By John Richelieu-Booth - December 2025

Here’s a wild story that perfectly blends travel, gun gear, and a hefty dose of unexpected legal drama. John Richelieu-Booth, a 50-year-old self-employed IT contractor from England, recently found himself in hot water back home after a vacation in sunny Florida.

The Florida Vacation That Went Sideways

Picture this: John was enjoying his well-deserved break in the Sunshine State, where gun laws are much more relaxed compared to the UK. At some point, he decided to strike a pose with a Remington 870 shotgun—a classic, reliable pump-action that’s a favorite for hunting and home defense alike. Nothing too crazy, right? Well, it turns out that snapping photos with firearms while abroad can be a tricky business, especially when you cross borders with very different laws.

Back in England: The Arrest

After returning home, British police arrested John—not for anything that happened in Florida, but because of those photos. The UK has strict gun laws, and even posing with a shotgun overseas can raise eyebrows (and legal concerns) back home. It’s a sharp reminder that how you handle and display firearms in one country might not fly in another, especially when you’re dealing with the UK’s zero-tolerance approach to gun ownership and display.

What This Means for Traveling Gun Enthusiasts

If you’re into outdoor activities, hunting, or just appreciate gun gear, this story is a good cautionary tale. Traveling with firearms or even photos of firearms? You’ve got to be aware of the laws in both your destination and your home country. It’s not just about packing your gear—it’s about respecting legal boundaries and cultural differences.

Final Thoughts

John’s experience might seem surprising, but it highlights an important point for anyone who loves guns and the outdoors: always do your homework before posting pictures or traveling with firearms. Laws vary wildly,