rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Right gents, after airgunning / shotgunning on and off for more years than I care to remember I quite fancy moving on to FAC, particularly FAC air. What's the crack, what do I have to do or get (land ?) to move on, what would be the next logical move. Also, assuming I procceed what would be the wisest choice to ask for on the ticket allowing for future aspirations. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 (edited) Right gents, after airgunning / shotgunning on and off for more years than I care to remember I quite fancy moving on to FAC, particularly FAC air. What's the crack, what do I have to do or get (land ?) to move on, what would be the next logical move. Also, assuming I procceed what would be the wisest choice to ask for on the ticket allowing for future aspirations. Cheers Personally I think FAC air is not worth stepping up to. You might as well get a .22LR and take a proper step up I'd say, start with a .22LR, enjoy it, then when you feel you're ready to move up again, pay £28 and get a variation. It's not the biggest expense and it'll hold you back from buying more guns too soon. I'm sure a lot of people will say to get an HMR, but I think that like owning an air gun as a kid, you should always own a .22LR as your first rifle. You're going to need some land. Personally, I'm not keen on the 'join a club and get your FAC years later' idea. It's too long and you end up becoming a target shooter and having the life leeched from you (No offence to target shooters ) See if anyone on here will take you out lamping with a rimmie or C/F and get some experience under your belt. Your FEO will look at you in a different light if you produce a dozen dates that you went shooting, the calibres you shot and a reference from the person who took you. Edited January 6, 2011 by Billy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artschool Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 (edited) Personally I think FAC air is not worth stepping up to. You might as well get a .22LR and take a proper step up I'd say, start with a .22LR, enjoy it, then when you feel you're ready to move up again, pay £28 and get a variation. It's not the biggest expense and it'll hold you back from buying more guns too soon. I'm sure a lot of people will say to get an HMR, but I think that like owning an air gun as a kid, you should always own a .22LR as your first rifle. You're going to need some land. Personally, I'm not keen on the 'join a club and get your FAC years later' idea. It's too long and you end up becoming a target shooter and having the life leeched from you (No offence to target shooters ) See if anyone on here will take you out lamping with a rimmie or C/F and get some experience under your belt. Your FEO will look at you in a different light if you produce a dozen dates that you went shooting, the calibres you shot and a reference from the person who took you. good advice especially about the experience. Edited January 6, 2011 by artschool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy Holt Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Hiya, Personally I think FAC air is not worth stepping up to. You might as well get a .22LR and take a proper step up personally I'd disagree with that, FAC Air can be a very versatile tool far more than .22lr or HMR. When I went for my FAC last year I put in for FAC air and .22lr, I have since added .222 to that. As it stands my FAC Air gets out to play about 90% of my trips where as the .22lr is hardly ever out the cabinet so much so I'm toying with getting rid of it. It's not that I dont have anywhere to shoot it, I just find the FAC air a far better tool for the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilentKill Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 (edited) Hiya, personally I'd disagree with that, FAC Air can be a very versatile tool far more than .22lr or HMR. When I went for my FAC last year I put in for FAC air and .22lr, I have since added .222 to that. As it stands my FAC Air gets out to play about 90% of my trips where as the .22lr is hardly ever out the cabinet so much so I'm toying with getting rid of it. It's not that I dont have anywhere to shoot it, I just find the FAC air a far better tool for the job. i'm with Billy, if your going to upgrade you may as well upgrade! as much as i love my air guns, my latest Daystate Air Ranger is a very nice tool, its nice to just take out the .22 or .17HMR and know you dont have to factor in stuff like, charging tanks and how they perform, the range they can shoot at etc. Edited January 6, 2011 by SilentKill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for the info so far gents. One of the reasons for FAC air is, so I've been told (?), that you can shoot squirrels etc from trees so long as the rifle is shooting up quite steeply IE the pellet has lost all momentum from the rifle and is just in freefall. Is this correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Personally I think FAC air is not worth stepping up to. You might as well get a .22LR and take a proper step up I'd say, start with a .22LR, enjoy it, then when you feel you're ready to move up again, pay £28 and get a variation. It's not the biggest expense and it'll hold you back from buying more guns too soon. I'm sure a lot of people will say to get an HMR, but I think that like owning an air gun as a kid, you should always own a .22LR as your first rifle. You're going to need some land. Personally, I'm not keen on the 'join a club and get your FAC years later' idea. It's too long and you end up becoming a target shooter and having the life leeched from you (No offence to target shooters ) See if anyone on here will take you out lamping with a rimmie or C/F and get some experience under your belt. Your FEO will look at you in a different light if you produce a dozen dates that you went shooting, the calibres you shot and a reference from the person who took you. Good Advice I concur, no shooter should be with out a .22 fimfire . The most versatile tool in the box .I like mine to an ajustable spanner ,it will do more jobs than a standard 13 mil socket . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for the info so far gents. One of the reasons for FAC air is, so I've been told (?), that you can shoot squirrels etc from trees so long as the rifle is shooting up quite steeply IE the pellet has lost all momentum from the rifle and is just in freefall. Is this correct? Just which part of the various Firearms Acts says that is ok? If I were you I would suggest avoiding any talk of that with the FEO. And, just how big a tree are you talking about that you can't deal with a squirrel with a 12ft lb gun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Hiya, personally I'd disagree with that, FAC Air can be a very versatile tool far more than .22lr or HMR. When I went for my FAC last year I put in for FAC air and .22lr, I have since added .222 to that. As it stands my FAC Air gets out to play about 90% of my trips where as the .22lr is hardly ever out the cabinet so much so I'm toying with getting rid of it. It's not that I dont have anywhere to shoot it, I just find the FAC air a far better tool for the job. Davy I have 12ft lb, FAC Air, .22lr, HMR, WMR,and assorted centrefires and shotguns, they are tools and I get them out as required. You are obviously in a situation where the FAC Air Suits your requirements best, and works for you, thats fine, but it is nowhere near as "versatile" as a .22lr. The .22lr will handle Caps, shorts, longs, lr, shotshell, and probably a few I have forgotten, it will be able to give you accurate, repeatable power all day from around 30-200+ ft lb, and also turn itself in to a mini shotgun! That's Versatile! ATB! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Logic Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Just which part of the various Firearms Acts says that is ok? If I were you I would suggest avoiding any talk of that with the FEO. And, just how big a tree are you talking about that you can't deal with a squirrel with a 12ft lb gun? Giant redwood maybe?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowen20 Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 I can honestly say that I would never have a air rifle again after shooting with them for years then getting SGC. then after 3 years getting FAC .22lr and .17hmr then putting in numerous variations for rifles It never once crossed my mind to apply for FAC air once you start shooting powder burners it's just a different world and .22lr and .17 hmr are defiantly good starter guns and leaves alot left to progress. And .22lr is a very versatile rifle/round. Go with what you want it's up to you. Atb on what you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oxon88 Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 .22lr great first calibre to get! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Just which part of the various Firearms Acts says that is ok? If I were you I would suggest avoiding any talk of that with the FEO. And, just how big a tree are you talking about that you can't deal with a squirrel with a 12ft lb gun? Ah well, this is it isn't it, I'm asking not telling so do not want to get in to any arguments. I am after GOOD advice as to the procedure for moving from sub 12lbft and SGC to FAC. I really need to know what, or not, each calibre is good for then the route through the FAC minefield. Obviously a lot of experienced blokes on here and a lot of good advice, so what's the way forward from here? How many calibres can I apply for and do I have to fill each slot? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Actually going up to FAC is very worthwhile. With .22 cal at high 20's early thirties you can get set up with only about 1/2" max trajectory curve. They also make a very worthwhile gun for shooting into trees, sure you could use .22 rf with CB caps but they dont shoot near as good as a rapid say in generalisation. The safest rabbit gun near stock and way more useable than 12ftlb on more open ground were 45- 55yds is the norm. In fairness .22 subs add little to this in max range and have far higher ricochet potention and fall out range, they do however hit a lot harder putting larger quarry like Hare on you possibles list and body shots on larger birds and rabbits more doable than FAC air were you are basically still on very restricted kill zones. If i was pushed to loose my .22rf or my FAC air i would admittedly loose the air as it is more hastle to fill and no use to me on Hare, this is me on MY ground though but for a first time applicant with filling gear who might even get it granted it on open sooner i think a very good choice. If squirrels were my quarry of choice the FAC air is the first tool i should pick up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 I'm back with more questions and thanks for the answers so far gents. Something else that had crossed my mind was going to .25 air, what's the gain over .22 Whatever I go for one of them will be air if only to get it out of my system. What calibre do they allow for what target species? Would I be able to get land cleared first FAC or do I have to get on somewhere that's already cleared? Would it be worth joining a syndicate that's already got cleared land? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Actually going up to FAC is very worthwhile. With .22 cal at high 20's early thirties you can get set up with only about 1/2" max trajectory curve. They also make a very worthwhile gun for shooting into trees, sure you could use .22 rf with CB caps but they dont shoot near as good as a rapid say in generalisation. The safest rabbit gun near stock and way more useable than 12ftlb on more open ground were 45- 55yds is the norm. In fairness .22 subs add little to this in max range and have far higher ricochet potention and fall out range, they do however hit a lot harder putting larger quarry like Hare on you possibles list and body shots on larger birds and rabbits more doable than FAC air were you are basically still on very restricted kill zones. If i was pushed to loose my .22rf or my FAC air i would admittedly loose the air as it is more hastle to fill and no use to me on Hare, this is me on MY ground though but for a first time applicant with filling gear who might even get it granted it on open sooner i think a very good choice. If squirrels were my quarry of choice the FAC air is the first tool i should pick up Thanks, I do like air and the flatter trajectory curve is one reason to go FAC. I don't know much about the possibility of going .25 though with more lbft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbuster Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 I'm back with more questions and thanks for the answers so far gents. Something else that had crossed my mind was going to .25 air, what's the gain over .22 Whatever I go for one of them will be air if only to get it out of my system. What calibre do they allow for what target species? Would I be able to get land cleared first FAC or do I have to get on somewhere that's already cleared? Would it be worth joining a syndicate that's already got cleared land? Cheers Yeah, you can get land cleared for your 1st fac-you dont need somewhere that had already been cleared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Yeah, you can get land cleared for your 1st fac-you dont need somewhere that had already been cleared. Thanks for the info. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Yeah, you can get land cleared for your 1st fac-you dont need somewhere that had already been cleared. My FEO told me the application was much faster if I put down some cleared land. I have a BSA Ultra s/s that I haven't touched since I got FAC. Think I might sell it as I can't see myself needing it again. Can't really see a use for FAC air myself. The .22RF and .17HMR do all the harm I need to do to bunnies. Will no doubt get a cf at some point. Quite fancy doing the DSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 My FEO told me the application was much faster if I put down some cleared land. I have a BSA Ultra s/s that I haven't touched since I got FAC. Think I might sell it as I can't see myself needing it again. Can't really see a use for FAC air myself. The .22RF and .17HMR do all the harm I need to do to bunnies. Will no doubt get a cf at some point. Quite fancy doing the DSC I just fancy FAC air, whether I would use it or not remains to be seen Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RC45 Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 .25 FAC air has to be experienced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhawk Posted January 7, 2011 Report Share Posted January 7, 2011 (edited) It all depends on the land you shoot on.I had fac air as my feo wanted me to start with this for 6months before i got a 22lr and to be honest unless lamping the fac air is usless where i shoot.After a few trips with the airgun i felt like using it as firewood.Dont get me wrong it does have its place as oneday i might need one for land where the 22lr could be a no no but not for me until then.Plus the rimfire is so much more fun Edited January 7, 2011 by silverhawk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted January 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2011 Mmmmmmm, some for and some against. I suppose it all depends where you shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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