Asked for evidence of competency... Is this normal?

[our_natural_habitat]

After submitting my FAC application in November 2022, my local Firearms officer has called this week to chat about my application and organise a visit to view my security arrangements.

He said that my application would not be considered without someone producing a letter to say that I have experience firing the calibre I have applied for in a safe and competent manner. I haven't seen this written or discussed anywhere as a requirement for a successful application. Has anyone else?

Luckily I have had a shot on targets of various calibres under the wing of an experienced stalker and I have completed the DSC1, so I can produce the letter they require.

 

[Sealgair nam fiadh]

Ask him where this requirement is written in the Home Office Guidance, let him bs you for a minute or two and then give him the letter

 

[Andrewslater]

Im not sure there is any requirement. But worth producing your DSC1 and reminding the FEO that part of that course is a shooting test that must be passed in order to achieve the qualification.

 

[Lloyd90]

Im not sure there is any requirement. But worth producing your DSC1 and reminding the FEO that part of that course is a shooting test that must be passed in order to achieve the qualification.

No, it’s worth reminding your FEO what the law says and there is no legal requirement for his weird demands.

Ask him to put them (the weird demands) into writing and ask what legislation they are related to.

If BASC were worth anything I’d say give them a ring but you’d be better off asking your local homeless person for advice and support.

 

[kes]

There is no requirement for shooting proficiency. There is just a requirement for good reason and character (medicals refs etc) I agree with those above - ask him for the relevant legislation/section of HOG to justify his requirement and then dump him with your formal qualification.
When younger I applied for a .22 on 250 acres for rabbits. The police said the land was iunsafe (despite being bordered by no houses and having no public ROW. The Police make these things up and should be brought to heel.
Tell your org as this might help someone else in your parish but ensure you embarrass the Police with YOUR knowledge.
I note that the Police investigating the Plymouth shootings say D&C failed and the criminal should never have been given his guns back as he had at least 3 acts of violence on his record. Comapre that to the Police request from you.

It is NOT the LAW, it is not even a requirement.
Good Luck, although you wont need it.

 

[potshotpat]

Another vote for the voice of shooting, for the voice of a shooter.

 

[Bowland blades]

Its not unknown and i dont think its particularly onerous to sort out and satisfy your feo . indeed i have got this sort of thing sorted many times in the past . However DSC1 has you covered , if your feo can extrapolate what kind of shot is safe with a 223 rem over a 30-06 i would love to see the reply btw LOL
Humour them some though eh ? allow them a climb down because you might be stuck with the numpty a while yet

 

[HonestJohn]

Whilst there isn’t a requirement for for proficiency, there probably should be,,,

 

[Bowland blades]

Whilst there isn’t a requirement for for proficiency, there probably should be,,,

cannot disagree , but dsc1 should really finish the issue as regards the police . Military service in many positions cant answer it much better for a deerstalking application

 

[Frithy]

Not exactly the same but I’ve finally been granted both a SGC and FAC, tickets turned up this week. I’m part of a rifle club but they asked me to do a shotgun safety course before they would grant them. Another £90 in costs!

 

[Skietindiekop]

Whilst there isn’t a requirement for for proficiency, there probably should be,,,

As long as it equally applies to FEO’s this would be a good idea

 

[308tikka]

Its not unknown and i dont think its particularly onerous to sort out and satisfy your feo . indeed i have got this sort of thing sorted many times in the past . However DSC1 has you covered , if your feo can extrapolate what kind of shot is safe with a 223 rem over a 30-06 i would love to see the reply btw LOL
Humour them some though eh ? allow them a climb down because you might be stuck with the numpty a while yet

This is good advice. What costs nothing often pays dividends later when needing an open ticket, further variations etc.

Its when they take the absolute pish with things like ‘only 1x of each calibre’ is the time to start quoting HOG.

Also a good reason why being a member of a target club is useful. Theres a record of attendance, and safe shooting.... plus it makes you better unless you live in Norfolk.

 

[Rake Aboot]

Yup. more eejit cops making up rules as they go along. You tend to find the knowledgable ones don't pander to this bull**** and actually do their job. The ones who know jack **** about shooting just invent hoops to jump through to make them feel as if they know there stuff.

 

[Stalker62]

Yup. more eejit cops making up rules as they go along. You tend to find the knowledgable ones don't pander to this bull**** and actually do their job. The ones who know jack **** about shooting just invent hoops to jump through to make them feel as if they know there stuff.

 

[Farmer_J]

This looks to be the norm across most forces now.

 

[Bo Diddley]

plus it makes you better unless you live in Norfol

Us Norfolk boys can shoot just fine... take that comment back sir... it helps that we all have six fingers & two thumbs on each hand

 

[willie_gunn]

It's not a formal requirement, but it sounds like you have it covered anyway. Make your FEO aware of the fact that you have completed your DSC1, and include the details of the course showing it has tests for both safety and competence when it comes to shooting centrefire rifles.

Always remember when asking for advice on here that those advising you to be adversarial already have their tickets. They have nothing to lose, and a bit like spending other people's money, there is much vicarious pleasure to be had from encouraging others to "front up" to authority when you're not going to suffer the consequences yourself. Alternatively you could always print out their advice and present it to your FEO as evidence, as doubtless the membership names used here will establish their position as an authoritative source.

 

[Bo Diddley]

People starting out down the shooting path could do with an organization that would help them gain the experience to be a safe shot, and have the chance to do some range time with logged tuition, it may get a few more into the hobby and help the decline in numbers hold SGC and FAC. It would need to be easy to access.

 

[Overlay]

As long as it equally applies to FEO’s this would be a good idea

oh great idea that - when the FEO is away on his many courses that on it’s own will put a renewal time back six months at the least

( sorry my humour it’s early)
we’re doomed i tell yar we’re doomed

 

[gixer1]

I do get a bit fed up with the inconsistency of this - “oh, you need DSC1”….”oh, you need a shotgun safety course”…..

What a load of tripe…

Should the old keepers that have been working for 35 years need to go do DSC1 for their renewal?