Variation for Semi-Auto shotgun

[HarryL 0]

Hi Gents

 

I understand that to buy/own a semi-auto shotgun with more than a 2 or 3 shot capacity you need to put it on your FAC. I do have a SGC and FAC so its just a case of putting a variation in.

 

Just wondering what you would need to put on the form? Do you need to put how many cartridges you want to hold and capacity of shotgun etc etc ?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Harry

[burnie69 376]

Hi mate just put on the form where it state reason,For the control of Avian Species,Don't put rabbits they refuse it,I have 1 and thats what the firearms officer told me to put and i'm with the thames valley force hope this helps. Edited to say you don't have to mention nothing about cartridges

[matt_hooks 188]

Any shotgun that is capable of firing more than three times without reloading (normally 2 in the mag and one in the chamber) is a section 1 firearm, and so has to be held on an FAC.

 

As for all weapons, you have to show reasonable cause to hold. Reasonable cause is for you to prove. If you have a farm that is completely over-run with bunnies, then you might prove reasonable cause, but avian pests is more likely to get you the variation.

[HarryL 0]

I'm not really worried about proving that I need the weapon that I can do, its just I was un sure of what to put on the form.

 

Thanks for the responses

 

Harry

[magyarman 0]

Hi Gents

 

I understand that to buy/own a semi-auto shotgun with more than a 2 or 3 shot capacity you need to put it on your FAC. I do have a SGC and FAC so its just a case of putting a variation in.

 

Just wondering what you would need to put on the form? Do you need to put how many cartridges you want to hold and capacity of shotgun etc etc ?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Harry

The form is confusing as it was set up to relate to rifles, hence the questions re amount of cartridges etc. and it's always better to make sure everythings correct otherwise delays are caused. With mine I just put "high capacity 12 bore shotgun" and purchased a Remington 11-87 that is set up for 5 shot, has an extension tube to make it an 8 shot, and also has an insert that turns it into a standard 3 shot.

Having had a nightmare getting my local force to agree to mine for mammals, and having researched well into the surrounding legislation, I can confirm that there is nothing in law (firearms acts etc) that refers to avian pests only; the problem is that the Home Office guidance (not law) does mention that a hi-cap may be required for high densisties of avian pests which some forces interpret as "Avian pests only" when it is merely meant to be an example - just put "vermin control" which will cover both and you can always use it for bunnies and other mammalian pests - the real problem is having to prove why you need more than 3 shots as the home office sent a written instruction to the UK forces clarifying this as some forces were quite happily granting hi-caps for clay pigeon shooting solely. I believe Northumberlands police are pretty good with granting hi-caps, but if you do get any problems post here and someone can try and assist - good luck.

NB - if you're intending to shoot bunnies at night please remember to also put "ground Game" as our laws change the classification of Rabbits at night from pest to Game.

Edited June 23, 2010 by magyarman

[clint 45]

One thing also to think of, high capacity shotgun 'eat' many cartrage. nomal shotgun ok for 2 -3 shot then load, Fac shotgun maybe 5-12 cartrage. Is many to shoot, box go no where, but many fun . To crop control for all vermin/pigeon , They no chance of escape ! 200 cartrage in 1 hour easy

Edited June 23, 2010 by clint

[RicW 67]

Just to add, DON'T specify capacity. If your ticket reads,say, "5 round magazine" you will not be legal for 8-round. Just put "long magazine".

 

Ric

[Mastiff 7]

Hi Gents

 

I understand that to buy/own a semi-auto shotgun with more than a 2 or 3 shot capacity you need to put it on your FAC. I do have a SGC and FAC so its just a case of putting a variation in.

 

Just wondering what you would need to put on the form? Do you need to put how many cartridges you want to hold and capacity of shotgun etc etc ?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Harry

The form is confusing as it was set up to relate to rifles, hence the questions re amount of cartridges etc. and it's always better to make sure everythings correct otherwise delays are caused. With mine I just put "high capacity 12 bore shotgun" and purchased a Remington 11-87 that is set up for 5 shot, has an extension tube to make it an 8 shot, and also has an insert that turns it into a standard 3 shot.

Having had a nightmare getting my local force to agree to mine for mammals, and having researched well into the surrounding legislation, I can confirm that there is nothing in law (firearms acts etc) that refers to avian pests only; the problem is that the Home Office guidance (not law) does mention that a hi-cap may be required for high densisties of avian pests which some forces interpret as "Avian pests only" when it is merely meant to be an example - just put "vermin control" which will cover both and you can always use it for bunnies and other mammalian pests - the real problem is having to prove why you need more than 3 shots as the home office sent a written instruction to the UK forces clarifying this as some forces were quite happily granting hi-caps for clay pigeon shooting solely. I believe Northumberlands police are pretty good with granting hi-caps, but if you do get any problems post here and someone can try and assist - good luck.

NB - if you're intending to shoot bunnies at night please remember to also put "ground Game" as our laws change the classification of Rabbits at night from pest to Game.

 

 

Forgive the hijack,

 

Reading the above would I be correct to assume that a "hi-cap" would not be granted on a FAC if the only justification is clays?

 

Cheers,

 

Mick.

[matt_hooks 188]

The test is "reasonable cause".

 

Not many clay courses require more than 2 shots at a time, so I'd say that clay shooting would not meet that test. Of course if you can argue it and persuade the FEO then he can vary that, but clay shooting is not automatically reasonable cause to hold.

 

I'd say the chances of getting it granted purely for clays is slim. What argument would you use that you needed a higher capacity for clays?

[Mastiff 7]

Thanks Matt,

 

I was just wondering if I could get a shottie for clays on my FAC but I guess not.

 

Cheers,

 

Mick.

[magyarman 0]

Thanks Matt,

 

I was just wondering if I could get a shottie for clays on my FAC but I guess not.

 

Cheers,

 

Mick.

If I remember correctly the letter from the Home Office was issued to clarify that Clay Pigeon shooting was an acceptable purpose, but ONLY when the FAC shotgun had been authorised for another purpose e.g. practical shotgun or pest control; and that clay pigeon shooting was then to AUTOMATICALLY be added. Some forces has misinterpreted (no surprise)the legislation and were happily granting "clays" on their own. I'll see if I can dig out a copy and post further details on here.

[jackinbox99 41]

Practical Shotgun is another valid reason to have a FAC semi shotgun.

[Mastiff 7]

Sorry for being dim but what is a "Practical Shotgun" for?

 

Mick.

[matt_hooks 188]

Sorry for being dim but what is a "Practical Shotgun" for?

 

Mick.

 

What is practical shotgun?

[Mastiff 7]

Thanks Matt