FEO

[Highlander]

I keep reading on here about visits from FEOs and general theme seems to be they get treated with awe and are all powerful beings to be kowtowed to. Visits are perceived to be like exams and stress seems to be the order of the day. Then people post on here questions they should really be asking their FEO outright but appear afraid to do so.

 

So... your FEO (knowledgeable or not) is there to help. Talk with them, discuss with them what you want/need and get them on your side to achieve that. Work with them (they might be your FEO for a long time) see them as your friend, not your enemy! And IF by some bad luck they refuse or cause you a problem talk with people who can possibly help (not barrack room lawyer PW members) but BASC.

[Bazooka Joe]

So... your FEO (knowledgeable or not) is there to help.

 

 

I've yet to have one that was of any help, always a problem....they either didn't know, or had to ask HQ's, & that was pretty basic variations. Before you jump on the band wagon, I've being shooting nearly 40yr. They seem to interpret the law the way they see fit, & if you allow them to get away with it, so be it.

 

Little pyramid builders....... if your face fits.

 

Had them all, from a Wildlife Officer who has his own little zoo, & had axe to grind with anyone who shot, taking guns off license holders, re-inspecting land, to a halfwit who couldn't even brake a single barreled 12g, stating that no one within 10yr would have a license cause they are all going to be banned....!

 

Laff....I nearly laid an egg.

 

We,ve a new one now.... one of many.... look forward to meeting him when my firearms cert comes up in a couple of years time.... see what happens,

 

BJ

[MC]

I could not agree more with you highlander,

 

I am in the fortunate position that I shoot at the same Rifle Club as my FEO. This has several advantages, 1 being that he sees you handling and using firearms and knows what you are like and what sort of a person you are.

 

He has also been my FEO as long as we have had FEO's.

 

He is also very laid back in as much that he doesn't agree with the strictness of the UK's gun laws and as long as you have a reason for wanting something then it is not an issue.

 

Variations are almost done over the phone and take no time at all. His visits take a bit longer as he does like a chat and Tea.

 

He also has the best RAF Handlebar moustache going

 

These people are not Ogres, Shrek is an Ogre. Just talk to them sensibly and you will never have any issues with them.

 

After all 1 of them let Evil Elvis have guns so they can't all be bad

Edited June 6, 2008 by martincavie

[Highlander]

So... your FEO (knowledgeable or not) is there to help.

I've yet to have one that was of any help, always a problem....they either didn't know, or had to ask HQ's, & that was pretty basic variations. Before you jump on the band wagon, I've being shooting nearly 40yr. They seem to interpret the law the way they see fit, & if you allow them to get away with it, so be it.

Little pyramid builders....... if your face fits.

Had them all, from a Wildlife Officer who has his own little zoo, & had axe to grind with anyone who shot, taking guns off license holders, re-inspecting land, to a halfwit who couldn't even brake a single barreled 12g, stating that no one within 10yr would have a license cause they are all going to be banned....!

Laff....I nearly laid an egg.

We,ve a new one now.... one of many.... look forward to meeting him when my firearms cert comes up in a couple of years time.... see what happens,

BJ

 

I'm gonna stand by what I said and more...if you have those sort of people as an FEO then you should make a formal complaint to the powers that be (including the Home Office) as they are obviously totally unsuitable for the job. I'm sure BASC would back such a complaint if done in the correct way. It's the old story...if you aren't prepared to do anything about the situation don't gripe about it!

 

I say this all the time...these sort of jobs are often taken by antis of one type or another (civil servant type jobs for life) with an agenda to create as much havoc as possible. It's our job to fight back!

[Bazooka Joe]

if you aren't prepared to do anything about the situation don't gripe about it!

 

 

You've picked me up wrong Highlander, I'm not griping as you say, I did do something about it, by passed him & went to the powers that be, as you put it...!

 

I say this all the time...these sort of jobs are often taken by antis of one type or another (civil servant type jobs for life) with an agenda to create as much havoc as possible. It's our job to fight back!

 

 

If you read my post again that's what I'm saying,

 

 

BJ

[highseas]

im my verry short shooting life with certificated guns FOs are about as much use as a kick in the left kn****r phone them up and they say ohh ring me back or ill ring you back and never to be heard agen untill you ring them up i mean honestley how can a couple of bits of paper take 13-14 bl**dy months at the end of the day i dont think they(whoever they are) wants us to have guns my fao dident even bl**dy know what a 17hmr was or what the LR in .22 lr ment i meen come on

Edited June 6, 2008 by highseas

[Dave-G]

The serving officer who did my first visit and checks was a top bloke. His mature friendly and relaxed manner put me at such ease that I felt I could ask him anything, he shoots up to .50 calibre too He is not the FEO for my patch however - and was just filling in for someone else because of the amount of time I had waited.

 

My local FEO is a civillian trainee. Also very relaxed, confident and pleasant. If unsure of something it will be checked with more senior officers before final action.

 

The senior officer in that department: Very laid back, very knowledgeable and sensible, seemed to be coaching or assessing the trainee very well. I have always felt very comfortable with each of the above.

 

 

 

Another civilian trainee who covers a different patch I have some permissions on: Seems to think his black clothes and police support car puts him in charge of shooters and he knows all about shooting - but don't shoot. Do I care if he reads this? Not really, but I rather hope he does'nt become my local or senior EO

 

 

At the moment I have lost confidence in advice that is given due to a neighbouring force's senior FEO very strongly advising different temporary security arrangements to what had been deemed acceptable by my local force. That almost got me arrested for having access to a part of a section one rifle that was not on my ticket, even though I was unable to use it. When the rifle I am currently securing for my brother is returned to his care I shall be seeking written clarification from my local dept.

 

I am also now somewhat concerned about past and more recent advice from BASC regarding temporary storage of someones rifle. Perhaps the recent changes in law about pressure bearing components turns things around somewhat.

[Zapp]

My local FEO is an absolute superstar. He is friendly, knowledgable, informative and very sensible. I guess I must be part of a lucky minortity, but "Mr J" from east Northants is great.

 

ZB