Mentor

[doie1 22]

I've applied for a 223 and been told I need a mentor, does anyone know how long I will need a mentor for??

[let'sshoot 11]

I had mine for a year, was easy to take it off, probably could have had it taken off after 6months if I'd have spoken to my mentor sooner.

 

Thanks

[doie1 22]

Had you had any rifle experience before hand?

I haven't but I applied for a 223 which I need a mentor for but also a 17hmr which I don't need a mentor for, can't make my mind up on what to get, any advice?

 

Thanks

[let'sshoot 11]

No, but had sgc for 4 years. I applied for 17hmr and 223 too. Same, the 223 was only one needing mentor. I'd stick with it, get both, get a mentor who will take you out plenty, then ask for it to be taken off after 6months or so.

[SportingShooter 0]

They're required until they are happy you are safe and competent to shoot alone, which can be a week or a year, it depends.

 

They're not a legal requirement for new FACs in any way shape or form, just something police forces use to try and reduce risk.

[doie1 22]

Great, thanks for the information.

[charlie caller 3,654]

My advice would be to go for both calibres, then you can use the hmr without having to have your mentor present, as there are bound to be days when he or she does not want to go out and you do, plus the more ammo you put through your rifles, the more experience you are building up, go for both mate

[Froudy 40]

Spot on what sporting shooter said depends when your mentor thinks your safe enough so no time period, but its not a legal requirement to have one

 

Atb

[doie1 22]

So potentially within a week my mentor could say I'm fine to use the rifle on my own and the police could take him off my certificate?

[SportingShooter 0]

Potentially yes,

 

They may turn around and say they're not taking it off for X, Y and Z reasons but that's up to you/your mentor to argue with them, or whichever shooting organisation you use.

[ianm 2,594]

I have mentioned this before on here and at the risk of being boring i will do so again. Refuse point blank to have a mentor as i did, i asked for .17 hmr, .22lr, .223 and .243 and a mentor was asked for. I refused saying it would severely restrict my shooting waiting for someone to have the time to accompany me. I did mention that such a condition would infringe my human rights. One week later ticket arrived with everything on it and no mentoring. I had my ticket opened in less than 12 months too.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Hmmmmmm brave man not a route I would recommend, but fair play to you, if it worked for you, out of interest which human right did you suggest may be infringed? Not trying to be a clever c*nt, I am seriously interested.

Edited April 20, 2014 by charlie caller

[ianm 2,594]

I didn't mention any one in particular, he just went all quiet wrote something then moved on. I won't put up with crap from anyone and i certainly won't be forced into doing something that is not called for in law, nor should anyone else, or you just finish up jumping through needless hoops.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Tread carefully here chaps, while a mentor is certainly not a requirement in law, the chief officer may impose ANY additional conditions he or she sees fit, so they can do it if they want, interesting ianm, glad it worked for you, but I would not advise anyone to try it.

[Flykilla 1]

I have mentioned this before on here and at the risk of being boring i will do so again. Refuse point blank to have a mentor as i did, i asked for .17 hmr, .22lr, .223 and .243 and a mentor was asked for. I refused saying it would severely restrict my shooting waiting for someone to have the time to accompany me. I did mention that such a condition would infringe my human rights. One week later ticket arrived with everything on it and no mentoring. I had my ticket opened in less than 12 months too.

 

I found myself in the same situation last week. I applied for a 17hmr, 22lr and a 22-250. The FEO said I needed a mentor and needed him to complete a letter. I told the FEO to remove the 22-250 as I could not be bothered to go through the hassle. I was then told that i could expect the FAC soon. I think having a mentor is a responsible thing to do, if someone is moving up from air rifles or even starting from scratch. Once I have more experience, I will get a variation for something bigger.