Applying In the Stranraer area. & general questions

[Sol]

I'm looking to maybe apply for my FAC In the upcoming months so I'm not limited In the future, does anyone have any experience applying In the Stranraer area and the wait times for new owners.
17 Right now with parents that's got no clue, I've got a family friend that grew up shooting but hasn't had a license In a few years so Is pretty unaware with current laws and Stranraer area applications.
.
I have been told applying for a rifle license can be a bit tough and I've been recommended a shotgun license first, Is this worth while?
I've also got somethings scheduled with an estate up north to get into the groove of things Is it expected for them to perhaps help with my license application?

 

[Sol]

Think this is the right place, Sorry If it isn't.

 

[HDShark]

Yeah I'd suggest that you apply for an air weapon and/or shotgun certificate, first. There probably are guys out there around your age, who were just handed a firearms cert, but generally the issuing authority are going to want to see a good level of experience, as well as a good reason for holding firearms. A few years with shotguns and air rifles is a good way to show you are fit to be entrusted with a firearm. Also gives you time to build up some experience using other peopes rifles, which will support your application later. Keep contact details for any experience you do get (the estate up north etc) as well as dates, noted down somewhere, as you'll want to provide this as evidence when you do apply.

Don't look down on the air rifles though.....I've got a cabinet full of centerfire rifles, but swear they don't bring me as much enjoyment as I got from shooting rabbits with a spring air rifle when I was a teenager!

Certainly, it's not ''tough'' to obtain a FAC, there are jsut a few conditions to satisfy and they can unfortunately take a bit of time, if you're starting from scratch.

 

[Sol]

I'll see about shotgun license then, and assuming it wont be a major hassle an air rifle license too the hobby my father does gets him a lot of land permission, Asking to use a shotgun on a farm might not go well but an air rifle perhaps.
I could see an air rifle being a handy thing too on getting me a bit used to handling and safety.

Also one thing I cannot find Is can deer even be shot with shotguns now? I was told years ago It was allowed but was pretty strict rules behind it when it came to distance, Not that there's any reason for me to do so both land permissions are fine with me using there rifles, more so curious.

 

[Husky]

Do the DSC level 1 and do some booked stalks using the Estate rifle, this will give you experience and help with your application.

 

[HDShark]

I'll see about shotgun license then, and assuming it wont be a major hassle an air rifle license too the hobby my father does gets him a lot of land permission, Asking to use a shotgun on a farm might not go well but an air rifle perhaps.
I could see an air rifle being a handy thing too on getting me a bit used to handling and safety.

Also one thing I cannot find Is can deer even be shot with shotguns now? I was told years ago It was allowed but was pretty strict rules behind it when it came to distance, Not that there's any reason for me to do so both land permissions are fine with me using there rifles, more so curious.

You can just as easilly use the shotgun for shooting clays at a clay ground, or on the foreshore somewhere, which is free. You're in a great part of the country for it. You seem to have a good attitude regarding the air rifle handling/safety, so that's good.

Shotguns and deer......basically just forget about it. While it is techincally legal in very limited circumstances, it's not something that most of us would ever concern ourselves with.

Would highly redcommend getting in touch with Colin Lockerbie (solway stalker) as he's not far from you, around Dalry&New Abbey, has access to some amazing ground and a genuinly top lad. Will be more than happy to get you experience with deer, without you having to travel up north, and he won't charge very much at all. If you're on facebook, he has a group there where you could contact him, or jsut look through the posts for inspiration!

Solwaystalking and Hunting | Facebook

This is my new business page for Solway Stalking which is now a closed group. My contact details remain the same. Colin Lockerbie Mobile- 07789792325 E-mail- solwaystalker@aol.co.uk.

www.facebook.com

 

[308tikka]

Join a Club.

Go through the probationer route.

Learn to shoot properly, and safely.

It will open all sorts of doors later on.

 

[griff]

D&G licensing are very good to deal with, but I think before you apply get DSC 1 over and done with, then apply. Have your permission in writing,and your reason for the caliber in question..

 

[riflerob]

Step 1 : get the parents onside, or at least not being against it.

They WILL be spoken to by the FEO at the application home visit stage, and part of the question will involve asking them if they are happy having guns in the house.