First FAC application

[jim37]

Unsure if this is the correct section to post this on I’m in the process of applying for my first firearms license and struggling abit in choosing calibres I was going to apply for a 22lr for general pest control and a .223 for fox control on a farm I have got permission to shoot over. I was looking to also apply for rifle for deer stalking and I was thinking a .243 or a 6.5 creed moor for paid days and the odd roe on the farm I have permission to shoot over. I’m left handed and can find plenty of 243 rifles for sale for a decent price secondhand obviously but struggling to find a left handed 6.5 unless I was to buy new but they seem to be out of budget. I was thinking to just go for a 22lr and a .243 for deer and foxes but the farm I have permission to shoot has a few houses near and have found the .223 to be a fair bit quieter plus the price of ammunition any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[billgatese30]

I would largely agree with what you are looking for. .243 would be deer/daytime fox (a d when its too windy for 223 depending on your ground) . 223 for night time fox. 22lr/17hmr for rabbits & vermin. Is it just Roe you are after, or larger species?

 

[jim37]

It’s just roe so far but would like the option to go out on reds or sika that’s why I wouldn’t mind a 6.5 seems some what future proof but I could be wrong.

 

[Tazz]

Only a personal view but I would go 17 HMR rather than 22 laser like no hold over issues, if you are going to get a 223 for foxing then maybe think 270 instead of 243 it’s a bigger jump up from 223 and will cleanly kill any U.K. deer and most anything in Europe. Dozens of opinions will follow

 

[Messy11]

Only a personal view but I would go 17 HMR rather than 22 laser like no hold over issues, if you are going to get a 223 for foxing then maybe think 270 instead of 243 it’s a bigger jump up from 223 and will cleanly kill any U.K. deer and most anything in Europe. Dozens of opinions will follow

I would agree with this re slightly higher calibre than .243 - go with something that will work for your needs re deer (.270 or even 6.5). Both of those calibres will be able to moderate down to similar levels as .243 in any case with the right mod.

By reference, I was in the same boat as you about 3 years ago, applying for my first FAC. Just as a tip on your application - just as important as the qualification for my FEO on first application was clear demonstration that I was taking it all seriously and invested in safety, food hygiene etc. It was massively helpful for my application to show that I had done training - so DSC 1 (or equivalent) and was on path for DSC2 - if your budget will stretch, I would recommend it . These aren't pre-requisites, but they definitely helped. The calibre(s) I was applying for then became less of an issue because I had a clear reason for each of them (I had .22lr, .223/5.56, 6.5CM, .308 and 45-70 on my first ticket, the latter for boar).

 

[jim37]

i am going to do my dsc 1 but was going to wait until I had my FAC just to get a decent amount of target practice in random question but can you use a .223 rifle for your dsc ? Is is a legal calibre in Scotland and would be buying the 223 first as the farmer is keen to get on some of the foxes and I’ve never really thought about a 270 but Is that not a large calibre for roe ? Or do you just buy suitable ammunition for the job ?

 

[Tim.243]

Unsure if this is the correct section to post this on I’m in the process of applying for my first firearms license and struggling abit in choosing calibres I was going to apply for a 22lr for general pest control and a .223 for fox control on a farm I have got permission to shoot over. I was looking to also apply for rifle for deer stalking and I was thinking a .243 or a 6.5 creed moor for paid days and the odd roe on the farm I have permission to shoot over. I’m left handed and can find plenty of 243 rifles for sale for a decent price secondhand obviously but struggling to find a left handed 6.5 unless I was to buy new but they seem to be out of budget. I was thinking to just go for a 22lr and a .243 for deer and foxes but the farm I have permission to shoot has a few houses near and have found the .223 to be a fair bit quieter plus the price of ammunition any advice would be greatly appreciated

I learnt more about stalking via shooting foxes than anything, my FAC was opened up (14 months ) from foxing.
I know lads who have struggled by keep going out on paid days a yet to shoot a fox.

You won't find a more slippery quarry, no season shoot them day or night
Put some time in with the .223 learn the craft then move up the ladder.

 

[jim37]

I learnt more about stalking via shooting foxes than anything, my FAC was opened up (14 months ) from foxing.
I know lads who have struggled by keep going out on paid days a yet to shoot a fox.

You won't find a more slippery quarry, no season shoot them day or night
Put some time in with the .223 learn the craft then move up the ladder.

I’ve also thought about that just going for the rim fire and .223 for a year or so then go for a bigger caliber as I do think I will spend more time on foxes than stalking but do have a deal that I can take the odd roe off the farm purely for personal consumption

 

[co’den]

I was in a similar position to you when I put in for my FAC earlier this year.
I don’t have any requirement for a fox calibre at the moment so went for a 22rf and a 270, plus a 303 and a couple of black powder guns for targets.
I plumped for the 270 as it seems to be well suited to copper.

 

[Tim.243]

I’ve also thought about that just going for the rim fire and .223 for a year or so then go for a bigger caliber as I do think I will spend more time on foxes than stalking but do have a deal that I can take the odd roe off the farm purely for personal consumption

You can never have enough experience, I had a .243 first grant but spent most of my time shooting foxes for farms. That has then opened up lots of doors for stalking but I still go foxing which keeps the stalking doors open.
But other people seem just to want to bi-pass the opportunity of a FOC quarry, I noticed a fallow the other night while out foxing (got the fox) went back a couple of days later with the right wind and got the fallow.
Good luck with the FAC application.

 

[VSS]

i am going to do my dsc 1 but was going to wait until I had my FAC just to get a decent amount of target practice in random question but can you use a .223 rifle for your dsc ?

Yes you can.
It is legal for roe in Scotland and muntjac in England & Wales.

I’ve never really thought about a 270

You really should!

(Incidentally, I have .22lr, .243 & .270 and that combination covers all bases nicely in the UK.
And the .270 is such a fun calibre! Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!)

 

[JW100]

I think what has been mentioned above is a great start. Take a look in your local shops and see what they stock ammo wise. This may help you make the decision.

Get the dsc1 done asap. Some providers do a training day that you may find useful - more just to remove any nerves / stress you may face.

Having the DSC although a piece of paper is more good evidence for having a rifle.

 

[Messy11]

I think what has been mentioned above is a great start. Take a look in your local shops and see what they stock ammo wise. This may help you make the decision.

Get the dsc1 done asap. Some providers do a training day that you may find useful - more just to remove any nerves / stress you may face.

Having the DSC although a piece of paper is more good evidence for having a rifle.

100% this.

 

[jim37]

Thanks for the advice guys all very helpful!

 

[Greenmist]

i am going to do my dsc 1 but was going to wait until I had my FAC just to get a decent amount of target practice in random question but can you use a .223 rifle for your dsc ?

Certainly can, I sat mine in Scotland and used a .22-250, you could even use the .223 in England as its legal for muntjac and cwd