fac advice

[t5avs1 2]

i am thinking about sending off for my fac what do i need e.g how much permission, expierence and already have a sgc, and what to put down for at the start, will be mainly wanting it for vermin control long and short ranges also a good calibre for fox, is there any with a relatively straight trajectory

 

many thanks for the advice tom

[orangeeric 2]

Hey Tom,

 

A good set of questions which I will try and answer as best I can from my opinion.

 

First of all the most important thing to understand is that you need to show good reason to own a firearm (not the case with a shotgun). In essence, the permission you have will need to be assessed by your local FLO ( if they haven't already done so) for what firearms can be used. So if you only have a small plot of land, don't put down large calibres. It will also make it much easier if you can provide written permission for the land for the calibres you are applying for.

 

Second, experience is important for safety, but is not necessarily a go or no go decision for the grant of a certificate. It may sway the officer or force concerned on the number and calibre of guns, but if you can show good reason - that's the deciding factor. They will almost certainly limit your ticket to land they have assessed in the first instance. After a year or so, you can apply to have the restriction removed to shoot on any land where you have permission - a so called 'open ticket'. You should also seek to ensure that each rifle is conditioned for 'Any Lawful Quarry', rather than for specific uses, as this is less limiting.

 

Remember you will need an ammo cabinet if you do not already have one ( you can get a separate one, it doesn't need to be built in to the main cabinet) - also make sure you have capacity in your cabinet for the rifles you are asking for!

 

On calibres, I'd go for:

 

One of 22LR or 17HMR - the forums are full of which is better, but only you can decide. You could go for both if you have the reason (remember cost !!)

 

You say a flat shooting fox round - 204 Ruger is probably the flattest you can get (and the fastest) - others will tell you the benefits of 22-250, 223 and others for this purpose - and they aren't wrong - again it will depend on the volume of shooting you do and whether you will home load in time.

 

You might also consider as well as or instead of the above a 243. This allows you to shoot deer too (the smallest calibre (in England) you can use). Remember that variations cost money if you want to add at a later date. You can then also go for a serious deer gun - if that is the shooting you want to do -but my advice would be to hold back on that in the first instance. I took A 243 at the start and then did a DSC1 and got some testimonials from other shooting colleagues, which I presented to the FLO with a shooting log, to show my activity.

 

There are many things said about FLO's and it is clear that there are regional variations. They are however there to help and I've yet to hear of anyone not appreciating the fact that you are thinking carefully about this and seeking their advice before applying. If you have a relationship because of your SGC, ring up and ask - it might cost you a cup of tea (and a nice biscuit or two) - but if that's all it takes to grease the wheels.....

 

Finally, the BASC website has a useful document on applying for a 101, what to say - and not to say and what you need.

 

Hope this is a good starter for you

Best of Luck - do feel free to PM me if you need any more info/help.

 

Cheers

[t5avs1 2]

sorry for the very late reply but thank you for taking your time to write that info for me it has given me some good ideas, still have not sent off for it at min though just havent got round to it

[Jonophilpott 0]

Ive just Sent off for mine... Always put in more than one land application form incase the 1st gets refused for some reason (it helps speed up the process) and i also put two A4 Pictures of the land i wash to shoot and highlighted the boundaries in red (Easily done on google earth with a Screen shot and paint)

 

It all gives you brownie points

 

I applied for a .17HMR OR .22LR ... As i will not be able to afford to have both just yet

 

Put what you like down as they can always say Yes or No

 

 

Jono

[t5avs1 2]

cheers for that pal always good to hear a bit of advice i mainly just want a good rabbit gun and a ocasional fox gun so prob a 22lr and a 223,

does it matter how big the land is or is it more to do with the way it lies ie backdrop and hills etc?

[Jonophilpott 0]

I guess its a bit of both a big flat field wouldnt be suitable but i guess a smaller field with a nice big bank behind would be... I guess its just down to FLO's Discretion.

 

Only Dropped mine in on Monday and Jeeeeeez its been the longest week EVER! hope they hurry! Im fed up with tip-toeing this time of year to get close enough with the SG! There all too wise of it by now!

[eojwills 1]

How old do you have to be to get a fire arms license for a 22 rim fire want one but only 14 what should I do do I get a license or not bother had alot of experiense and safe with them but could I get a license

[matt_hooks 188]

You can hold a firearms certificate at 14. You will not be able to buy a rifle or ammunition. You can be given one as a gift, and you'll need someone over 18 with an FAC to buy ammunition and then transfer it to you.