223 FAC

[beno 0]

223 FAC

 

Had my FAC for about a year now only got a 22. on it, but now I am after a 223 for fox and long range vermin but my problem is that I have never handled a centre fire so I am wondering does this go against you when you apply for one or not. I am a very safe shot only shoot when there’s a backdrop. I’ve got quite a lot of land with plenty of hills on it. Any advise would be deeply appreciated.

 

Thanks

[Fidgety 8]

Try and get out with someone with an "estate rifle" get some practice in. Worst case you will get "supervision condition" on your licence, meaning someone has to watch over you until they are happy that you are safe and know what you are doing.

[speedystu 0]

HI mate.

Well to start with you already have a fac, so it must mean you have an ounce of savy!!. We all have to start some where and don't have the luxury of knowing some one with a center fire! so the best advise i think that i could give you is put in for the variation get the gun ammo etc etc then go to my targets.com print off a load of targets some being animal i.e fox targets. Now that you have all this in hand find a good field with a very good back stop about 100 or so yds and set out your targets and Punch holes!! But the main thing to remember is think how SAFE you are with the 22lr and TRIPPLE it be shaw and double shaw with every action you take/do. then once you have zeroed and are used to the firing of the rifle set out a few more targets at 150yds 200yds and possibly 250yds and test fire! with 2 or 3 groups of 3 on each target or more! Then you will know your SAFE or knowing what your abilities are!. do this a few times and you should be on your way.

I know this will probably get ripped apart from "SOME" the Jobsworths on here but some will help, best of luck mate and take your time. SS

[Deker 3,478]

Don't see a problem if you have the land and the requirement, especially as you already have a .22lr.

 

You move to a whole new world though and have to obtain a new mindset....22lr, around 100-200ft lb, .223 around 1300 ft lb, that isn't a bit more, it is into another league altogether and for the rimfire boys devastating and awe inspiring...for example this is what happened to a rabbit a week or two back when I hit it with a 55g, .223SP at 180 yards....

 

So, it is the magnitude of the the change that is important to remember!!

 

EDIT

Never found any of the rest of the bunny, it was spread around most of Surrey!!

Edited May 25, 2009 by Deker

[welshdragon 6]

what Deker said if you have the land ..and got a good reason for that 223 cal you may need a mentor you may not .

 

good luck W.D

[Mr_Logic 5]

In this day and age, a mentor may well be required, but if you know the right person should be fine.

 

The centrefires are indeed a different league, but the principles are the same. If you have a problem with the mentor and you get told you have to have one, try the FEO with 22 Hornet - it's about halfway, and a lot of forces allow them without a mentor, where they would insist for a 223.