FAC question

[moonlighter 1,163]

I’m new to air rifles, so excuse me if this has been asked 100 times before. I’m thinking of getting a FAC air rifle. As the process can take quite a while, can I buy a 12flb air rifle, then get it tuned up when my variation comes through..also I know someone who is selling what I want in FAC. Could I have it restricted and buy it while I wait for my variation to come through, then have it turned back up? Is this even possible? 

[walshie 2,804]

It's possible but aggro. Once an air rifle is registered as section 1 (FAC) it's pretty much registered as that for the rest of its life and an enormous ballache to get it unregistered again.

FAC air rifles are generally worth less than sub-12s due to the smaller market for them. Best thing you could do (in my opinion) is buy a sub-12 now then when you get your FAC buy a section 1 gun and sell your sub-12 if you want to. 

I'm sure one of the airgunners will be along shortly to poo-poo my idea. 

[si brown 8,486]

Walsh it has hit the nail

in the head 100%
if you buy a sub 12 and want to convert it up to fac it is doable but will cost a bit depending on what you buy.. some will be a few quid and others run in hundreds and that’s not including the smiths fee if you can’t do it yourself. 
 

id hold out till your variation comes back… I use fac air instead of a rimfire, handy things to have in the cabinet 

[moonlighter 1,163]

Thanks for the replies… I’m getting more permissions in less rural areas, so my .17hmr is a bit loud. I’ve been looking at some videos on YouTube and there having good results with a sub 12flb air rifle, so I might just get one of them and not bother with the FAC air rifle.. if I did get a FAC air rifle, I’d sell my rim fire. 

[Dervburner 2,549]

22 hours ago, moonlighter said:

Thanks for the replies… I’m getting more permissions in less rural areas, so my .17hmr is a bit loud. I’ve been looking at some videos on YouTube and there having good results with a sub 12flb air rifle, so I might just get one of them and not bother with the FAC air rifle.. if I did get a FAC air rifle, I’d sell my rim fire. 

FAC air can be very useful but it isn’t really a replacement for .17 hmr, maybe nearer to .22 rimfire in some situations, better than both for some. They can offer a lot more reach and hitting power than a 12ft lb rifle though. Rookery shooting for example, fac air is probably the best tool for the job?

[philpot 4,967]

I am a big fan of fac air and seriously rate their performance. I have been using them for over the past 6 years and rarely use my rimfire nowadays.

Phil

[villaman 9,983]

Yep big fan of FAC air myself. The gun I pick most is my FX crown.22 using 21 gr ZAN slugs running @ 950 FPS . Absolutely laser accurate at 100+ yards . Just rescoped my FX impact .25 that is running @ 970 FPS with 33 gr slugs and once again unbelievable accurate @ 100+ yards . 
Don’t use my .22 lr much as FAC air will do the same or more

i must admit 17 HMR is getting used more and more lately. Had a very nice shot on bank holiday 244 yard shot on a pigeon 1 1/2 mill dot hold over 

[j j m 6,533]

not worth the bother bud

[Mmamonster 33]

I did mine last year, brought a brand new .25 sub 12ftp, already had a alot for one on my licence,  took it to my local shop who applied it to my licence ( £20 fee) then i took it home and turned it up to 28ftp.

I checked first with my firearms officer and he told me i couldnt turn it up before it was put on my licence or it would be illegal, also there is no miminum required ftp limit for a fac, as long as it is the correct calibre and serial number on your license all is good.

If you need anymore info let me know 

Atb

Mart

[philpot 4,967]

12 hours ago, Mmamonster said:

I did mine last year, brought a brand new .25 sub 12ftp, already had a alot for one on my licence,  took it to my local shop who applied it to my licence ( £20 fee) then i took it home and turned it up to 28ftp.

I checked first with my firearms officer and he told me i couldnt turn it up before it was put on my licence or it would be illegal, also there is no miminum required ftp limit for a fac, as long as it is the correct calibre and serial number on your license all is good.

If you need anymore info let me know 

Atb

Mart

As a matter of interest Mart, which gun did you get.

Phil

[Mmamonster 33]

On 09/09/2021 at 10:17, philpot said:

As a matter of interest Mart, which gun did you get.

Phil

Hi Phil, 

Artemis p15 .25 £400 brand new, first chinease gun i have had, not a patch on fx or daystate like i have but cheap enough to knock about up the farm.

Atb

Mart