Harry136 Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 (edited) A few years ago, I bought a PCP air rifle from someone i was serving with in the Army. As far as i was aware it was a none FAC weapon. I then sold this on to someone else under the belief that it was a none FAC weapon also. This individual is now moving to NI and is concerned a bit in case the gun is FAC as it has to be licenced anyway over there. The current owner emailed the manufacturers- Crossman who stated that it was a 25 ft/ lb gun. The gun in question is a Benjamin Discovery. I know these are sold in the UK as a none FAC gun. My question is, if this gun turns out to be FAC rated could I be in the poo? For the record i would never knowing sell an FAC weapon without the correct documentation. Also if it did turn out to be FAC rated, is there a way of getting rid of it without running into legal problems so to speak. Edited March 21, 2016 by Harry136 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretagentmole Posted March 21, 2016 Report Share Posted March 21, 2016 (edited) It could have been detuned by an importer. This illustrates why buying a chrono is a damned good idea! Edited March 21, 2016 by secretagentmole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted March 22, 2016 Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 This has almost certainly been detuned prior to sale in the UK but a number of interesting questions do arise if it turns out to be an illegally held FAC gun. I think it's highly likely the police would want to go back to the original purchaser because it is he with whom the seller has potentially committed a crime with initially if no licence existed. I fear the police will take a dim view of the claim that any owner had not noticed the power of the gun but in practice they can't prosecute you because you don't own the gun and the number of years since you have sold it mean it may have been tampered with after you sold it. If it started life as FAC then it can't be turned back to sub 12 ft lbs without a lot of hassle and somewhere there is a record of it being on someones licence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted March 22, 2016 Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 Simple - either buy/borrow a chrono and test the gun - if over then detune it - no one will be any the wiser or perhaps sell it as spares after "removing" a part to prevent it firing - you can give the part to the buyer who can magically " mend" the gun once it's on his licence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted March 22, 2016 Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 Simple - either buy/borrow a chrono and test the gun - if over then detune it - no one will be any the wiser or perhaps sell it as spares after "removing" a part to prevent it firing - you can give the part to the buyer who can magically " mend" the gun once it's on his licence. Perilously close to being illegal and not applicable to this scenario anyway since the gun has been sold already. Detuning an FAC air gun is also not necessarily a DIY operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted March 22, 2016 Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 Lol, why make it all complicated for the lad. Was it bought new in the UK? On top of the receiver the fixing screw at the rear is anti tamper. Has this been altered to make it possible to disassemble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobba Posted March 22, 2016 Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 I fear the police will take a dim view of the claim that any owner had not noticed the power of the gun but in practice they can't prosecute you because you don't own the gun and the number of years since you have sold it mean it may have been tampered with after you sold it. As I read it this is the crux of the issue. There is no evidence that it was FAC when you sold it and no knowledge of what may have happened to it once it left your hands. Sympathise with those concerned but the current problem (if there is one, and that's far from clear at the moment) is none of your concern. And, in the unlikely event of a visit hold the same line. Stay calm, play a straight bat and sleep peacefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry136 Posted March 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2016 (edited) I did not buy it new and it is not currently in my possession and has not been since 2012. The new owner has contacted PSNI and they don't even want to know the power of the gun so problem solved. Edited March 22, 2016 by Harry136 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted March 23, 2016 Report Share Posted March 23, 2016 I did not buy it new and it is not currently in my possession and has not been since 2012. The new owner has contacted PSNI and they don't even want to know the power of the gun so problem solved. Beacuse, in NI, it doesn't matter what power it is. All firearms and airguns must be held on FAC. So he needs to apply for a FAC from PSNI, or else he will be in illegal possession if he takes it over there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted March 24, 2016 Report Share Posted March 24, 2016 Agree Hamster but cutting down the Hammer Spring on a Discovery is not exactly Rocket Science surely?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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