The offence under s.7(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 requires unauthorised possession of a 'prohibited firearm' or a 'pistol' as defined in s.4(1), not a 'prohibited pistol' as defined in s.4C. The term 'prohibited pistol' is a statutory term of art introduced for the confined purpose of regulating sporting target shooting and has no role in s.7. Court Attendance Notices that describe the s.7(1) offence as possession of a 'prohibited pistol' are incorrect, and the word 'prohibited' may be treated as surplusage.
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