F.A.C. OPENED UP

[Frenchieboy]

I got a bit of an odd one when I asked about getting my FAC opened! I have only had it for a little over a year but I was finding that I was getting extra permissions quite regularly (Mainly through recomendations) but having to wait till the FEO could do a land inspection was a bit of a hasstle. I phoned my Firearms Office up and had a quiet chat with the girls, I put my case forward and asked what they thought. The outcome was that I was advised to put my case in writing and "hope for the best". This I did and the result was that I now have an Open Certificate for my 17HMR which allows me to get out onto most permissions and keep the general vermin in control but my .222 is still on a closed condition. However, there is a fairly bright light at the end of the tunnel for me as a quick phone call to the girls in the firearms office have said that if I wait till around the beginning of the new year (6 months from getting my FAC opened for the 17HMR) and try again enclosing a letter or two from farmers I shoot for stating that I have been instrumental in controlling the foxes on their land and that I have done it responsibily and safely, and keep a bit of a "shooting log" to show reasonable usage (This could be done by checking the amount of ammunition I have bought but that can be "exagerated" by buying extra and going to the ranges to use it up so a "shooting log" comes into it's own in this case) they will almost certainly give me a full open certificate.

From what I can see all cases (In our area) are dealt with on their individual merit and a lot depends on how you talk to your FEO and the girls in the Firearms Office. I am in fact having a meeting with my FEO on Thursday coming to do a few land checks which is an ideal opportunity to "reinforce" the idea of a full open ticket.

I have my fingers crossed!