Wanted: Need shooting experience-Gloucestershire

Bavarianbrit said:
none of this risk aversion that I see today.
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Sadly, the world has moved on significantly (and arguably for the worse) since you got your FAC and for me when I was firsted granted mine in 1995. Having done nearly 20 years in the military then, having held a SGC since 1985 (and incidentally at the time of grant being responsible for over 450 service personnel and direct responsibility for an armoury holding several thousand pistols and rifles including a few AK47 too for training purposes), it was quick and easy. I have tremendous sympathy for those going through grant today - we had it comparatively easy :confused:
 
Home Office guidance explicitly states that "experience" is neither quarry nor caliber specific. I think anybody who regards any one caliber as more or less dangerous than another runs the risk of appearing (or becoming) complacent. Similarly small game is no less deserving of a quick and painless death than larger animals. I think everyone here would agree that every gun and every living thing you point it at deserves respect.

However... HO guidance is just that: guidance. And alongside this guidance Glos. Constabulary's Fire Arms Team seem to want to see shooters gain experience with larger calibers and larger quarry before they grant permission. Whether this is a good idea or a bad idea doesn't really matter - it is the landscape in which we have to operate. And the only way you can gain experience using something that you're not allowed to actually own is to persuade someone else to let you borrow theirs. This is where the SD forum comes into its own - with the opportunity to ask for and offer help.

I wouldn't be stalking today if it wasn't for the support that I had received from the people who mentored me when I was starting out. And the people (incl. @wytonpjs ) who have continued to help me along the way.

So I'm really happy to see if I can help in this instance as I'm sure others will be too.
 
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J@son said:
"experience" is neither quarry nor caliber specific
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Agree in principle but as I tried to convey the approval of a specific piece of land by police is normally calibre constrained.
Even the MoD have templates for different ranges and calibre for anything that goes past the target.
The more knowledge of how to use a firearm safely the easier it is for the FEO.
Take the point and agree about not seeming to be complacent about smaller calibres but they’re not going to sign off a .50 cal for use on the edge of a residential area for fox.
But it all needs to be considered through the lens of what the FEO is asking for to issue what slot(s).
 
Robvalley2026 said:
Yes I want them to look at my proposed cabinet
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There’s some quite detailed information within home office guidelines but the key things most FEOs are looking for are that it should be an approved type (get one bigger than you need) within the main dwelling rather than an outbuilding and it should be properly secured to a solid internal wall (I’ve heard about them trying to put their weight on the open door to test the fittings) ideally not visible (particularly from outside).
Obviously the building should also have the sensible level of security generally with proper door locks and ideally an alarm.

www.gov.uk

Firearms security handbook 2020

The firearms security handbook provides guidance on storing and transporting firearms.
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
 
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You are also really close to Harper Field auctioneers that have regular sales of firearms and cabinets and other shooting stuff - so when you are ready when you get your license(s) sorted you might want to pay them a visit for their upcoming sale next week I think.
 
Robvalley2026 said:
I totally agree. I asked them many months ago if I should go on a safety course. He said...we want proof of you firing the calibres applied for on your land !!!
Anyway, I went to a local centre fire range and asked for an introduction session. I found it a very safe and relaxing environment to start shooting. His blaser R8 was a treat too!
But like you say, a course for this kind of thing could be excellent. Start off with safety and gradually gain the experience you need. Day and night...all they types of vermin etc. Setting optics and using all of the other gear too. So much to learn and so many potential mistakes could be avoided.
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Again, what calibres have you applied for?
Whilst I don't feel you need to have calibre specific experience, I was interested in what you applied for and how much ground you have. I did ask before and offered to help as I'm Gloucester based and shoot around Gloucester AND Stroud, but guess you may have missed both replies.
 
I suggest you DM ChesterP on here and have a chat. Glos firearms are well know for its own Interpretation of any firearms related legislation.
You have had many reasonable offers from local SD members to gain a vast amount of experience should you care to take up their kind offers.
D
 
Delivery said:
You are also really close to Harper Field auctioneers that have regular sales of firearms and cabinets and other shooting stuff - so when you are ready when you get your license(s) sorted you might want to pay them a visit for their upcoming sale next week I think.
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Top tip....thanks very much. Just had a bit of a DIY disaster so to save some money would be awesome.
 
7Miller said:
Again, what calibres have you applied for?
Whilst I don't feel you need to have calibre specific experience, I was interested in what you applied for and how much ground you have. I did ask before and offered to help as I'm Gloucester based and shoot around Gloucester AND Stroud, but guess you may have missed both replies.
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I went 243 which on reflection was a mistake. Only 14acres but a v shaped valley so hopefully they are happy. Not ideal with a road, houses around etc....but excellent back stops.
 
Robvalley2026 said:
I went 243 which on reflection was a mistake. Only 14acres but a v shaped valley so hopefully they are happy. Not ideal with a road, houses around etc....but excellent back stops.
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OK, well I've got a 7mm-08 with multispectrum scope and a 22 centerfire being built currently. Happy to come over with the 7mm-08 as that's a little larger than the 243, so will tick the box they're wanting ticked
 
I can only speak from personal experience for deer stalking. I joined a gun club and had a FAC for 5 years before applying for a .270 for deer and AOLQ. FEO seemed pleased I had done the DSC1 course but wanted to see that I had paid stalking booked as good reason. Initially closed conditions, but opened after about 6 months.

I would push for something like a .223, .222, .204, .22WMR and get an application in for a shotgun.

If you can find someone who will come over shoot, you can use their rifle under the "estate rifle" rule to gain experience in the field. Joining a local gun club would also be a good move. The club secretary will have a bit of sway with the FEO when it comes to determning whether you are safe.
 
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