The reservation is expressed by reference to the subject-matter of the Firearms Acts 1968 to 1997. These Acts are the Firearms Act 1968, the Firearms Act 1982, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1992 and the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. These Acts, inter alia:
make it criminal in certain circumstances and without authority to possess handle, purchase, acquire, sell, distribute or transfer certain firearms and imitation firearms;
provide for the need for, and issue of, firearms certificates in relation to certain firearms and ammunition;
make provision for the regulation of firearms dealers; and
and provide for the licensing and regulation of pistol clubs.
The Acts distinguish between different types of firearms in certain respects and make different provision for different types.
The reservation also covers subordinate legislation made under the Firearms Acts, in particular the Firearms (Scotland) Rules 1989 (S.I. 1989/889) which prescribe the forms to be used in connection with the grant of certificates under the Firearms Acts and the registration of firearms dealers, and also the form of the register of transactions to be kept by dealers.