fortune Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Has anyone heard about this new hoop that Sussex police are touting around for applicants to jump through. A fellow that I know has had a shotgun cert for some years and regularly shoots clays and game. He is a member of two shooting clubs using club rifles from 22rf up to 44 carbine on approved ranges. He has written for about 250 acres + other ground on which there are fallow and roe. He has applied for a firearms cert for 2 x .22 rf. One for target and one for vermin control – 1 x 243 and 1 x 308. He has been given the green light on these BUT he has been told that he has to go on a firearms awareness course ?? “What is this and where has this a place in firearms law”. A blokes name has been sent to this fellow and he has been contacted about it. This person has replied that he does the course in conjunction with basc and privately. This person has letters after his name which when checked out are some sort of tree qualification. This is no different to the mentor rubbish that they used to try it on with applicants. If basc are advocating this sort of thing then I think it is some sort of joke and a disgrace to the paying membership to jump on the bandwagon and advocate and charge for courses or anything that is not required by law. I’ve told this guy to get on to basc and find out what this is all about but he is of the opinion that it would be a waste of time. He just wants to comply so that he can get his ticket and doesn’t want to rock the boat with the firearms department. Anyone else heard about this nonsense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 There seems to be 3 of these - shotgun, air rifle and unlike these two, the 3rd - the rifle - is only available to BASC members for the small consideration of £125 for the 8 hour duration - plus, of course the £60 whatever for BASC membership. Somebody is running a business - a nice little earner at that - here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Told? Would that be verbally?? I'd suggest ONE thing - ask them for written confirmation of WHAT exactly the required course is & their reason for their insisting on his attending it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted October 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Yes to both the above. The guy is a member of basc and I've urged him to consult them. I do agree that no one wants a bang-bang merchant launched out with any sort of weapon especialy a high power rifle taking pot shots BUT Basc should be taking a lead to defend the paying member not holding out their hand for more money to run courses that aren't required in law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 (edited) One assumes that the guy has been told to do the course because he's applied for the FAC and not because he is a BASC member. Begs the question, what happens if a non member similarly applies. This is dangerous territory and could be considered as a step, however small, towards a compulsory requirement for the issue of a certificate. Edit: Missing words added. Edited October 21, 2015 by wymberley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 if true all done to make it harder to have guns,what does basc say, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Yes to both the above. The guy is a member of basc and I've urged him to consult them. I do agree that no one wants a bang-bang merchant launched out with any sort of weapon especialy a high power rifle taking pot shots BUT Basc should be taking a lead to defend the paying member not holding out their hand for more money to run courses that aren't required in law. One assumes that the guy has been told the course because he's applied for the FAC and not because he is a BASC member. Begs the question, what happens if a non member similarly applies. This is dangerous territory and could be considered as a step, however small, towards a compulsory requirement for the issue of a certificate. The bloke is a member of TWO Home Office gun clubs = he WILL have passed/be in compliance with current Home Office rules for such club memberships...irrespective of ANY advice or BASC rulings = so he WILL already meet the "firearms awareness" ******** that the police have dreamed up!! If BASC are not all over this like a labrador on a bag of chips they need to close shop & sell time-shares for a living Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bala Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 (edited) It would be as Mossy said, good to hear a response from BASC on this. Edited October 21, 2015 by la bala Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Yes to both the above. The guy is a member of basc and I've urged him to consult them. I do agree that no one wants a bang-bang merchant launched out with any sort of weapon especialy a high power rifle taking pot shots BUT Basc should be taking a lead to defend the paying member not holding out their hand for more money to run courses that aren't required in law.If you don't wake up to what they are doing, your pidgeon shooting will be next on their List,Already running courses,, they just have a sneaky word in the authorities ear,Bingo they got you again.. its all about getting your cash and going through their Books as the ONLY Way to go.. Wake up UK, this isnot America, they fight for themselves,a crumb goes to you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 If it was me, I would politely thank them for their letter and say that as I have already undergone compulsory instruction in both firearms awareness and safe handling with my club prior to being accepted as a full member, I see no point in duplicating the training and would be obliged if they would kindly proceed with my application as it stands. As BASC has always said they are against compulsory training now is the time for your pal to report this to them and ask for their comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 It's only a hoop to jump through if you let it become so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savhmr Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 If it was me, I would politely thank them for their letter and say that as I have already undergone compulsory instruction in both firearms awareness and safe handling with my club prior to being accepted as a full member, I see no point in duplicating the training and would be obliged if they would kindly proceed with my application as it stands. As BASC has always said they are against compulsory training now is the time for your pal to report this to them and ask for their comments. This. You are not required to by law, and policy isn't law. I'd be surprised to learn that it was general policy. How is it reasonable that someone with obvious experience is being told to comply with "firearms awareness" course attendance? I would be tempted to pick up the phone to the head of firearms licencing and ask specifically what they considered lacking in your firearms awareness and why they deemed it necessary? You have good reason, presumably are of good character and no criminal record, therefore, legally what option have they except to grant your licence? You could try the other tack and say that you want their written grounds for withholding your certificate, based on more than not attending a course run for novices to firearms. What an insult. Having recently spoken to Mike Eveleigh from BASC, I would be very surprised if this was led by BASC. Mike told me very specifically that he, and BASC were opposed to any form of mandatory training or qualification. He didn't mince his words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerCat Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Someone earning out of it by the sounds of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clakk Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 smells of funny handshakes and rolled up trouser legs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 It would be nice to hear what David BASC has to say about this one . Are you about David? Harnser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeadWasp Posted October 28, 2015 Report Share Posted October 28, 2015 (edited) This sounds new - any idea which area of Sussex he is in? It's bad enough with the BDS pushing CPD...it's getting like the electrical trade and all their PartP's etc....'short of cash...I know lets change the qualification'. Edited October 28, 2015 by LeadWasp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salopian Posted October 29, 2015 Report Share Posted October 29, 2015 Could Police Constabularies ( Firearms Departments) please observe the Law? Not try to make it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David BASC Posted October 30, 2015 Report Share Posted October 30, 2015 Dear All, This is not being promoted or encouraged by BASC. There is no basis in law for people to have to go on a test at renewal or indeed grant, although I have seen chief officers request a person goes on a course to gain experience with Sec 1 where the alternative would have been to refuse to grant Yes we run training courses, we have been running training courses for decades, many of our courses are discounted for members but please let no one suggest that we are doing this in conjunction with the police to make more money, as that would be a ludicrous suggestion. So if this chap , who by the look of it is a member of BASC, is still having issues then please ask him to get in touch with the firearms team for help David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted October 30, 2015 Report Share Posted October 30, 2015 I'd be interested in see the Training Objective and Key Learning Points that the Chief Constable requires to be met by this course. If the can not provide them are they happy for him to attend any Firearms Awareness Course because I'm sure someone will offer a 2 min distant learning package for peanuts (probably run by monkeys). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banger123 Posted October 30, 2015 Report Share Posted October 30, 2015 Getting like the plumbing trade. All the course suppliers thinking up new certificates for us all to have. What happened to good old fashioned experience counts for far more than any piece of paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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