Simple question re shooting while variation with police...

[Sheprador1973]

I have searched on here and googled guys but can't find a conclusive answer.

I'd like to send my FAC with a 201 one for one variation off to be processed (want to get a different mod for my 22lr and swap my .223 slot for a 17hmr/22lr).

Simple question is, can I legally shoot while not in direct possession of my cert? In other words, can I still go out with my on ticket .308 while the certificate is being handled by sussex/Surrey firearms dept?

Thank you.

 

[the_greenman]

Yes

 

[VSS]

Yes. You won't be able to buy ammo without it though, so make sure you stock up before sending it in.

 

[ApexOrdnance]

It's worth asking your force if you can retain your cert whilst it is processed if they are expecting delays with variations. Some are happy to do so but its worth asking in advance and send a copy of the response with the variation otherwise they could return it as being incomplete.

 

[bullet chucker]

Or' take a photo copy of your certificate and send the originals in as normal. Carry' the copy when out, then you can show, who so ever needs to see it.

BC.

 

[mealiejimmy]

As above.
Make a photocopy and carry it with you.
If you get stopped show them the copy and tell the police the situation.
If they don't believe you, they can radio in to check and find that you're telling the truth

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Frank Homes]

The only proviso about not carrying your certificate is that if you are stopped by a policeman in possession of a shotgun or firearm he can ask to see your certificate if you cannot produce it he can seize the guns you possess.

 

[The Singing Stalker]

Take a photocopy. Mines is in for a variation for 3 months now. Not stopped me shooting.

 

[Sheprador1973]

Thank you very much to all the above. I figured that woukd be thr case but with our laws being so lacking in common sense at times, thought I'd double check. Much appreciated

 

[Sheprador1973]

Take a photocopy. Mines is in for a variation for 3 months now. Not stopped me shooting.

3 months? That's crazy!

 

[The Singing Stalker]

3 months? That's crazy!

Sign of the times currently. Covid, sigh.

 

[ashray]

i think you will find that ordinary police can not take your firearm as they are not entitled to they have to call armed responce to check its safe and remove IF THEY THINK ITS WARRANTED but it would not get that far because they call in with your details and unless you have commited an offence you will be told to carry on.

 

[Jeff8861]

i think you will find that ordinary police can not take your firearm as they are not entitled to they have to call armed responce to check its safe and remove IF THEY THINK ITS WARRANTED but it would not get that far because they call in with your details and unless you have commited an offence you will be told to carry on.

Any cop can seize guns doesn't need to be an afo. Re the op yes you can still shoot no problem having an image of your cert on your phone or a copy.

 

[Pete1774]

I only ever carry a photocopy of my FAC. If stopped they can check the details by radio. They should do this anyway even if you show the the original.

 

[VSS]

Any cop can seize guns doesn't need to be an afo.

Are you sure about that? I thought it had to be an officer who had had specific training in safe handling of firearms? Otherwise how would they know how to check whether it was loaded etc?
I think you shouldn't surrender your firearms to anyone who isn't qualified / licenced to handle them, otherwise you would be in breach of your FAC conditions regarding safe custody etc.

 

[VSS]

i think you will find that ordinary police can not take your firearm as they are not entitled to they have to call armed responce to check its safe and remove IF THEY THINK ITS WARRANTED but it would not get that far because they call in with your details and unless you have commited an offence you will be told to carry on.

Exactly this ^^^

 

[Rob1562]

It"s somewhere between the two....lots of uniform cops have had 'make safe' training and can confirm a firearm is safe to handle.
The power to seize is conveyed to all police officers (uniform or not) and any can seize regardless of whether make safe trained or not....they will just be put in a safe place until checked by an AFO or make safe trained officer.
All certificate checks can be done over the radio as has been mentioned above so the situation should never arise where guns are seized because a certificate cannot be checked....used to happen before the firearms database was 24/7 access but hardly ever happens now.
Regards, Rob.

Exactly this ^^^

 

[DanTheMan]

i think you will find that ordinary police can not take your firearm as they are not entitled to they have to call armed responce to check its safe and remove IF THEY THINK ITS WARRANTED but it would not get that far because they call in with your details and unless you have commited an offence you will be told to carry on.

That's contrary to what it says in the firearms act: "A constable may require any person whom he has reasonable cause to suspect to hand over the firearm or any ammunition for examination by the constable"

 

[Jeff8861]

Are you sure about that? I thought it had to be an officer who had had specific training in safe handling of firearms? Otherwise how would they know how to check whether it was loaded etc?
I think you shouldn't surrender your firearms to anyone who isn't qualified / licenced to handle them, otherwise you would be in breach of your FAC conditions regarding safe custody etc.

Yes they can warranted officers can sieze anything if its evidence. Best practice dictates that if available use an arv. However if its a rural seizure and no arv available the officer will seize and return to nearest station where it will be made safe. You can never be in breach of your certificate for handing over to a cop. Most cops when they join are given an input into firearms. Some cops are ex afo some are ex military some are ex feo so there is nearly always some one capable.

 

[badmolassesaccident]

3 months? That's crazy!

Not as crazy as five and a half months!!! Ask me how I found out about that, twice!