How is land assessed for FAC?

[ferretmanabu]

Does anyone know what criteria the police use to assess suitability of land to grant FAC? What I'm really looking for is are there any things that would rule out a person getting an FAC based on the land?

 

Thanks.

[scout]

Not fully sure but I know my FEO was keen to know about public footpaths, nearby roads, public access points etc. I am sure there are more knowledgable folks n here who will give you a fuller answer.

[Dave-G]

Looks for backstops to contain the projectile: hills, valleys, stone walls etc. If the ground is overly stony, potential for public nearby outside of the land, whether that public is easily seen on open land or difficult to see through trees etc. Locality of nearby housing or amenities like schools, clubs etc. Flat and featureless land is usually unacceptable for powder unless high seats are used so the projectile is more likely to dig in to the ground.

 

There's much more of course - and they have to consider that anything they approve would be suited to an inexperienced first time shooter. Remember these days that they probably have to do a risk assessment before they even have a dump. Rural area FEO's are generally more relaxed about shooting than those near built up areas.

[njc110381]

Like it has been said already, they just have a general look about the place to get an idea of what's about. Flat grond is often limited to a high seat, and they will try to keep the calibre used to the minimum suitable for the job you need to do. Really it comes down to backstops, and how near to other people you'll be.

 

Are you thinking of going for your FAC? If you need any help give me a shout if it's here you're thinking of applying. I can keep an eye on you at first if they insist on a mentor, but don't tell them I've offered because if they know you've got someone to help they'll most likely restrict you.

[Hunter_zero]

Does anyone know what criteria the police use to assess suitability of land to grant FAC? What I'm really looking for is are there any things that would rule out a person getting an FAC based on the land?

 

Thanks.

 

Much has already been said.

The FEO will look at safety aspects of the land, much will depend up on the FEOs experience. Foot paths, houses and any obvious safety issues will be noted. Quarry species noted. It is always a good idea to walk the land with the FEO but do not add many comments and let the FEO draw their own conclusions. Have a back up plan, for example if the FEO has an issue with things suggest you were planning to use "high seats" in that location etc. The lay of the land is another big issue, the FEO will be looking for safe back stops (hills), if your talking about level land with no back stops then your stuffed unless you deploy high seats. Yes if you don't have passed land then you will not get an FAC period.

Many safety issues can be addressed, sound moderators for example, high seats and even warning signs. If you get to walk the land, show the FEO tracks or damage made by your intended quarry so that they know there is a problem and that a firearm is needed.

Getting land passed is just the beginning these days. The police seem to require new applicants to have some form of "chaperon" which isn't a legal requirement of the firearms act. Calibres can be restricted to different areas of land. Back when I first applied I was granted a .22rf and left to my own devices; how times have changed. I have walked and had land passed for most quarry right up to Red deer with the land being passed. If you need specific advice then by all means drop me a PM and I'll do all I can to advise.

 

John

[Doggone]

Seems to be a lot of talk about high seats on flat land; I've lived and shot in the fens all my life and never seen a high seat deployed. The 200 acres of land round my house, doesn't have so much as a mole hill, but the land has been passed for centrefire. The highest that lampers shoot from round here is a sun roof in a Defender. You do, of course have to be very careful, and pass on quite a big percentage of possible shots. I'm talking foxing here, no deer to speak of in these parts, only a few Roe.

Andy

[njc110381]

Seems to be a lot of talk about high seats on flat land; I've lived and shot in the fens all my life and never seen a high seat deployed. The 200 acres of land round my house, doesn't have so much as a mole hill, but the land has been passed for centrefire. The highest that lampers shoot from round here is a sun roof in a Defender. You do, of course have to be very careful, and pass on quite a big percentage of possible shots. I'm talking foxing here, no deer to speak of in these parts, only a few Roe.

Andy

 

 

Shooting foxes from the roof of a Defender is ok. You get a reasonable angle as long as the range isn't too long. I like to shoot prone though, which would cause more of a problem.

[ferretmanabu]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

At the moment I'm thinking of just going for an FAC airgun so I can get longer range on rabbits but it's all at the "thinking about it" stage. The replies have been very useful though.

 

NJC, thanks for the offer. I may well take you up on it if and when I get round to applying. Are you still shooting clays and if so whereabouts? I'm looking for a decent sporting shoot on weekends at the moment.

Edited September 7, 2008 by ferretmanabu

[njc110381]

I'm not doing much with the shotty really. I got fed up with not improving and trying to aim at the clays all the time, so went into rifles.

 

I wouldn't bother with FAC air. I don't really know your land situation but in Gloucestershire they'll give you a HMR on a postage stamp if you come across right. FAC air doesn't give you a lot more range, and the guns are often very expensive. The ammo is cheap afterwards, but then I find 50 HMR rounds last me a couple of trips usually so it's not too bad anyway.

 

If you want to come out in the field with me a couple of times to get a picture of how things are done then just PM me, most of my landowners are ok with me bringing guests.