SGC Application - Questions

[Nik_B 3,790]

Hi All

 

A year ago I started shooting at a local target club. I am now a member. While I enjoy target shooting I am more interested in rough and clay shooting with a shotgun as I prefer hobbies that get me out of the house for a nice day out. I have also got a Labrador who I am training as a gun dog. I wasn't planning to apply for the SGC till next year as I am having work done to my attic (which is where I plan to put the cabinet) but as I have a couple of things that might raise a question mark on my application I am becoming a bit worried that I might be spending a lot of money in vain.

 

1) Banned from driving for no insurance 1997 - Since getting my licence back I have never had a single point on my licence.

 

2) Cautioned for being drunk 2007 - I wasn't violent or abusive but had drunk too much on an airplane coming home from working abroad (7 weeks on a dry camp in the desert) and had severe toothache so had a few to many drinks and was approached by a police man who then arrested me.

 

3) I also took antidepressants for a short period of time in 2007 as I was suffering from depression and stress due to financial and personal problems. Since stopping taking them I started to take up cycling and various other healthy hobbies which did a lot more good that taking pills.

 

While I have always considered myself as a good and conscientious person when I wrote this information down on my SGC I could help but think how bad it all looks. Now I am getting so worried I am dreading submitting the SGC.

 

Would anyone like to comment on whether this will prevent me from getting a SGC?

 

Thanks in advance

[stubby 175]

Ive heard of people with alot worst, still getting theirs

 

at the end of the day, just try applying, it'll cost you £50 outlay, no more, if all goes well, theres no time limit on getting the cabinet and gun, some forces may want a cabinet installed before issuing cert, mine just said, you'll have your cert in a weeks time, ring me after you'vre bought the rest

[willum 89]

how do mate wish you all the best in the application the top 2 shouldnt be much of a problem for you but the 3rd may be as you suffered from a medical illness (dipresion) the f/o will delve in your medical back grounds and the normally ask you out right when coming to visit if you have suffered from and medical issues. which they then check with your gp. as you need to be of sound mind to own a shotgun or firearm. but dont let this put you off explain to them the circumstances and try and get a couple of good references along with the normal references that go along with the application form.atb willum

[Nik_B 3,790]

how do mate wish you all the best in the application the top 2 shouldnt be much of a problem for you but the 3rd may be as you suffered from a medical illness (dipresion) the f/o will delve in your medical back grounds and the normally ask you out right when coming to visit if you have suffered from and medical issues. which they then check with your gp. as you need to be of sound mind to own a shotgun or firearm. but dont let this put you off explain to them the circumstances and try and get a couple of good references along with the normal references that go along with the application form.atb willum

 

Cheers mate

 

Yep I understand they will want more details from the Doctor, I just hope she isn't Anti. It was only for a couple of months in 2007 when I wasn't getting much work and had problems with money, on top of which we'd just had a baby and my missus fell out with my parents so it all got a bit of a nightmare.

 

Not a bad idea to get extra references, I can get a couple from work.

 

Cheers

 

Nick

Edited September 10, 2010 by Nik_B

[willum 89]

her veiws of hunting or not hunting should not under no circumstances determine weather you are fit to own a shotgun regardles of her veiws of the sport. i would get a couple of references from the shooting ground you have become a member of aswell if pos saying you are compitant and safe in the manor you use your guns. atb willum

[Nik_B 3,790]

Cheers mate

 

Thats great advice! I have been precision shooting .22 targets(prone shooting. I am sure I can get soemthing that states I handle my rifle safely and require no assistance.

 

I am booking myself for a few clay pigeon lessons as I ahve found a package type deal where you get a certificate at the end to show you are competant and understand how to maintain a shotgun.

 

I've had these forms filled out for months but have been a bit scared to put them in in case they turned me down...stupid I know!

[stu_young 3]

they can only check with your docs if you tell them you sufferd with depression! they are not aloowed to just call the docs an ask for your medical notes an if they do ask the docs, the force has to pay for it not you

[events co-ordinator 353]

Before you even think of putting in an application join one of the organisations Sacs Basc Alliance etc as they will offer you good advice but join before you apply.

[Nik_B 3,790]

Yep joined BASC a year ago. I could ask them for advice as well

[matt_hooks 188]

Aye, email the BASC firearms licensing guys, they're really helpful and will fight your corner if necessary!

Edited September 10, 2010 by matt_hooks

[BellySlater 15]

Mate,

 

I'd just go for it. I put off applying for nearly 10 years for a few "mistakes" I made in the past. Nothing too serious but a few arrests for non violent (drunk and disordalies and a caution for threatening behaviour). I also had a course of beta blockers after a family death, i didn't mention this as I still view it as a bit of a rough couple of months rather than depression / medical.

 

The firearms officer couldn't have been a nicer guy, I told him i'd been a "bit of a tit" a few years ago and he said he'd seen alot worse. He issued me a cert. within a week no problem. He didn't even follow up on my references.

 

Go for it, there's nothing to loose really.

 

Best of luck.

[desertdog 149]

just put in for mine and she came and saw me on weds, i had,nt filled in the form right, she helped me through it, but everything i had done as a young un came up, and my caution from 3yrs ago, she frightened the crap out of me she was a bit scary, saw my gun box, told me she had to have it passed by her boss and it would be about three weeks, they know all about you before they visit, im sure they just need to make sure your not a looney, who wants to go and shoot anyone which is right, well i hpe mine comes through and when it does i will do the proper thing and join basc or someone like that for the insurance, it a responsable thing to do.

[Nik_B 3,790]

Cheers for all the advice.

 

I've decided to put the application in as soon as I get home. I have declared everything on the form and attached a note to explain the ban and the caution. I wrote that the ban was so long ago that I cannot tell them exactly what I got on my licence nor the exact dates but the approximate date and offenses. I tried asking the DVLA but they don't keep any records once the points expired which supprised me! I also attached a note to explain the circumstances that led me to go to the GP for the anti-depressants. So everything should be 100% upfront.

 

I am also going to get a personal character reference from my boss and will try to get one from the range officer stating that I handle a rifle safely and without supervision.

 

I have my membership to BASC and also NOBs (the beating organisation) and after I submit the application will get myself down to the clay pigeon range for some lessons from an instructor.

 

I shall have all my fingers and toes crossed

 

Does anyone know how long from recieving the applicaiton to the interview takes? Is it likely to be less than a month? As I work overseas I will only be home for 4 weeks and then go back to work for the same amount of time.

 

Cheers

[matt_hooks 188]

How long from paperwork to visit?

 

Anything from a couple of weeks, to several months, depending on the application, the applicant, how busy they are, where in the country you are etc. etc. etc.

 

It's definitely a "piece of string" type thing.

 

Once you send your paperwork off, give the FEO a ring and let him know the situation. He won't be able to do anything until he's passed the paperwork by HQ, but at least your name will be known to him when he gets it, and he will know the situation.

 

I'd suggest yours might take a little longer than most, as they'll have a good dig into your medical records and all the legal stuff.

 

Good luck!

[desertdog 149]

How long from paperwork to visit?

 

Anything from a couple of weeks, to several months, depending on the application, the applicant, how busy they are, where in the country you are etc. etc. etc.

 

It's definitely a "piece of string" type thing.

 

Once you send your paperwork off, give the FEO a ring and let him know the situation. He won't be able to do anything until he's passed the paperwork by HQ, but at least your name will be known to him when he gets it, and he will know the situation.

 

I'd suggest yours might take a little longer than most, as they'll have a good dig into your medical records and all the legal stuff.

 

Good luck!

gun lady came last weds, cert arrived this morning, now need to get insurance, and pick my gun up.dd