Bombadil Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 I have scanned for a similar thread, but have not come across none, if there is one please post the link! I have recently applied for my SGC and am awaiting my interview, i just have a couple of concerns about it and was wondering if you guys could help. I don't have a huge amount of expirience with shotguns, other then a couple of brief shoots with a friend (who has since moved away and joined the army) and i loved it. Just as i have loved hunting with my air rifle and fishing since i was young, logically the next step is to get a shotgun and persue my hobbie further. I am booking a lesson for later this week where i will have a private tutor teach me for an hour, although i can already shoot a shotgun my friend is no professional and i think it would be wise to make sure i am going about shooting in the correct and safe way. My problem is that i am worried that this lack of expirience will make me less eligible for my SGC. I would love to have a fair few lessons before i get a shot gun but due to financial issues it is out of the question, and unlike most people in the sport i don't have a dad/brother or even any friends (who aren't off on the SA80's ) to help get me further into the sport. I've done all that i can, got as much expirience as possible and secured some land to shoot on (written permission obtained from the farmer). But will the FEO be put off by my rookie status? I am also wondering what kind of questions will be asked in the interview, what were you asked? I understand that my reason for wanting a shotgun will obviously be asked, and also general safety questions (how far does the shot travel) and security arrangements, but what specifically? Any help will be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 i can't see it being a problem - the police have to prove good reason for you not to own a shotgun (as apposed to you having to provide good reason for owning an FAC). If you have land permission and don't act like an idiot, have reasonable safety precautions for storage, then you'll get it. I would be very suprised if the FLO asks you any technical questions. I'd recommend this (as a lot of people do) as the bible for shotguns... The Sporting Shotgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Sam Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 All the questions I was asked (feb 08) were from here: http://www.dorset.police.uk/pdf/Procedural...ctice_Guide.pdf Go to the last few pages for the form they often use for the questions. He was more interested in whether or not I went clubbing at the weekend than how far 32g of #6 shot travels...... It is worth mentioning if you are, or HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST, a member of ANY type of gunclub. I am a lapsed member of an airgun club, but he was pleased with me having been a member, even though I no longer go there. Also mention if you a member of BASC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonboy1 Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 when i had my sgc renewed last time, i was actually asked to name 3 people that i socialised with on a regular basis, presumably to see what sort of people i knocked about with (maybe he thought i looked a bit dodgy and must have some dodgy mates lol) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil Posted February 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 Thanks for the help! Will be orderign that book tomorrow i think. My local club doesn't appear to offer any sort of membership, i've been shooting there beofre a couple of times with the air rifle however and passed a basic safety test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Sam Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 My local club doesn't appear to offer any sort of membership, i've been shooting there beofre a couple of times with the air rifle however and passed a basic safety test. Worth mentioning to the FEO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustyfox Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 I have scanned for a similar thread, but have not come across none, if there is one please post the link! I have recently applied for my SGC and am awaiting my interview, i just have a couple of concerns about it and was wondering if you guys could help. I don't have a huge amount of expirience with shotguns, other then a couple of brief shoots with a friend (who has since moved away and joined the army) and i loved it. Just as i have loved hunting with my air rifle and fishing since i was young, logically the next step is to get a shotgun and persue my hobbie further. I am booking a lesson for later this week where i will have a private tutor teach me for an hour, although i can already shoot a shotgun my friend is no professional and i think it would be wise to make sure i am going about shooting in the correct and safe way. My problem is that i am worried that this lack of expirience will make me less eligible for my SGC. I would love to have a fair few lessons before i get a shot gun but due to financial issues it is out of the question, and unlike most people in the sport i don't have a dad/brother or even any friends (who aren't off on the SA80's ) to help get me further into the sport. I've done all that i can, got as much expirience as possible and secured some land to shoot on (written permission obtained from the farmer). But will the FEO be put off by my rookie status? I am also wondering what kind of questions will be asked in the interview, what were you asked? I understand that my reason for wanting a shotgun will obviously be asked, and also general safety questions (how far does the shot travel) and security arrangements, but what specifically? Any help will be much appreciated. Dont worry about not having enough experience, say to him that you have been shooting shotguns a couple of times before and you want to get your own gun so you can improve. Questions should not be hard to answer only the nerves will make it a bit tougher. when i had my sgc renewed last time, i was actually asked to name 3 people that i socialised with on a regular basis, presumably to see what sort of people i knocked about with (maybe he thought i looked a bit dodgy and must have some dodgy mates lol) Is that you in the picture? I wonder why he asked? :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 I got asked why I wanted a shotgun, previous experience, the FEO also wanted to see my cabinet adn had some questions on my citizenship and I also had to show my passport. Don't worry it is not a test, the FEO just wants to see that you are a good and decent person responsible to hold aa shotgun certificate. I am not sure about the type of experience you need, before I applied for SGC I had only 1 and a half month shooting experience and I saved all the slips from my club ooutgoings to show the FEo for evidence but he wasn't interested. At no time did he ask me for proof of having good experience in shooting shotguns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonboy1 Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 Is that you in the picture? I wonder why he asked? :o yes dustyfox that is me in the picture, i spose i do look a bit dodgy but i'm not all bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennym Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 When I got my inspection I forgot & got my head shaved just before, the fao had to dodge my punch ball, speed ball and all my other combat sport related gear in the garage to get to my cabinet,...... in my opinion its more to do with checking the cabinet than checking you... they don't as a rule do any follow ups to the questions they ask about your associations, and I have read (on here) that they don't contact your doctor the questions, IMO are to see how you answer, so if your a novice say so but demonstrate your reading up on safety issues and are planning on taking some shooting lessons, above all just act and speak responsibly good luck Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabbyshot Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 Hi Bombadil, The FEO just wants to check you out to make sure you are a decent safe bloke. They wont expect you to be a complete expert on all things shotgun related. They will prob ask a few questions but most questions are common sense. They will want to check your house and may ask you to make some changes for example: Dead locks, hinge bolts and window locks. If this is the case then they will tell you what changes need to be made and come around for a second visit when the work is completed. Something they may ask. If for example you were going to a clay shoot or any shoot. How would you take your gun out from your car? Your reply- I would partially remove the gun from its slip, break the gun (apart from a semi) check the bores are clear then remove the gun with the barrels to the ground showing anyone in the close vicinity that the gun is safe. If you were on your own in a field and you needed to cross a fence? I would break the gun, remove the shells and place the gun in a safe position. Once over the fence retrieve the gun. You are in a field and you see someone approching? I would break the gun, remove the shells and keep the barrels pointing towards the ground. When you leave the house with you gun where should the gun be? Unloaded and in a slip. All common sense things mate, but do read up on as much as you can. All the best and let us know how you get on. SS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 I didn't get asked those questions but to me they seem like common sense. Even my air rifle I chekc and double check if it's loaded and what not. I am religious about my shotgun being safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhiannonBW Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 When you leave the house with you gun where should the gun be? Unloaded and in a slip. All common sense things mate, but do read up on as much as you can. The answer to this one might vary on where you live. I was advised not to take my gun out in the slip, but to break it down and carry it out either in it's unmarked box, or in an innocent looking bag. No point advertising to the local lowlifes that I have a shotgun in the house. Rhiannon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukecarpenter123 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 When I got my inspection I forgot & got my head shaved just before, the fao had to dodge my punch ball, speed ball and all my other combat sport related gear in the garage to get to my cabinet,...... in my opinion its more to do with checking the cabinet than checking you... they don't as a rule do any follow ups to the questions they ask about your associations, and I have read (on here) that they don't contact your doctor the questions, IMO are to see how you answer, so if your a novice say so but demonstrate your reading up on safety issues and are planning on taking some shooting lessons, above all just act and speak responsibly good luck Ken Nowt wrong with a shaved head, is there Jonboy1. They did'nt ask me alot. They have been to my house to do my brothers SGC and check up on our Dads. The biggist thing was a little road traffic incedent I had . No worries tho, he just said keep your nose keep. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonboy1 Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Nowt wrong with a shaved head, is there Jonboy1. My thoughts entirely lukecarpenter123, it makes you look like an honest, trustworthy, law abiding member of society that would'nt hurt a fly. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil Posted February 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Thanks again for all the help, looks like it won't be a problem . I'll make a post in the other thread about how long the process takes, sent the application off the Saturday before last and am still waiting on conformation of payment (which is reasonable considering i paid by cheque). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 Don't worry mate. I was a TOTAL novice and told the FAO when he visited. He said this was no problem, I replied that I was thinking of having some tuition on gun safety and shoioting ettiquette, he was very happy with this and said he would proccess the applicaton as soon as he went home. true to his word, a few days later I had my certificate through the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 The FLO is there to check you're a safe person. To be eligible for a SGC the police have to find a reason why you shouldn't have one (criminal record, medical reasons) If you know little about shooting, don't worry. Just be honest and say that you're going to get lessons at the clay ground. They love people who are willing to learn. A nickbeardo said, that book is my bible too. You wont go far wrong after reading that. one more thing: DO NOT FORGET TO PUT THE KETTLE ON Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomstick Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 The answer to this one might vary on where you live. I was advised not to take my gun out in the slip, but to break it down and carry it out either in it's unmarked box, or in an innocent looking bag. No point advertising to the local lowlifes that I have a shotgun in the house. Rhiannon I agree! If you can break it down and put it in an abs case etc it is just TOO much better 1) The local lowlifes will be none the wiser 2) No muppet will ring the old bill to say they have seen someone carrying a gun 3) "in the slip" is not strictly speaking what the law requires. My feo gave me the example of, 'what if it was in the slip with a hole by the trigger?' - the true requirement, as far as i gathered, is that it should not be possible to be fired. This roughly translates into unloaded, in a SECURE case (cue debate). But i think it would be much harder to fire a broken down gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shabbyshot Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 A good point RhiannonBW and Boomstick and I should have added that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2009 Report Share Posted February 24, 2009 "3) "in the slip" is not strictly speaking what the law requires. My feo gave me the example of, 'what if it was in the slip with a hole by the trigger?' - the true requirement, as far as i gathered, is that it should not be possible to be fired. This roughly translates into unloaded, in a SECURE case (cue debate). But i think it would be much harder to fire a broken down gun laugh.gif" I have always just carried it in a slip to my car and then got it in the car, got in and locked the doors form the inside. I haven't anyone report me yet for carrying a gun or something dangerous in a case, then exactly I don't exactly go out of the house with trumpets blaring victoriosuly: "Koz is bringing out the gun!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil Posted March 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 Well about 20 minutes ago i had the interview. The Officer who did my interview was very kind, but i was a nervous wreck. I couldn't believe it, i have nothing to hide and there is no reason i should be declined an SGC but i really was bad. Stupid things i did include taking about 5 minutes to correctly put the key in the lock of the gun cabinet, tripping over when trying to take my shoes off, speaking all over the officer when i opened the door and my personal favourite, rather then saying "Do you mind if i let the cat in or do you have allergies?" i just shouted "Allergies?!". Not only that but i have have had run ins with this officer before, once when i was caught at 17 carrying beer home from my friends 18th, (he was very polite, and took me home and understood i wasn't a loud mouthed drunk), and twice when my brother got taken home for walking round the village with a BB gun . Despite all this he said everything was fine, i asked him if i qualified for an SGC and he said that everything looked OK but the final decision was up to a police deputy. So i'm crossing my fingers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beretta Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 youll be fine so dont panick. where you from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil Posted March 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 youll be fine so dont panick. where you from. Mold, FLintshire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beretta Posted March 29, 2009 Report Share Posted March 29, 2009 not far to go then for shooting with llandegla round the corner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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