OJW Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Hi there, Can anyone give me any advice on how to go about applying for an FAC in the most efficient way? I understand the referee system and how to fill out the forms, store the ammunition and rifle. However, I'm not clear on some other aspects. I would like one for stalking rather than target shooting. My understanding is I would need to provide letters of permission from landowners as justification as a good reason for having one granted? What if I was only going on guided stalks in the highlands rather than having my own primary land? What are the rules regarding "mentoring" and whether a ticket is "Open" or "Closed"? Furthermore, what are the rules governing what calibers you can apply for? Thanks for your patience, I appreciate these are novice questions! I've only got shotgun experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Have you read the HO Guidance on Firearms Licensing Law. It will answer all your questions and explain everything you need to know. It is your bible for all questions. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/479794/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law_Nov_2015_v16.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labstaff Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 I'm going through something similar. I have fac for rimfire but having done paid stalks I would like my own stalking calibre rifle. I rang my flo for advice and he told me as long as I have a stalk booked that would be good reason for the variation. I asked if I would have to inform them every time I go somewhere different (as I assumed I would be on a closed ticket) and he said I wouldn't as long as I was going somewhere for deer. Talking to another friend and the condition is worded something like the rifle can be used on ground where deer are resident (present?). The too said I would need to have another stalk booked at time of renewal to maintain the good reason. I'll let you all know in a few weeks! This is in derbyshire by tge way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 If you've not got land available for deerstalking, then yes, you'll need letters confirming paid stalks as 'good reason' for a deer-suitable calibre. The Guidance notes actually refer to such instances as being suitable 'good reason'. (13.10, page 105) There are no 'rules' regarding mentoring, open/closed tickets, only what the FEOs seem to make up as they go along ! As to calibres, again, little that is hard and fast. If intending for large stags in the Highlands though, I'd want a larger calibre, 270 or 308. 13.30 - 13.34 deals with deer (and deer in Scotland). Again, 13.32 has information regarding paid stalking. Page 121 of the guidance contains a list of the possible suitable calibres. Don't forget to apply for a moderator too ! Even though you've not got a lot of interest in target shooting, it might be worth becoming a member of a target shooting club as well. The more you shoot a rifle, the more you become familiar with it, and the better you'll be with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJW Posted March 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Have you read the HO Guidance on Firearms Licensing Law. It will answer all your questions and explain everything you need to know. It is your bible for all questions. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/479794/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law_Nov_2015_v16.pdf Charlie T - Thanks, I'll have a look. I've spoken to the local firearms oficer about it, and tried to speak to BASC (but can never get through). I'm just looking for a simplified view in layman's term's from people who have been through the system. I'm going through something similar. I have fac for rimfire but having done paid stalks I would like my own stalking calibre rifle. I rang my flo for advice and he told me as long as I have a stalk booked that would be good reason for the variation. I asked if I would have to inform them every time I go somewhere different (as I assumed I would be on a closed ticket) and he said I wouldn't as long as I was going somewhere for deer. Talking to another friend and the condition is worded something like the rifle can be used on ground where deer are resident (present?). The too said I would need to have another stalk booked at time of renewal to maintain the good reason. I'll let you all know in a few weeks! This is in derbyshire by tge way. Thanks, please do. If you've not got land available for deerstalking, then yes, you'll need letters confirming paid stalks as 'good reason' for a deer-suitable calibre. The Guidance notes actually refer to such instances as being suitable 'good reason'. (13.10, page 105) There are no 'rules' regarding mentoring, open/closed tickets, only what the FEOs seem to make up as they go along ! As to calibres, again, little that is hard and fast. If intending for large stags in the Highlands though, I'd want a larger calibre, 270 or 308. 13.30 - 13.34 deals with deer (and deer in Scotland). Again, 13.32 has information regarding paid stalking. Page 121 of the guidance contains a list of the possible suitable calibres. Don't forget to apply for a moderator too ! Even though you've not got a lot of interest in target shooting, it might be worth becoming a member of a target shooting club as well. The more you shoot a rifle, the more you become familiar with it, and the better you'll be with it. Yeah I would become a member of a club when I have a rifle but I don't want to have to do that for 6 months just so that I can apply when my primary interest is stalking. To be honest it seems pretty onerous to have to ring the police every time you leave the house with your rifle and tell them where you are going?! It feels like your being penalised for having a FAC. Maybe it's better to just use Estate Rifles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshie Posted March 2, 2016 Report Share Posted March 2, 2016 Charlie T - Thanks, I'll have a look. I've spoken to the local firearms oficer about it, and tried to speak to BASC (but can never get through). I'm just looking for a simplified view in layman's term's from people who have been through the system. Thanks, please do. Yeah I would become a member of a club when I have a rifle but I don't want to have to do that for 6 months just so that I can apply when my primary interest is stalking. To be honest it seems pretty onerous to have to ring the police every time you leave the house with your rifle and tell them where you are going?! It feels like your being penalised for having a FAC. Maybe it's better to just use Estate Rifles? You don't have to tell the police anything as long as you satisfy the conditions on your ticket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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