Shotguns and rifles

[kentishsteve]

i am considering applying for my SGC and FAC but am not that well imformed about either of them. I really only want a .22 rifle but i have heard that i shouldn't just apply for FAC liscense on its own secondly at what sort of range can rabbits be killed with a shotgun, all i want to do really is shoot rabbits from a longer range than with my air rifle and possibly the odd fox is the .22 rifle the best thing to go for

[njc110381]

A shotgun isn't going to gain you much over a good air rifle, they're not long range tools. What it will allow you to do is shoot runners. I'd suggest that if you only want to get more range then a .22lr or .17hmr would be a good choice. The .22 will give you 100 yards at a push, the HMR 150 with ease. I like the HMR myself because of the flat trajectory, but on the down side it makes a little more noise and ammo costs a bit more.

 

I can't see why you have to get a shotgun if you don't want one. You can get just a FAC, although the SGC only costs you an extra £10 if you get both at the same time.

[TheHunter]

I think njc110381 has covered most of your points but I notice there was no mention of your “odd foxâ€. I am assuming you know it would be illegal to shoot a fox with a .22lr or .17HMR rimfire rifle however I am sure most people who have seen what the sharp end of the HMR is capable of, would agree it is capable of killing foxes out to 100yds but the Law says no. You would need the minimum of a .17 centre fire (not very common) or more often a .22 centre rifle. If you had for example a 22.223 on your FAC it is capable of shooting out to 200+yds and is good for rabbit and fox.

[Lloyd90]

I think njc110381 has covered most of your points but I notice there was no mention of your “odd foxâ€. I am assuming you know it would be illegal to shoot a fox with a .22lr or .17HMR rimfire rifle however I am sure most people who have seen what the sharp end of the HMR is capable of, would agree it is capable of killing foxes out to 100yds but the Law says no. You would need the minimum of a .17 centre fire (not very common) or more often a .22 centre rifle. If you had for example a 22.223 on your FAC it is capable of shooting out to 200+yds and is good for rabbit and fox.

 

 

Never heard of a 17 centrefire mate ? do they make any ? I think .22 hornet or .204 are the smallest centrefires Ive seen/heard of!

 

And 17HMR IS LEGAL for fox. It all depends on what force your under. When I had my FAC interview the FEO had a list of what your allowed to shoot with each calibre and your allowed fox with 17 HMR (not everywhere though)

 

Luckily I'm in a good area I guess as I have a slot for 17HMR and am allowed to fox with it

[MC]

The .17 Remington is a centrefire.

 

Essex have said they won't condition a .17HMR for fox but know full well that if you are out with one and it is a safe shot they know it will be taken. My FEO said the same thing about .22LR.

[Newsportshooter]

Just a quick point - neither of the rimfire calibres are 'illegal' for fox just not recommended and you would'nt be likely to get away with quoting fox as good reason for these two calibres (for rabbit/vermin shooting you shouldn't have a problem) but there is nothing to say you can't take a fox with a .17 HMR or .22lr in 'certain circumstances'.......

 

.22 Rimfire is generally

too low-powered to be used against fox

except at short range, but may reasonably be

permitted for use against such quarry in

certain circumstances. However, sole use

against fox would not normally be sufficient good reason

to acquire such a rifle : - HOME OFFICE 2002

 

This is the law with regard to killing foxes 'period' it is irrelivant where you live as long as you are in England or Wales.

 

Generally most go for at least .222 centrefire but as has already been pointed out there is .17 Remmington or .22 Hornet centrefire both of which have enough energy to 'humainly' kill a fox.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Newsportshooter