tim.callaghan Posted June 5, 2003 Report Share Posted June 5, 2003 Hi, My 1st post, so please go gentle on me. I've been shooting since I was little (well - about 14yrs old). I first started on an old BSA along time ago. I shot all the way up to being about 20yrs old (currently 25), and have had a bit of a break for the past 5 years :blink: When we used to go shooting, we used had little regard to the law, ie didn't know it. But were responsible, appreciated nature and kept it all very low key. We had a few favourite spots that were right out of the way, and we could go hunting for rabbits, squirrels, pigeons etc without being bothered. Now I'm a touch older, with a mortgage and many responsibilities, I don't want to blunder into any situations that could put my lifestyle at risk. I want to make sure I do everything by the by, and not get into any trouble. So my questions. What are the current restrictions on shooting outdoors? I have a Webley Eclipse air rifle that is rated under the 12flb limit. Are public places a no-go, like parks, footpaths? Obviously I'm aware I shouldn't venture in to private property, as this would condstitute tresspassing. What's all this FAC stuff - I understand it is a firearms certificate, but do I need one, and what benefits would I have, having one? Some general pointers lads would be much appreciated. Tim PS - I live in the Warrington area, so if you know of any sweet spots I'd love to hear from yer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everygoodnamewastaken Posted June 5, 2003 Report Share Posted June 5, 2003 You dont need a firearms certif if your rifle fires under 12ftlb. You would be breaking the law if you didn not have permision to shoot on the land you do. Always seek permission. Would you like it if someone started shooting in your garden who you did not know? Older more experienced members on here maye be able to shed more light on your questions :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutty Posted June 5, 2003 Report Share Posted June 5, 2003 Welcome to the forum Tim Im no expert but can shed a bit more light on the do's and dont's of airgunning most of which applies to any shooting sports. Firstly, in your case being over 17 you are entitled to purchase and own an air weapon, provided that the weapon dose not exeed the 12lbs legal limit . If it does then FAC,S need to be applied for. As egnwt rightly says Public places are a definate NO, Should you need to take it into a public area ,IE gunsmiths etc it should be securly covered in its slip and be incapable of being fired. Plod takes a very serious view these days of people wandering around with weapons , sadly some of the stories have tragic endings. When you do get land to shoot over try and get the owner to give Written permission and carry it with you at all times. Insurance ,i think, is also a must an can be got quite cheeply from some of the shooting organisations . Should the land have footpaths or rights of way over it then i am almost sure that the law says you should be 50 foot away from them and not be in a position to injure or endanger life of persons using the footpath/right of way Some of the other lads on the forum may be able to empart more knowledge of the 50 foot rule as well as other things i missed but i hope i have been of some help . Happy hunting Regards Sutty :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim.callaghan Posted June 6, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2003 Thanks for the prompt replies guys, I can see this being a useful forum. I think from what I've been reading tonight, I've got a good jist on the law front, and how I'm going to get back into hunting ligit. First off, I'm gonna join a local plinking (target :blink:) club. I'm spoilt for choice, as I've got 2 clubs literally 2 miles from me. Appleton gun club http://www.appletonrc.co.uk/, or Warrington http://warrington-rifles.8m.com/ . Both should be good sources of information locally, and a good place to get some practice in. Second, I'm gonna join the BASC. It seems a good deal, and they may have good information available to use. Third, I'm gonna join the Total Pest Control www.total-pestcontrol.co.uk and see if anything comes of that, plus might be able to meet other local people with similar interests. Fourth, get a list together of local farms, and throw out a well articulated mail to all of them. There's hundreds of farms around here, so maybe one will express some interest. Also, maybe some local sports clubs with cricket grounds etc, cos bunnies can be a ****** on there. What do you think of my suggestions fellah? Is it a good way to go about it? Cheers again, I hope to be a worthwile contributor in time Tim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sniper Posted June 6, 2003 Report Share Posted June 6, 2003 Tim, I agree entirely about some form of insurance. The field target club may work but I suspect most of the members will be target punchers only. I would think very seriously about laying out any cash to any " shooting" organisation. You may be able to acheive the same objective just by getting in with the farmers. Are you sure they will let you use airguns on the vermin ? As regards the farmers I would advocate a personal approach. I find it works better than over the phone or letter. Don't turn up in cammos and be respectful and polite. Just mention you have seen rabbits or whatever on his land and you may be able to help him with the solution. Have you thought about golf clubs ?. They are always a source of rabbits. Do you know any gamekeepers ? They are the chaps to get to know. If you can get in beating you will usually be offered a bit of vermin shooting. Don't despair if you get knocked back. Contrary to popular opinion there are a lot of people out there shooting vermin and various places may already be taken. Perseverance will pay off. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everygoodnamewastaken Posted June 6, 2003 Report Share Posted June 6, 2003 Golf clubs Mmm. Good plan, Now wheres the phone book? If you were planning on shooting pigeons, Wait untill they are doing shed loads of damage. The farmer should realise how much damage is being done. That time is the best time to ask. Have a look on the pigeon watch homepage. William had some information on how to obtain ground on it im sure Happy hunting :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everygoodnamewastaken Posted June 6, 2003 Report Share Posted June 6, 2003 http://website.lineone.net/~triggerfish/gunlaw.htm Have a look there :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 some sort of insurance is allways a good idea,it also looks good when you approach a landowner with a view to gaining permission to shoot.The one thing that i have found about going to various gun clubs is that on the whole the people you meet are all willing to help and offer advice on all aspects of the sport so its got to be a good move :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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