Ticket is in to "open" it

[Dave-G]

As per the title, I sent in my ticket to be opened, and have photocopies of the pages. Can I still go shooting?

[Dunkield]

Yes

 

Or yes, but until the restriction is removed only on cleared land.

 

I shot for 3 months without an FAC

[njc110381]

Carry on and shoot. It may cause a little confusion if you get stopped, but a photocopy and explaination of the situation should mean they go away happy. I often forget to take my FAC when I go out

[sirusman]

Excuse the newbie question but was is "getting ticket opened" ??

[Dave-G]

Thanks Mr P and njc.

 

Sirus, Most Firearm Certificates are initally granted on a sort of probationary period where the police decide what locations are suited to a novice shooter.

 

They will consider things such as proximity to roads and footpaths, how well you can see what is on them etc, dwellings and other places where members of the public may be. If there are few natural areas to stop bullets leaving the boundaries of the land you shoot over etc. They may also want to see some sort of indication that vermin frequent the land if you are claiming it is a good reason to acquire a firearm.

 

Assuming you have permission to shoot on the land, there are three types of certificate for most sport or vermin shooting:

 

A closed certificate is one where you can only shoot where the police indicate YOU can shoot, (I presume the location is stated on the certificate)

A semi-open allows the holder to shoot anywhere they have deemed a novice shooter can shoot.

An open certificate allows the holder to shoot anywhere he has permission - without needing the police to approve it.

 

Different force areas have their own idea's on how long the probationary is. That period seems to be a maximum of five years, but can be less, particulary if the restrictions are causing hardship or you have used a lot of ammuntion. My local force stipulates three years mandatory.

[roger]

Different force areas have their own idea's on how long the probationary is. That period seems to be a maximum of five years,

 

can be a lot more as well - S.Yorks turned down my application although I shoot every weekend and have permission on 3 farms and 2 Golf Courses.

 

Same as many things FAC related - it's a postcode lottery.

 

Roger

 

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[sirusman]

ok thanks for the explanation,i learne from you guys everyday

[reedbradshaw]

Hi i have sgc and i am thinking about sorting out a fac. Quite curious to this comment though ?

 

"or you have used a lot of ammuntion"

 

How does the local police know how many round you are going through ? do they go on you ticket once purchased ?

 

Reed

[Dave-G]

Yes Reed, the RFD records the sale on your certificate - and notifies your firearms department. I have bought 5000 rounds of ammo in the three years since I got my FAC and it's reasonable for them to assume I have used most of it.

 

With no reports of bullets or bullet holes being found where they shouldn't be, the firearms unit can assume I have acted responsibly with the firearm: They also now consider me capable of deciding what is a safe shot or not with the experience I have gained using all that ammunition.

[roger]

It makes little or no difference to how many rounds you purchase or shoot - what's most relevant 10000 into sand or 1000 shooting over 5 different areas of land in all types of weather and different times of day and night?

 

It shouldn't be a considerance for an open licence and according to the strict criteria arbitraly laid down by S.Yorks, isn't.

 

Roger