6 separate calibres on FAC too much?

ShootingInTheShires

Well-Known Member
Thoughts please. On my FAC I currently have one .22LR slot filled, one .223 slot filled and one 6.5CM slot filled. I have space for another .22LR and another .223 rifle. When i put in for these additional rifles on my renewal it was with the reasoning of having a dedicated NV set up on each which was fine. I am now thinking of swapping the .22LR space for a 17HMR and swapping the .223 space for a 22-250. It'd be for the same reasons... to have a dedicated NV set up but swapping the .22LR for a 17HMR would also be to deal with some longer range rabbits without completely destroying them with a bigger calibre. My 6.5CM is a very heavy set up which I use for static long range varminting and is too heavy to carry round woodland stalking. With that in mind I would also like to add a .308 to my ticket and make that a lightweight setup.

Long story short that would mean I have the following on my ticket: 1x22LR, 1x17HMR, 1x223, 1x22-250, 1x6.5 and 1x308.

It seems like a lot to ask for and don't know whether it would raise some sort of concerns having so many different calibres (even though in terms of firearms in total i would be owning, i would only really be adding the 308). If that makes sense....

I've asked my FEO his thoughts and am waiting to hear back.
 
The biggest pain is if you end up with (10?) firearms and the police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.

That’s the one that’s making me not bother fulfil my firearms dreams. On this last renewal they did the count, and because it was short of 10, I was ok’d for just having window locks, etc.
 
The biggest pain is if you end up with (10?) firearms and the police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.

That’s the one that’s making me not bother fulfil my firearms dreams. On this last renewal they did the count, and because it was short of 10, I was ok’d for just having window locks, etc.
I presume that includes shotguns as well, not just rifles?
 
Your .223 to 22-250 and .22lr for 17HMR is a like for like, no issue there. You may want to put this in 1st before adding to the mix with the variation as if it takes time to deliberate all 3 may be delayed

Your reason of 'lightweight rifle' could be considered good reason but you say your 6.5cm is for long range varmenting? So a studious FEO might ask why you don't use you .223 for LRV, and trade your CM for a lightweight CM? less recoil with 223, less drop at closer ranges, no need for 6.5 on varmints. I assume you will use the existing 6.5 on deer when shooting from a high seat? The heavy rifle particularly beneficial when twisted at contorted angles in a high seat with less POI shift helping ensure you don't cause unnecessary pain and suffering?

So why 308 for your lightweight build? Presumably as the calibre is highly efficient with a shorter barrel compared to a Creedmoor etc? the larger diameter wound track also beneficial, especially with some lead free ammo not expanding as much as reliably as lead. You considered .338 federal? but ammo availability an issue and the heavier bullets unnecessary on smaller deer species.

Most FEO's would rather you 2nd deer calibre be distinctly different from your other so 308 probably a better choice than a 6.5x55 / 2nd Creedmoor in a lightweight setup.
 
My renewal stipulated all firearms including shotguns - but this may not apply to you! Just worth checking
Thanks, will check it out. If I did go ahead with it and filled every slot it would take me to 11 in total. 2 of the shotguns don't get used and are just sentimental keepers. Could potentially pass these onto a family member who has space.
 
The biggest pain is if you end up with (10?) firearms and the police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.

That’s the one that’s making me not bother fulfil my firearms dreams. On this last renewal they did the count, and because it was short of 10, I was ok’d for just having window locks, etc.
Not good advice I’m sorry to say - there is no absolute requirement for an alarm at this number of firearms. The guidance is clear & refers to layers of security & a range of measures that can be employed - an alarm is only one of those & it is perfectly possible to get a higher number of firearms (shotguns & rifles) without an alarm if you can tick other boxes, like for example having two cabinets in different locations, one for shotguns the other for rifles, as well as other layers of security.

To the OP - set out your reasoning & demonstrate the need then put a variation in. From what you’re saying you already have three plus the open slots for two more so it’s just the additional stalking rifle you’re adding & the good reason for that is you’re looking for something light & portable for woodland stalking.
 
Your .223 to 22-250 and .22lr for 17HMR is a like for like, no issue there. You may want to put this in 1st before adding to the mix with the variation as if it takes time to deliberate all 3 may be delayed

Your reason of 'lightweight rifle' could be considered good reason but you say your 6.5cm is for long range varmenting? So a studious FEO might ask why you don't use you .223 for LRV, and trade your CM for a lightweight CM? less recoil with 223, less drop at closer ranges, no need for 6.5 on varmints. I assume you will use the existing 6.5 on deer when shooting from a high seat? The heavy rifle particularly beneficial when twisted at contorted angles in a high seat with less POI shift helping ensure you don't cause unnecessary pain and suffering?

So why 308 for your lightweight build? Presumably as the calibre is highly efficient with a shorter barrel compared to a Creedmoor etc? the larger diameter wound track also beneficial, especially with some lead free ammo not expanding as much as reliably as lead. You considered .338 federal? but ammo availability an issue and the heavier bullets unnecessary on smaller deer species.

Most FEO's would rather you 2nd deer calibre be distinctly different from your other so 308 probably a better choice than a 6.5x55 / 2nd Creedmoor in a lightweight setup.
Good point about putting in for the like for like first to avoid delay.

In regards to the .223 being used for LRV: On one of the farms I control foxes on some shots are at 400yds plus which seems a stretch for a 53 grain round, this is where I currently use my 6.5, as well as from high seats on deer.

You're correct in that the 308 build was going to be a short barrel. I hadn't really considered another calibre purely because of the ammo availability and price.
 
I ended up with six rifle calibers:
  • .22 LR: For range practice and really small game.
  • .22 WMR: For slightly larger targets, like beavers.
  • .223 Rem: Used in an AR-15, mainly for plinking at the range.
  • .243 Win: A perfect caliber for long-range roe deer hunting.
  • .308 Win: Ideal for long-range target shooting and hunting.
  • .30-06 Sprg: For driven hunts. (Not my favorite, but I can get a secondhand Haenel SLB 2000+ at a good price.)
 
I suddenly see how easy going our system is compared to yours.

Newer heard of the police here in Denmark asking for “reason” when people buy any number of hunting rifles, the norm is 2-4 pr. hunter, but I know people who have 20+ firearms in their house no questions asked they just need a lage gun safe cabinet.
I heard they started to ask questions when someone apply for caliber 50 BMG (12,7x99) specific, but still seen them in gun shops, so I assume it is possible to get a license for them.

On the other hand, no questions if anyone wants to buy a 600NE, 505Gibs or other large hunting calibers.
 
Not good advice I’m sorry to say - there is no absolute requirement for an alarm at this number of firearms. The guidance is clear & refers to layers of security & a range of measures that can be employed - an alarm is only one of those & it is perfectly possible to get a higher number of firearms (shotguns & rifles) without an alarm if you can tick other boxes, like for example having two cabinets in different locations, one for shotguns the other for rifles, as well as other layers of security.

To the OP - set out your reasoning & demonstrate the need then put a variation in. From what you’re saying you already have three plus the open slots for two more so it’s just the additional stalking rifle you’re adding & the good reason for that is you’re looking for something light & portable for woodland stalking.
I’ll give you my feo’s number so you can call them and explain
 
Simple answer is No.
Security options are laid down in HO guidance but as normal certain constabularies invent their own rules.
As long as you can show good reasons for ownership then crack on.
D
 
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The biggest pain is if you end up with (10?) firearms and the police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.

That’s the one that’s making me not bother fulfil my firearms dreams. On this last renewal they did the count, and because it was short of 10, I was ok’d for just having window locks, etc.

That's not too bad, a simple wifi based alarm, with phone app to notify you, covers the bases.

By FAR the worst thing about having a lot of rifles, is the cost of all the scopes, & sights you need :doh:
 
I've got 6 .......LR, WMR, .25 Air, .222 .243 and .308.

All acquired on a closed ticket.

None are target rifles - all good reason for field use.

Only thing stopping me getting one more deer rifle is the PITA of installing a bigger cabinet....mine is for 6. A good way to self limit.
 
I've got 6 .......LR, WMR, .25 Air, .222 .243 and .308.

All acquired on a closed ticket.

None are target rifles - all good reason for field use.

Only thing stopping me getting one more deer rifle is the PITA of installing a bigger cabinet....mine is for 6. A good way to self limit.
No need to install a bigger cabinet. Just another cabinet.... and another...... and another....
That's the way it goes.
 
The biggest pain is if you end up with (10?) firearms and the police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.

Not necessarily. I had to have a new alarm control panel but can now monitor it via a phone app. Total cost about that of a thousand shotgun cartridges.
 
police require you to have a monitored alarm system or other in your house. If you have it, great! If you need it installed, it’s costly.
Not necessarily...

I have Yale View camaras set up in my house (and lambing shed).
They are configured to record video and send a still image to my phone when they detect movement.
My phone alerts me.
I monitor my phone.
I check out what's going on.
If need be, I'll call the police.

It took a little explaining to my FLO, but he saw the logic once I'd explained my neighbour has one of those fancy and expensive contracts with a 3rd party company.
Motion detection triggers a automated alarm process in a call centre on another continent.
That process starts to call a list of people configured in its system. ( I was one of them for my neighbour).
I answer the call, and when I've eventually deciphered what the persons is saying I go check my neighbours house.
Total waist of cash.

Technology has moved on he's moved on to Yale View* too.

* other brands are available, but what I liked about these are plug and play, buy one or several, no monthly contract or fees.

M

Screen shot of my phone
Screenshot_20250314-102746_Yale View.webp
 
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