My First Contact With The Police

[ShaggyRS6]

Down the Orchard this evening, not much about actually, the farmer had just finished spraying weed killer to kill the nettles off.

 

So I had been in the Orchard for about 90 mins mooching around, I took my normal routes which take be past the car park to a factory. I did notice someone in one of the offices stand up and look as if to say "there is a loon with a gun" I just gave a freindly wave and carried on.

 

One more lap of the Orchard, I walk round the edges cos I like to be firing into the Orchard, rather than out toward the edges. As I got close to the car park I could see a police car. As I got closer I could see 2 gun cops, as I got even closer (rifle of my shoulder) I heard "Here he is" and a few paces later "Armed Police, put your weapon down" They were only a few yards away and were not really threating. I asked if I could make the gun safe first. They said yes, I fired the round I had in the chamber into the ground a removed the magazine.

 

I then walked toward them with my permission letter, BASC card and the map of my permission in my hand. they gave me a wry smile as at this point I think they knew I was allowed to be there. One took my details and asked me a few questions. The other checked the rifle. They then advised me someone had reported "a big chap in cammo with a mssive gun walking around"

 

We had a quick chat, they went into the factory to tell them all was ok and I carried on.

 

A couple of points I would like to make.

 

1. I would much prefer people to call the police if they are unsure. You never know, I could have been a crazed gunman.

2. Next time I will have a wonder around the factories close by and advise I have permission to shoot.

3. Always carry your permission slip and any other details with you. this matter was wrapped up in about 3 mins. I can only assume if I did not have a letter I may have been having dinner in a cell

[Stealth Stalker]

Been there as well, police helly hovering over the deeks, 3 officers approaching from behind, unload the weapon & step out of the hide punk

 

Good advice to have copys of all your permission, BASC, licences etc..... Saves time & aggro

 

SS

[BSA Shaun]

When i wore shorts once I got stopped for carrying a massive hammer

 

Joking aside, nice to see them doing their job. They sounded pretty ok to me.

[TINMAN]

I usually give the firearms department a call when I'm going out on my land saves tax payers cash and over streched police resourses. When some busy body phones and says there a man with a gun wandering round the land the plod just say we know thank you

[scott_milker]

its a good job you were well organised! this is gonna sound really amateur but whats a BASC? also what gun did you have on you when they appproached you? im just waiting for my air rifle to arrive in the post obviously im gonna want some shooting land, any suggestions on how i can get some permission?

[naddan28]

its a good job you were well organised! this is gonna sound really amateur but whats a BASC? also what gun did you have on you when they appproached you? im just waiting for my air rifle to arrive in the post obviously im gonna want some shooting land, any suggestions on how i can get some permission?

BASC, is the British Association for Shooting and Convervation. By being a member, you have insurance should the worse happen.

Cupra will have had either a Daystate X3 or RWS 500 (both air rifles) with him

As for obtaining shooting land their is only one of two ways:

a) Door knock

b ) ask someone you already know who owns land to shoot it (if your that lucky!)

 

Dan

[pin]

Although a lot of folk don't rate it, call the police control room and get an incident no. if you are in an area likely to have people calling the cops.

 

If they see they know someone is out, in that area, then they might be more inclined to let you go about your business - at the very least they would turn up without expecting to shoot someome