What do I do?

[shot shot]

Guys, I have recently been getting ready to apply for my FAC. But I've hit a bit of a snag. I'm 17, and none of my (immediate) family shoot. I have read all the imformation I can about apply for an FAC in Northern Ireland, and from what I have read, I (had) reckoned I would not have a problem getting it accepted.

The law states that "Under article 7(2) of the Firearms (NI) Order 2004, the Chief Constable may grant a firearms certificate to a young person for an airgun, shotgun or .22 rifle, only if the firearm is to be used for pest control or the protection of livestock on agricultural land occupied by the young person or on which he works and also resides"

Now, after discussing it with a few people, I came to the conclusion that although I am not a farmer directly, but because my Uncle is a farmer, I live in the countryside surrounded by my uncles land and I work (voluntarily) on the farm that it would constitute enough of a reason to be granted a shotgun.

 

However, today I was at a RFD (tannyoky, for those who know) and they told me straight off that because I'm under 18 that I would only be granted (what they called) a loan certificate, that would allow me to borrow a shotgun, and use it in the presence of the owner. But, because my dad doesn't shoot, it would be a safer bet to wait 6 months, and apply for it then, at which point, by the time it was processed, I would be 18 (next june).

 

What I never got to tell them though, was that although my dad doesn't shoot, my uncle (farmer) does, as well as a good family friend.

 

Basically guys, I need advice, do I do as they recommended, and wait the 6 months, or brave the storm and put in for it now?

 

p.s. it has to be noted, that I am really reluctant to wait the 6 months, as it's going to take 6 months to process regardless

[dazza]

Phone PSNI firearms and speak to them. Although I always get a better response if I email them. I'd wait until your eighteen to save all the hassle.

[monkeyboots]

my stepson who is nearly16 has just applied for a youth permit which as you say is more or less a loan permit i had to send my FAC off with it as its my guns he is applying to quire on loan the FEO said that my FAC will need to be ammended to say that my guns are on loan , so your uncle will need to agree to loan his guns also he needs to write a letter giving permission to loan the guns and also post his FAC off with your application forms, and what i would say to you is why pay £50 to apply for a loan permit when it runs out in 6mths to then spend another £50 applying for your own FAC when you are 18, just to add first time applicatants for a FAC are usually granted in 3mths, but as dazza says ring HQ or your local FEO they will put you straight

 

ps just to add my stepson is still 15 he is 16 in october but the local FEO said by the time its processed he will be 16 so she said post it away and she said 3mths is about the time for 1st time applicants to be granted a FAC, she is a very helpful woman helped him fill in all the paper work etc and posted it off for him, ive also sent away for a .22hornet to be added on to my FAC and as its away with my stepson application she said fill everything out get the permission etc etc leave it in with her and she will write a letter off with it saying my FAC is already at HQ being processd and she posted it off for me as well

Edited September 12, 2009 by monkeyboots

[shot shot]

thanks for the advice MB, I'll need to talk to my uncle before going any further then

[utectok]

6 months seems ages at 17 but it'll fly by! Trust me and I'd take the advice as it'll work out in the long run better for you good relations with firearms officer etc. Plus as far as I know even without a shotgun cert you can use one supervised by the licence holder at least in Scotland you can.

[Ozzy Fudd]

wait til youre a bit older, youll be trained on fullbore's by then and itll look better - you know what i mean