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Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2025 7:32 pm
by AS770
Hello everyone,
I just received my 12 bore shotgun license today. It took a lot of time and effort, but it was absolutely worth it.
As a newbie, I’m finding it quite difficult to get clear information about Indian firearm laws and procedures, rules seem to vary depending on the state (I am from UP btw), and not everything is easily available online. That’s why I’m turning to this community for guidance.
I’d really appreciate your help in explaining how things work, such as:
• How is ammunition issued in India, and what are the limits?
• Is it possible to buy a firearm outside my state, and what paperwork is needed?
• How can one procure imported shotguns, and what’s the process like?
• On my current license, am I allowed to own just one gun or multiple firearms?
• Any pro tips or lessons you’ve learned along the way that could help a beginner.
For now, I’m specifically looking for a reliable single-barrel shotgun. I have a decent budget, but I honestly have no clue about the price range whether for a good Indian-made shotgun or an imported one.
Looking forward to learning from the wisdom and experience of this community.
Thanks!
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 7:49 am
by Automatic1947
.The number of weapons and cartridges you can posses will be mentioned on your licence itself
. If your licence is all India valid then you can buy the gun from any state, but if it's a state license then you would require a temporary travel licence from your authority to buy a gun from another state
. Imported shotguns are available in gun shops
. You will need to practice with your shotguns at different distances and with various shot sizes and loads to know how the gun shoots and what it's limitations are
. While buying ammunition you will have to show your licence and they will make an entry in your licence book about the quantity and the date of purchase in your licence
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 11:41 am
by WhoCantBeNamed
Congratulations on getting the license!
• On my current license, am I allowed to own just one gun or multiple firearms?
You can have max 2 weapons on 1 license. The procedure to add second weapon is the same as applying for a new license.
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 10:36 pm
by AS770
Thank you Automatic 1947 for your reply, This honestly clears out a lot. I just have one more question is there any place where I can go and test out different guns so that I know which one is right for me. Like a shooting range or a private club perhaps?
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 10:38 pm
by AS770
Thank you WhoCantBeNamed! I appreciate all the knowledge I can get since I am just beginning. I also saw your DM but unfortunately It seems like I don’t have permission to reply to it for some reason. I look forward to connecting soon once they are enabled!
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:41 am
by WhoCantBeNamed
AS770 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 24, 2025 10:38 pm
Thank you WhoCantBeNamed! I appreciate all the knowledge I can get since I am just beginning. I also saw your DM but unfortunately It seems like I don’t have permission to reply to it for some reason. I look forward to connecting soon once they are enabled!
No problem. Enjoy the community till then.
For the starters you can join your local District Rifle Club/Association. It will help a lot by meeting other like minded people. (What is your district btw?)
Cheers!
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 3:08 am
by metroman
Congrats on getting your license!
Don’t forget to pattern your shotgun with different loads and chokes to really understand its performance. While a single-barrel is a solid starter choice, you might want to consider something with a bit more capacity (You wil out grow it quickly), even a basic pump-action.
A pump can be more versatile, especially if you ever plan to use it beyond casual shooting, like for home defense or field work. Single-shots have their place, but their practicality is a bit limited compared to multi-shot options.
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 2:36 am
by AS770
WhoCantBeNamed wrote: ↑Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:41 am
AS770 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 24, 2025 10:38 pm
Thank you WhoCantBeNamed! I appreciate all the knowledge I can get since I am just beginning. I also saw your DM but unfortunately It seems like I don’t have permission to reply to it for some reason. I look forward to connecting soon once they are enabled!
No problem. Enjoy the community till then.
For the starters you can join your local District Rifle Club/Association. It will help a lot by meeting other like minded people. (What is your district btw?)
Cheers!
I am from Mathura, I doubt I would find anyone from the same city here tho
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 2:38 am
by AS770
metroman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 3:08 am
Congrats on getting your license!
Don’t forget to pattern your shotgun with different loads and chokes to really understand its performance. While a single-barrel is a solid starter choice, you might want to consider something with a bit more capacity (You wil out grow it quickly), even a basic pump-action.
A pump can be more versatile, especially if you ever plan to use it beyond casual shooting, like for home defense or field work. Single-shots have their place, but their practicality is a bit limited compared to multi-shot options.
Thank you for the great advice man, I’ll definitely keep that in mind!
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 11:21 am
by WhoCantBeNamed
AS770 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 01, 2025 2:36 am
I am from Mathura, I doubt I would find anyone from the same city here tho
I used to think the same, until I found a couple guys from Meerut here. So you never know.
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 5:20 pm
by HasnainQureshi21
congratulations on your license, ammo limit will be printed on your license.
They will make entry for every purchase on your license and imported guns can be found in most gunshops.
Each gun is little bit different even if both are same model, you can kinda have to figure it out by training with it
I don't think there any ranges in india where you can go and try different arms, so the best option is your family or friend's firearms which you can get access to
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2025 10:59 am
by _gyany
Congratulations on getting your shotgun license brother
Id like to expand the point fellow member raised in this post, yes he can get a second firearm by law, my question is but what type of firearm, Handgun/Rifle another dbbl/sbbl?
Thank You
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 1:45 pm
by snipeshot
Ammunition will be issued by a Gun House. Limits are mentioned in your license, depends on license category, generally Self: 50, Crop: 200, Sports: 5000.
You can have two weapons on your license. Kind of weapon will depend on which category of license you have? Self, Crop or sports.
Yes, it is possible to buy a weapon anywhere in India. Need a carry permit.
If you are asking about Shotgun buying tips! go for a good conditioned English or French shotgun with full/ quarter choke 30 inch barrel. the mechanism shall be smooth, trigger not too hard, no play in any part of the gun specially between block and barrel.
Hope this helps.
Re: Finally got my shotgun license, Need help
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2025 1:50 pm
by snipeshot
metroman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 3:08 am
Congrats on getting your license!
Don’t forget to pattern your shotgun with different loads and chokes to really understand its performance. While a single-barrel is a solid starter choice, you might want to consider something with a bit more capacity (You wil out grow it quickly), even a basic pump-action.
A pump can be more versatile, especially if you ever plan to use it beyond casual shooting, like for home defense or field work. Single-shots have their place, but their practicality is a bit limited compared to multi-shot options.
