Guidance on an FAC variation?

[SamuelSwann]

Hi all
I’m just getting into deer stalking and have a stalk booked for next month.
I have held an FAC for just over a year with a .22lr and .357 on.
I want to put in a variation for a rifle or two in a deer legal caliber for the purposes of stalking.
On the governments guidance it lists ‘an invitation or booking to go deer stalking’ as an example of a valid reason. If I put a variation in is it likely to be accepted? Or do I need to do a few more stalks first.
I have experience with larger calibers as my club often goes to Bisley and I also want to say the rifles are for that purpose. I also going to book a DSC1 and say I want the rifle before then so I can practice with it.
I’m with Essex police. if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance
Sam

 

[VSS]

Do you have "an invitation or booking to go deer stalking"?
If yes, then you've answered your own question, really.

 

[SamuelSwann]

Do you have "an invitation or booking to go deer stalking"?
If yes, then you've answered your own question, really.

I thought as much!
I have heard some horror stories about people with more evidence than me getting turned down so I wanted a bit of a consensus.
Thanks

 

[co’den]

Speak to the FEO before putting in the variation. I recently put in for my FAC using an ‘invitation’ as the valid reason but the FEO wanted evidence of a permission before he would accept the application. I didn’t argue because I had permissions lined up.

 

[fixedwheel]

Have a good read of https://assets.publishing.service.g...f5358665f4b9/Firearms_guide_November_2022.pdf

Especially Section 12

If you fulfil the criteria, then it should be granted.

The better you know the guidelines, the smoother things seem to go.

 

[Jh1986]

East Sussex, they clearly didn't like it but they did it. I was explicitly told that they just don't believe people will keep it up due to the cost. That said, it was granted but with some hefty conditions (mentor, low ammunition holding amount, only allowed to shoot with mentor/paid stalk/open FAC holder).

I had a stalk under my belt, dsc1 done, more stalks booked (confirmed with emails).

 

[fixedwheel]

@SamuelSwann You also state that you have experience of larger calibres with your club visits to Bisley.

I'm guessing that would suggest you are looking at .308Win and/or 6.5Creed. Target usage would obviously be your primary "good reason" for each calibre, along with sensible ammo holdings, as I have got through 140 rounds in an afternoon, then 250 rounds per rifle for a target shooter is not an unreasonable number.

Once you have established "good reason", then adding stalking onto one, or both, is a discussion to have with your FEO

 

[fixedwheel]

East Sussex, they clearly didn't like it but they did it. I was explicitly told that they just don't believe people will keep it up due to the cost. That said, it was granted but with some hefty conditions (mentor, low ammunition holding amount, only allowed to shoot with mentor/paid stalk/open FAC holder).

I had a stalk under my belt, dsc1 done, more stalks booked (confirmed with emails).

Which to me is unfathomable. I see the idea of going on a paid stalk a few times a year almost as a budget option.

Compare that to the possible costs of a syndicate membership, suitable vehicle, chiller, prep space, possibly access to a tracking dog....

Yet that would be classed as normal kit for someone who was still stalking as a recreational activity.

Going on a paid stalk, using the hosts equipment and knowledge, for the costs that some people would spend going to a concert or theatre, and taking a carcass away for the freezer. Jobs a good 'un.

 

[GlennUK]

I live in Essex and have held SGC for over 40 years and recently (end of 2023) applied for my 1st FAC, initial app was for .22 FAC Air, .17hmr and 6.5CM. FAC granted for 1st 2 in Jan with a 'requirement' for me to gain some CF/stalking experience before they would allow variation.

I booked and attended both pre DCS1 and DSC1 before applying for my variation. I have also been on a single stalk, shooting my 1st fallow with a well known local stalker which came up in discussion with the FLO after the app for variation.

Personally i was happy to get some CF/stalking experience to start my own personal 'education' so it wasn't a problem for me. Whether the FLO will grant you a deer stalking calibre before a dcs1 or not i dont know, frankly i dont see a lot of logic in the decisions made around grants for FAC rifles.

Other than that, one thing i must say is that Essex FL section are very good in terms of communication and turnaround times. My initial grant took about 6 weeks form initial app to grant, variation about 2 weeks.

Good luck if i can assist with other info re my app by al means ask.

 

[Cogswell & Harrison]

As has been suggested. Map out your intent with your FLD.

Speaking from experience.

State on your variation that the deer calibre rifle & ammunition are for target shooting with your club,(initially), that you intend to book and sit the DSC1, quote the paid stalk details and also your mentors details too.

There's no reason that I can fathom why you should not be granted the variation with target conditions. From then on email them with details of your learning progress and yes, it may feel like it's a faff, but it shows commitment and intent and when the time comes to ask for your rifle to be opened up they will take all the foregoing into consideration.

 

[phildsmith69]

PM sent

 

[Jh1986]

Other than that, one thing i must say is that Essex FL section are very good in terms of communication and turnaround times. My initial grant took about 6 weeks form initial app to grant, variation about 2 weeks.

I'm currently sitting at over 3 months awaiting my variation of conditions, and adding two more calibres.

 

[fixedwheel]

I'm currently sitting at over 3 months awaiting my variation of conditions, and adding two more calibres.

 

[SamuelSwann]

Thanks for all the input.
Fortunately Essex police have been quite good in my experience, from application to grant on my initial FAC was 5/6 weeks and when I have contacted them with questions usually they are back in a day or two.

 

[GlennUK]

I'm currently sitting at over 3 months awaiting my variation of conditions, and adding two more calibres.

WOndering if there is a varioant with rgeards to which part of Essex youre in? ~Im in Brentwood

 

[Jh1986]

WOndering if there is a varioant with rgeards to which part of Essex youre in? ~Im in Brentwood

I'm East Sussex. My understanding from family is that Essex are quite good.