To say we are shocked and disappointed by the ruling is an understatement.

That said we caution the firearms community in general and those affected by the ruling in particular against making any rash statements or acts. Yes, those that brought the case to the Con Court need to be taken note of as well as the motives for doing so. Were their motives and advice they were given sincere?

The real impact of this ruling is going to be felt by ordinary law abiding gun owners of all races and descriptions who for whatever reason failed to renew at the correct time, and now are going to be criminalised and possibly face jail terms.

Let us be clear: The purpose of the FCA has been disarmament as its stated goal since its inception. The excessive and inefficient bureaucracy and relicensing as well as repeated calls for gun bans over the years clearly point to this. The Con Court ruling of yesterday only accelerated a process that was started pre-2000 with the stated goal of removing firearms from legally licensed civilian gun owners. To now accuse, deride and scoff at someone for failing to participate in a process that was calculated to disarm is unfair and uncalled for and in short is victim blaming.

Honestly we do not know what legal or practical advice to give at this stage. We do know that blaming victims of a system is not in our interest either. This ruling touches on so many other principles. The right to a practical means of self defence, ownership of property as well as cultural, historical and sporting pursuits. These principles touch on so many other facets of our daily lives that they are worth standing up for.

Please do not abandon those most affected by this ruling. It helps no one, including yourself