I know that UKARA is not a legal requirement for buying a rif..
But when a seller is dealing with somebody he doesn't know, it is the only form of proof of defence that can be relied on, and probably the only one that would stand up in court of law.
And yet, when I advertise rifs and make clear that I will sell only to those with a current UKARA, I am contacted by people who know full well their UKARA has expired. After the correspondence, exchange of details etc, I check with Fire Support and end up stopping the sale.
I know the law is stupid, but there is nothing I can do about it. Selling to those without a defence is a criminal offence, and I am not prepared to risk having a criminal record, which is a serious thing, and all for the sake of a hundred and fifty quid. How would I explain to my daughter who lives in America that I could not get a visa to visit her?
In future when I am selling a rif, I will insist that prospective buyers give me their full name, UKARA number and postal code, before I respond to them in any way. I am tired of wasting my time.
My own UKARA has expired and I have come to terms with the fact that I will not be able to buy another rif unless I once again go through the whole procedure of playing three game in just over two month. Fair enough.
There must be lots of skirmishers out there in the same position. But they shouldn't be trying to buy guns on the sales section.