FAC variation - any tips

[ABL]

I'm thinking of seeking a variation. I've a .308 currently which ive had for about 2 years. I'm minded to get a 6.5x55 for general use when I'm not expecting anything bigger than a roe. I'd also, ideally, have a .223 slot as an option for a lead free world that's coming. I've got DSC1 and 2 though no permission of my own yet - I mostly stalk with friends and through favours. My local police are Thames Valley and they were pretty good when I got my FAC first 2 years ago.

My questions are:

1. Any advice on how to present my ask to get the best chance of a positive result?

2. What are my options when it comes to managing a period without my FAC if I have to post it? I presume I can't shoot without it, but the TV guidance says it may take 8 weeks for a response. I've see some folk refer to taking them in for a variation. Any suggestions?

 

[HonestJohn]

All you need is good reason. Don’t stipulate want or would like. Put down ‘deer management and pest control’ for both. Add for 6.5 - for alternative optics allowing night time shooting (the will never check), and for .223 - pest control

You might get push back on adding 2 more without your own permission

You don’t send in your FAC until the variation is complete, then you get notified and send it in, so you’re only without it a couple of days

 

[ABL]

All you need is good reason. Don’t stipulate want or would like. Put down ‘deer management and pest control’ for both. Add for 6.5 - for alternative optics allowing night time shooting (the will never check), and for .223 - pest control

You might get push back on adding 2 more without your own permission

You don’t send in your FAC until the variation is complete, then you get notified and send it in, so you’re only without it a couple of days

That's really helpful. Much appreciated

 

[Rhodesianjess]

All you need is good reason. Don’t stipulate want or would like. Put down ‘deer management and pest control’ for both. Add for 6.5 - for alternative optics allowing night time shooting (the will never check), and for .223 - pest control

You might get push back on adding 2 more without your own permission

You don’t send in your FAC until the variation is complete, then you get notified and send it in, so you’re only without it a couple of days

I'm TVP, I can assure you that they will check if you put night vision use. I have a 223 dedicated night vision and on last visit he checked and entered something on his paperwork. Others I know have been asked to produce the scope of you say you're using detachable mounted night vision.
On the other hand, they're very reasonable with variations assuming you have good reason ie not just that you fancy one. My last variation took less than a fortnight.

 

[ABL]

I'm TVP, I can assure you that they will check if you put night vision use. I have a 223 dedicated night vision and on last visit he checked and entered something on his paperwork. Others I know have been asked to produce the scope of you say you're using detachable mounted night vision.
On the other hand, they're very reasonable with variations assuming you have good reason ie not just that you fancy one. My last variation took less than a fortnight.

Thanks. The truth of my position is I’d rather have a slightly lighter calibre for the times I’m out after smaller deer. Less meat damage and a flatter trajectory for accurate placement. Do you think that will be treated as reason enough?

 

[rookyshot]

I’m with TVP and I find them really easy to deal with and variations get process pretty quickly, weeks rather than months.

My experience is that if you have good reason they seem very fair about granting requests but they absolutely do expect you to be able to demonstrate at renewal time that anything you’ve requested is being used and can be backed up via reloading records which they expect you to maintain or factory ammunition purchases on your certificate.

So my guidance would be to just make sure you have got an ongoing requirement for anything you request otherwise it may well be challenged in the future.

Good luck with the variation.

 

[bullet chucker]

Do not forget to include MODERATORS for each rifle and target use/zeroing..

BC

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Thanks. The truth of my position is I’d rather have a slightly lighter calibre for the times I’m out after smaller deer. Less meat damage and a flatter trajectory for accurate placement. Do you think that will be treated as reason enough?

Truly don't know if they'd allow multiple rifles for the same job. Just ask, they can only say no.
I reload 308 for a chap, some ammo specifically for muntjac so as not to cause carcass damage. He gave up his 6.5 Swedish and his 223 and just kept 308, albeit with species specific ammo.
Can't see why 223 not granted, lovely little muntjac/CWD round with SP ammo.
Sods law says if you carry 223 you'll only see roe or fallow though
Ring them, if you get Ian Hewitson, he's a really good bloke with a good attitude towards firearms ownership and use. Best of luck.

 

[shakey jake]

I'm thinking of seeking a variation. I've a .308 currently which ive had for about 2 years. I'm minded to get a 6.5x55 for general use when I'm not expecting anything bigger than a roe. I'd also, ideally, have a .223 slot as an option for a lead free world that's coming. I've got DSC1 and 2 though no permission of my own yet - I mostly stalk with friends and through favours. My local police are Thames Valley and they were pretty good when I got my FAC first 2 years ago.

My questions are:

1. Any advice on how to present my ask to get the best chance of a positive result?

2. What are my options when it comes to managing a period without my FAC if I have to post it? I presume I can't shoot without it, but the TV guidance says it may take 8 weeks for a response. I've see some folk refer to taking them in for a variation. Any suggestions?

6.5 will drop any deer in the uk.
But id say to them what you said on here, dont over complicate it, dont lie.
You could get a themal scope and keep glass on the 308 or the other way.
Or book a few outings for boar

 

[ABL]

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I will give it a go. I've always been curious when hearing people talk about having loads of open slots on their FACs - how they got them all in the first place!?

There was a nice looking Sako 75 on guntrader last night, but it's gone this morning. I will try and get the slot for 6.5x55 and then wait to see what comes up in the right order.

 

[Greenmist]

I'm TVP, I can assure you that they will check if you put night vision use. I have a 223 dedicated night vision and on last visit he checked and entered something on his paperwork. Others I know have been asked to produce the scope of you say you're using detachable mounted night vision.
On the other hand, they're very reasonable with variations assuming you have good reason ie not just that you fancy one. My last variation took less than a fortnight.

When I was under TVP, I mentioned having a dedicated NV rifle, the reply was NV scopes are really expensive (which at the time they were), oh you mean like this one as I showed him the scope. As you say, the FEO's were good down there