rimfires in NI

[the enigma]

I'm thinking about getting a rimfire.Was just wondering what sort of things the FEOs in N.Ireland look for when considering your application.

[Cannon]

Are you a member of a club? If not it helps to have land to shoot over that your FEO deems to be suitable for rimfire use. In some instances you may be asked to proove the need for a rimfire by showing evidence of a rabbit infestation etc or the farmer/landowners word may be enough. All depends on your reason for wanting one I suppose

[monkeyboots]

rimfires are easy enough to get in n.ireland tell your FEO that you need it for rabbits, crows etc that are out of shotgun range but within good range for a rimfire

[the enigma]

I want it for pest control (magpies,crows,rabbits) on my own land.Is there any extra security needed other than a standard gun cabinet?

Edited December 3, 2010 by the enigma

[monkeyboots]

if it is a bolt action rifle then the bolt will need to be keep seperate from the rifle your rifle will be fine in a gun cabinet

[Cannon]

What monkeyboots said pretty much. As long as you have a good reason for possession of a rimfire and adequate security (I.E Gun Cabinet) that meets the necessary standard and is bolted to the fabric of the building you should be fine Only thing is if you are going to be shooting crows and magpies etc you'd have to make sure they were on the ground with a safe backstop. A .22 rimfire round can travel upwards of a mile

[the enigma]

One last question! Does it take much longer to sort out than a normal variation?

[Cannon]

If it's your first application it can take a while. Mine just came back after 9 months, but for a variation your cover letter only lasts 6 months as far as I'm aware, so the firearms branch are under pressure (don't quote me on that) to get a variation back to you sooner than an initial application

[the enigma]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Now all I have to do is make my mind up whether to go for a .22lr or .17hmr.

[tikka.223]

If it's your first application it can take a while. Mine just came back after 9 months, but for a variation your cover letter only lasts 6 months as far as I'm aware, so the firearms branch are under pressure (don't quote me on that) to get a variation back to you sooner than an initial application

 

They can issue another letter for another 6 months.

[Pastiebap]

There are three criteria to be met:

 

1) That you are a "fit and proper person", by the sound of it you already have an FAC, so this should be a given.

 

2) That you can demonstrate good reason, vermin control on your own lands covers this?

 

3) Secure storage, for bolt action rifle there must be separate secure storage for the bolt. Also if you share storage then you will need to sort that out.

[woodcock1]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Now all I have to do is make my mind up whether to go for a .22lr or .17hmr.

.17 HMR all the way. I got one when I was 18 and lived in the town so you shouldn't have much bother.

[the enigma]

.17 HMR all the way. I got one when I was 18 and lived in the town so you shouldn't have much bother.

 

What's best cleaning routine to keep the barrel in good order?