shooting

[Timelord]

I have found the same too. The officers are pleasant & helpful and do not pry beyond there statute duty. If some thing was obvious and out of the norm and it applied to the law, then they may take an interest - but as law abiding citizens and happy legal certificated gun owners. then there is no need to worry. Indeed these folks would be out of a job if licences started being repealed left right and centre. many firearms departments are already downsized or merged as it is. They rarely visit as they are mowed out with work & understaffed.
If the balloon went up, then I think we would not be a priority for a gun grab. Actually we may well be called upon as legally authorised citizens to bolster the authorities forces. This has happened in the history with emergency formation of militias to counter invasion threats, including during the 2nd WW. More recently, firearms holders, who had until the event being receiving ever greater preassure against their sport, were suddenly requested by the government authorites to help out in the animal culling when the Foot&Mouth disease went rampant. These self same firearms owners were suddenly given greater freedoms and were issued with expanding hollow point ammunition which was beyond civilian use normally. Do not think that guns are bad. If that was the case, then we would not be allowed them in the first place. what will happen if Bird flu takes hold or other biological diseases like rabies etc. Legal gun owners may well be in high favour.
Another thing I do not quite understand fully is this point about staying off the official radar by not going down the gun licencing route. I do not see this as a valid theory as if you wanted to be off the authorites radar, then you would not post all over the Prepper forums. that is more likely to get your name on some spooks list. In fact by professing the willingness to stay off the radar and talking about not wanting ones stash discovered by visiting officials, is one sure way to make it look like you have something to hide.
As a law abiding responsible citizen, you have nothing to hide and should raise no red flags. What you dont want them to know, then don't tell & remember to tidy up before having friends round..