Open FAC

[kyska]

Hi All,

 

Another one I'm afraid, I asked this a while back, searched for it but I think this Q piggy backed another topic.

 

I've had my FAC very little time (compared with the old timers on here ) and need my FAC air 'opening', I don't need my rim/cf opening and tbh I don't feel experienced enough for that. The amount of people now asking for help since I've cleared the horse paddocks rented on the farm is silly, but most of them get very shy when I mention police clearance.

 

I've got better things to spend money on than a sub fac air rifle at the mo but have the fac rifle sitting under the stairs.

 

I've shot sub fac air for 18 odd years, and treat no rifle any different (No, I don't shoot pigeons out of barns with the .204 before someone asks, you know what I mean).

 

Can a FAC be that detailed and open up for one calibre/action/type?

 

Any firm answers would be grateful as I've drafted a letter and want to send it, without making a donkey of myself.

 

Kyksa

[albob]

yes it can be be done and your sensible approach will help.

go for it.

 

al

[kyska]

yes it can be be done and your sensible approach will help.

go for it.

 

al

 

Thanks al, I'll send the letter in the morrow.

[inthedark]

It wont be a problem, but if you've got 18 years worth of background why not do the lot in one go? It will give you freedom of choice, and you obviously know your own safety limits.

[Dekers]

Hi All,

 

Another one I'm afraid, I asked this a while back, searched for it but I think this Q piggy backed another topic.

 

I've had my FAC very little time (compared with the old timers on here :blink: ) and need my FAC air 'opening', I don't need my rim/cf opening and tbh I don't feel experienced enough for that. The amount of people now asking for help since I've cleared the horse paddocks rented on the farm is silly, but most of them get very shy when I mention police clearance.

 

I've got better things to spend money on than a sub fac air rifle at the mo but have the fac rifle sitting under the stairs.

 

I've shot sub fac air for 18 odd years, and treat no rifle any different (No, I don't shoot pigeons out of barns with the .204 before someone asks, you know what I mean).

 

Can a FAC be that detailed and open up for one calibre/action/type?

 

Any firm answers would be grateful as I've drafted a letter and want to send it, without making a donkey of myself.

 

Kyksa

 

YES!!

 

Have a word with your Region/FEO and explain the situation!

[kyska]

Well, I constructed a letter to my FEO asking for the air to opened up. I'm not convinced but its worth a go, I've not had the FAC for long, and he did make it clear that FAC's won't be opened before first renewal at the interview.

 

I hope it works, I've got loads of potential permissions with the amount of very expensive horse owners around my area, mostly connected to the farm but owned by others.

 

I just can't justify buying a sub FAC rifle, I've got a shotgun to buy and have just had my FAC back with .204 on it.

 

Hi All,

 

Another one I'm afraid, I asked this a while back, searched for it but I think this Q piggy backed another topic.

 

I've had my FAC very little time (compared with the old timers on here ) and need my FAC air 'opening', I don't need my rim/cf opening and tbh I don't feel experienced enough for that. The amount of people now asking for help since I've cleared the horse paddocks rented on the farm is silly, but most of them get very shy when I mention police clearance.

 

I've got better things to spend money on than a sub fac air rifle at the mo but have the fac rifle sitting under the stairs.

 

I've shot sub fac air for 18 odd years, and treat no rifle any different (No, I don't shoot pigeons out of barns with the .204 before someone asks, you know what I mean).

 

Can a FAC be that detailed and open up for one calibre/action/type?

 

Any firm answers would be grateful as I've drafted a letter and want to send it, without making a donkey of myself.

 

Kyksa

[the running man]

Go for it,saves a lota hasstle later on down the road

[njc110381]

I had my rimfires opened and my centrefires still restricted at first so I can't see why what you're asking for should be a problem. If you ask for the smallest rifle to be opened then at least it looks like you're trying to compromise.

[kyska]

Its a no go.

 

Posted my letter a few days back and my local police bods have rung and they won't consider any open application before 3 years of trouble free ownership.

 

Guess I need to start really bothering them with land surveys....

Edited May 5, 2010 by kyska

[2-dead-in-the-air]

What a shame, what would happen if you had a buisness set up and needed it for a income. It keeps the FAO a job to do as its paid hourly.

[ST3V3]

when i called leicestershire police to enquire about having some land needing clearance they told me they would consider opening it after 2 years and not before.

 

land fell through so not a problem

[kyska]

What a shame, what would happen if you had a buisness set up and needed it for a income. It keeps the FAO a job to do as its paid hourly.

 

Well its kind of the same thing, I have rabbits coming onto the land from the pony/horse pastures and vice versa. These blocks of small land (40-50 acres) were bought off our farm and are connecting directly onto the farmland.

 

The new owners are great, but I can be sure they will get cold feet if the police have to turn up to survey the land, lovely people, just not brought up around guns I feel.

 

I see another shelling out for a sub fac air rifle, ****** really as I've just sold mine to fund the FAC air!

Edited May 5, 2010 by kyska

[albob]

seems a shame that,as you had a good reason to want it.

was that just for fac-air open only?

al

[kyska]

seems a shame that,as you had a good reason to want it.

was that just for fac-air open only?

al

 

Yes, just the air.

[albob]

Yes, just the air.

 

 

reading back at your replies etc,i noticed you said you only had your fac a short while,as this may be the reason they refused you,so how long have you actually had it?

they may wait a while till you have more experience first with the fac air,then open it up when they are satisfied that you have met that criteria..seems patience is needed then.

al

Edited May 6, 2010 by albob

[kyska]

reading back at your replies etc,i noticed you said you only had your fac a short while,as this may be the reason they refused you,so how long have you actually had it?

they may wait a while till you have more experience first with the fac air,then open it up when they are satisfied that you have met that criteria..seems patience is needed then.

al

 

Oh I'm sure thats it Al, only just 18 months! I thought it was worth a shot as I sold the sub FAC air to fund the R7, and still have a shotgun and a CF to buy and could of done without having to shell out on a sub fac air. I knew I didn't have much chance, thats why I'm not ranting about it, just a bit disapointed.

[ST3V3]

I'll lend you a sub 12lbft air rfle if you want I never take it out

[albob]

Oh I'm sure thats it Al, only just 18 months! I thought it was worth a shot as I sold the sub FAC air to fund the R7, and still have a shotgun and a CF to buy and could of done without having to shell out on a sub fac air. I knew I didn't have much chance, thats why I'm not ranting about it, just a bit disapointed.

 

do you not have the fac-air slot filled from gaining the application?

not to worry and yes.worth a try and maybe later have another try at opening it up.

do you have a mate or someone you know that has fac-air?..maybe go out with them a few time and ask if they would add a letter to your open application next time.it may swing it.

 

al

Edited May 6, 2010 by albob

[al4x]

If they have said no once it will usually stay that way, best bet is to get the land checked. Its pretty much just a walk round just describe it well to the people who want you to shoot and all should be fine. Then use lots of amunition, its the one thing they like to see that gives them an idea you've gained a fair bit of experience.

[kyska]

do you not have the fac-air slot filled from gaining the application?

not to worry and yes.worth a try and maybe later have another try at opening it up.

do you have a mate or someone you know that has fac-air?..maybe go out with them a few time and ask if they would add a letter to your open application next time.it may swing it.

 

al

 

Sorry al, my bold, I don't quite get what you mean?

 

I do have a mate with an open and he has FAC air, so yes, I should of asked him as he shoots with me on my land anyway! Dur....

[kyska]

If they have said no once it will usually stay that way, best bet is to get the land checked. Its pretty much just a walk round just describe it well to the people who want you to shoot and all should be fine. Then use lots of amunition, its the one thing they like to see that gives them an idea you've gained a fair bit of experience.

 

 

Yea, the owners are not anti getting the land cleared, just feel its a lot of hassle for a few rabbits, it was just a shot in the dark really al4x.

 

Thing is, air ammo isn't counted.....

[kyska]

I'll lend you a sub 12lbft air rfle if you want I never take it out

 

Thats a great offer mate thanks, but if I broke someones gun.....

[al4x]

use plenty of HMR and centrefire ammo and they will be less concerned, Fundamentally if you have possible land to shoot on just keep submitting it as the more they check the more likely they are to open the ticket.

[albob]

Sorry al, my bold, I don't quite get what you mean?

 

I do have a mate with an open and he has FAC air, so yes, I should of asked him as he shoots with me on my land anyway! Dur....

 

 

i meant have you filled the slot you have for fac-air,since you first had your fac.

also as alex says,have you shot a lot of .22 rimfire and hmr ammo,as this will help a lot.

had my fac for nearly 2 years(similar to you) and have shot over 2000 of each ammo for the rimfires(my ticket is closed)and not plinking either.

as you shoot with your mate who as fac air and if you get the chance to try it,this can help in your next application.all experience noted really does help.

 

al

Edited May 6, 2010 by albob

[kyska]

i meant have you filled the slot you have for fac-air,since you first had your fac.

also as alex says,have you shot a lot of .22 rimfire and hmr ammo,as this will help a lot.

had my fac for nearly 2 years(similar to you) and have shot over 2000 of each ammo for the rimfires(my ticket is closed)and not plinking either.

as you shoot with your mate who as fac air and if you get the chance to try it,this can help in your next application.all experience noted really does help.

 

al

 

Thanks al, yes the FAC slot is filled, looking at my fac I'm running at about 1500 hmr rounds used, the .22lr got sold cos it scared me, but even so I used it a fair amount. Seems silly they've granted me a centerfire with no mentor etc but won't let me open my air after years of shooting air...oh well, I'm not complaining, looks like I need to buy another...