"one for one" vs. "like for like" re: FAC variation for changing over moderators

[little hawk]

I have been advised by my local Firearms handling unit that I will need to either firstly dispose of my old moderator, then do an online "one for one" variation application, then buy my new moderator. This will cost nothing.

or

Do a variation paying £47 and get the new moderator.

At least that's how I have interpreted the email. The main hassle is getting the moderator to my RFD who can destroy the old one or sell it, though it needs to be scrubbed. Only then can I put in for the variation, and being without a moderator while it is being processed. Also all the driving will be about worth £47(maybe not quite)!

Am I right in my understanding?

If the variation is "like for like" I interpreted this as being able to change the make and model number of the moderator. Will "one for one" work in this way as I am changing the moderator type? "One for one" seems to mean exchange it for one of the exact same type.

Maybe I am overthinking this?

 

[Essexsussex]

One for one isn’t for an exact firearm so eg you could sell a 243 and get a replacement slot for 270 if your licensing dept agreed to you having a 270. I tried one for one moderator slot for rifle but they wouldn’t let me, although I think they are supposed to allow that.

 

[Stalker62]

Maybe I am overthinking this?

You are.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

You are.

Probably not under current situation. Previous variations 7 and 10 days. Current 1-4-1, 12 weeks and counting and has included home visit. The times they are a changing.

 

[Stalker62]

Probably not under current situation.

The process itself is easy enough to comprehend, and the options have been outlined in the OP's email, from their FLD.

The current (National) timescales notwithstanding - (and they are indeed capable of improvement) are an irrelevance to the actual process.

That said.

I hope never to have to apply for anything ever again. It is a spiteful, wicked, process - with FEOs (by and large) trying to do their best, often without sufficient, training, resources or staff.

 

[Keith Edmunds]

The process itself is easy enough to comprehend, and the options have been outlined in the OP's email, from their FLD.

The current (National) timescales notwithstanding - (and they are indeed capable of improvement) are an irrelevance to the actual process.

That said.

I hope never to have to apply for anything ever again. It is a spiteful, wicked, process - with FEOs (by and large) trying to do their best, often without sufficient, training, resources or staff.

Agree, the FEO visit was very pleasant, decent chap but ever increasing workload from home office.

 

[Strike]

Some time ago I wanted to replace a moderator with corroded baffles. I phoned the firearms dept and explained the situation. I was told leave it with them and someone would get back to me.
I was contacted and told to send my fac in to be varied, and they would send it back along with a temporary cert to hold the damaged moderator, I was told to return the temporary certificate when the damaged moderator was handed to the firearms dealer for destruction.
This was with Dyfed Powys, there was no charge.

 

[Whitefront]

Recently, I decided I wanted an improved design/version of the moderator I already have. So I paid £47 for a variation for the new, additional moderator, making it clear that I want to retain the old one as a backup. Northumbria processed my variation in four weeks. Good on them.

Mind you, it turns out that I require a slightly unusual thread size, so the new mod will take six weeks to arrive. Oh well. At least I won't ever be without a moderator.

 

[little hawk]

I think that the FEO should allow me to get the variation on my FAC and then proceed to the RFD who will destroy the old one and give me the new one. This makes the most sense. I will possess only one moderator at a time then too. Is this too simplistic?

 

[M@tt]

Just remember: it one-for-one, not like-for-like.
Some literature give it the wrong name and cause all sorts of misunderstandings.

 

[little hawk]

Okay, very good, it is one-for-one. Thanks.

 

[Liveonce]

I think that the FEO should allow me to get the variation on my FAC and then proceed to the RFD who will destroy the old one and give me the new one. This makes the most sense. I will possess only one moderator at a time then too. Is this too simplistic?

I think it’s time the government pulled its finger out, they work for us, and put whatever legislation is required in place to take mods off ticket.

 

[spanj]

One for one isn’t for an exact firearm so eg you could sell a 243 and get a replacement slot for 270 if your licensing dept agreed to you having a 270. I tried one for one moderator slot for rifle but they wouldn’t let me, although I think they are supposed to allow that.

They have to allow you to swap mod for rifle. A mod is classed as a firearm. What force was this? Are you with an org ?

 

[25 Sharps]

One for one isn’t for an exact firearm so eg you could sell a 243 and get a replacement slot for 270 if your licensing dept agreed to you having a 270. I tried one for one moderator slot for rifle but they wouldn’t let me, although I think they are supposed to allow that.

They are.

1 - 4 - 1 applies to varying a certificate without increasing the number of firearms, currently moderators are classed as firearm so if you dispose of one and add a rifle you have not increased the number of firearms held.

 

[25 Sharps]

I think that the FEO should allow me to get the variation on my FAC and then proceed to the RFD who will destroy the old one and give me the new one. This makes the most sense. I will possess only one moderator at a time then too. Is this too simplistic?

You can only add a moderator if you have good reason to possess an additional moderator.

 

[8x57]

little hawk you are over thinking it, and yes unfortunately the system is just as your firearms department informed you.
So if you wish to apply for a free 1-4-1 you will need to dispose of your existing sound moderator first, or else you will need to pay the variation fee. That is unless you have a benevolent firearms department who will bend the rules slightly and issue you with a temporary permit so that you can retain your existing moderator while your variation for the new one goes through. (It does occasionally happen but don't bank on it.)

Hopefully all this silly nonsense with sound moderators will disappear in the not too distant future, but we could all die of old age before then.

 

[fixedwheel]

You can only add a moderator if you have good reason to possess an additional moderator.

Yep. As it is classed as a firearm in its own right, it also needs good reason.

Although 12.77 of Guide on firearms licensing law (accessible)

states:- “Good reason” to possess a rifle for shooting game, vermin or deer should normally imply “good reason” to possess a sound moderator.

12.79 could also be relevant:- Sound moderators should be assigned a calibre, but it is good practice to permit them to be used with more than one calibre of firearm. It is a matter for the individual shooter, subject to the “good reason” test, to decide whether to use a moderator on more than one suitable firearm or to have individual moderators for each firearm.

So if you have another, possibly larger calibre moderator, with the correct threading, you could use that whilst the variation is being done.

It is another advantage of strippable moderators that you can get replacement parts for. As you may have guessed, I have a number of Wildcats.

 

[little hawk]

Thanks all for your comments.

This is Norfolk. I have generally so far had rapid turn around from them.

I will do as told and dispose of my existing moderator, then do the form online, hand in my FAC and hope it gets processed quickly.

 

[Rake Aboot]

What a crazy palava !
I once bought a full bore moderator off ticket on eBay and had my rfd put it on my ticket .

I have NO moderators with type or serial number listed so in theory can swap with impunity for another which would be listed otherwise no make or number anyway

System is a joke .

 

[M@tt]

How about; hand it to the RFD and get it 'repaired'. Think Trigger's Broom.
Not so easy if it's serialised.

What a crazy palava !
I once bought a full bore moderator off ticket on eBay and had my rfd put it on my ticket .

You could always have written it on yourself and not bothered the RFD.