
Domestic violence
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Rifles are used in domestic violence. Victims are fatally wounded, injured, coerced, raped, threatened and held captive. To see details of rifle incidents click on 'Gun Incidents' and from the 'Issue type' options select 'Rifles / women'.
For example:-
RECENT INCIDENT
A man has died in hospital and his wife left with gunshot wounds following a double shooting at their home in Porth Kea, Cornwall. A man, believed to be the former boyfriend of the couple's daughter, has been arrested and taken to hospital with self-inflicted injuries, apparently after shooting himself with a .22 rifle. A firearm believed to have been used in the shootings has been recovered. * The woman has since died from her injuries.
Source:- BBC 21.09.08
For information on campaigns and issues of domestic violence visit www.iansa.org/women or visit our 'Links and Resources' page. For help with domestic violence ring the 24 hour free telephone helpline 080 2000 247.
For information visit http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
To read about incidents affecting women and girls click on 'Gun Incidents' and from the 'Issue Type' option select 'Women/Girls'.
Animal cruelty
For example: two sheep were shot dead in Belton Park near Grantham Lincolnshire.
Source:- Grantham Journal 03.10.08
Suicide and self-harm
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Rifles are used by individuals to take their own lives. Because they can be stored legally by licensed owners in the home they are readily available and accessible to owners and members of their family. Individuals suffering fundamental social, physical and emotional stresses resort to an accessible weapon, intent on suicide/self harm with tragic consequences.
For information and support on issues of suicide and self harm visit www.uk-sobs.org.uk or see our 'Links and Resources' page. To read about these incidents click on 'Gun Incidents' and from the 'Issue Type' option select 'Suicide/Self-harm'.
Gun loss and theft
For Example:
RECENT INCIDENTS
A shotgun, a rifle and ammunition were among items stolen when a house was broken into in Framlingham, Suffolk.
Source: Diss Express, 27 April 2009
A .22 bolt action rifle with telescopic sight was stolen from a car parked in Speen, Berkshire.
Source:- Newbury Today, 13 February 2009
Between 2000 and 2007 109 guns were lost or stolen from military barracks, only 35 of which have been recovered. The weapons taken include 30 antique rifles taken from the walls of officers messes.
Source:- Daily Mail 02.03.2009
