Information gathering

[mattquelch]

Hi, I am new to the site as I seek additional advise regarding gun licensing, I am based in Hampshire, and currently am in the early stages of the firearms licensing application, so as aspected there is a lot I need to take in, I have family members who work in pest control (ferreting, deer stalking etc) hence my interest in doing to finally for myself, the main question I have in my head is I intend to apply for a shotgun and a rifle at the same time, the rifle I intended to put down in my application is SAKo A2 .243. What is everyone’s thoughts ? Could this calibre go against me in the application should I apply for something lower ? Any response/information will be truly appreciated.

 

[Selous]

Welcome on board
The following document is important to you in your situation as it sets out the rules the firearms licensing departments are meant to follow.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/636a6dbf8fa8f5358665f4b9/Firearms_guide_November_2022.pdf#page96

The good reason section is very important and especially this bit in 12.32 that says that hunting large animals requires previous experience. I have seen first applicants ask for a .243 but been turned down because they could not document previous experience. Read through all sections that may apply to you before you send in your application. Have written permission to shoot and show evidence of previous experiences, photos, diary entries, letters of support from other more experienced people. Have you considered doing the DSC1 course as this would go some way to ticking this box?

 

[Will the chippy]

If you have a need for a calibre and your medically allowed to hold a licence, with permission on land which to shoot they can't refuse. If deer are your intended quarry then other than muntjac and Chinese water deer a 243/ 6mm is the minimum calibre. No need to specify a specific rifle just the calibre. Some forces like you to put the calibre not the chambering, so 6mm not 243. Ring and ask first, ask the fld what theyd like to see. There not always right but they will help you with your application.

 

[mattquelch]

Welcome on board
The following document is important to you in your situation as it sets out the rules the firearms licensing departments are meant to follow.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/636a6dbf8fa8f5358665f4b9/Firearms_guide_November_2022.pdf#page96

The good reason section is very important and especially this bit in 12.32 that says that hunting large animals requires previous experience. I have seen first applicants ask for a .243 but been turned down because they could not document previous experience. Read through all sections that may apply to you before you send in your application. Have written permission to shoot and show evidence of previous experiences, photos, diary entries, letters of support from other more experienced people. Have you considered doing the DSC1 course as this would go some way to ticking this box?

Thank you for your reply! I am currently studying for a DSC1 in between work but haven’t booked anything up yet

 

[T.eddie]

Welcome from Essex

 

[bullet chucker]

Welcome to the site. Also ask your family members who stalk deer for the way forward, good luck.

BC.

 

[long_range_rob]

As stated apply for the calibre but be prepared for push back as a .30 calibre could be a .30BR, .30 Carbine, .308 WIN or .300 Min Mag but the act of Parliament says “Calibre” not cartridge designation

 

[Saracen666]

Hi, I am new to the site as I seek additional advise regarding gun licensing, I am based in Hampshire, and currently am in the early stages of the firearms licensing application, so as aspected there is a lot I need to take in, I have family members who work in pest control (ferreting, deer stalking etc) hence my interest in doing to finally for myself, the main question I have in my head is I intend to apply for a shotgun and a rifle at the same time, the rifle I intended to put down in my application is SAKo A2 .243. What is everyone’s thoughts ? Could this calibre go against me in the application should I apply for something lower ? Any response/information will be truly appreciated.

Depends what deer you want to shoot, will you ever use the rifle abroad etc.
I use a 300 Win Mag on foxes and deer, and find it perfect. I own rimfires and other stuff, but I've intentionally only got one high velocity centrefire.
You DON'T need an overwhelming reason for a calibre of your choice, so long as you can supply a good reason with your application.
The shotgun is largely irrelevant, as there shouldn't be any issue at all. I don't game shoot, so the rare occasions I reach for a shotgun, I feel well served with one of my Section 1 shotguns. I am aware that a lot of police forces will strongly object to a high capacity shotgun, but a good reason, is still a good reason..

 

[Liveonce]

If you have a need for a calibre and your medically allowed to hold a licence, with permission on land which to shoot they can't refuse. If deer are your intended quarry then other than muntjac and Chinese water deer a 243/ 6mm is the minimum calibre. No need to specify a specific rifle just the calibre. Some forces like you to put the calibre not the chambering, so 6mm not 243. Ring and ask first, ask the fld what theyd like to see. There not always right but they will help you with your application.

Whilst they cannot refuse a section 2 shotgun they can refuse a rifle, especially if the applicant cannot demonstrate experience in the use of said firearms. Post #2 is excellent information.

 

[Will the chippy]

Whilst they cannot refuse a section 2 shotgun they can refuse a rifle, especially if the applicant cannot demonstrate experience in the use of said firearms. Post #2 is excellent information.

Thankyou. I stand corrected.

 

[mattquelch]

Would a better approach be put a .17hmr down or .22 and obviously get the experience and work my way up to the legal calibre for deer etc?

Say if I was granted the license with a .17hmr is there anything stopping me from obtaining a .243 after completing my DSC1 in the future?

 

[Saracen666]

Whilst they cannot refuse a section 2 shotgun they can refuse a rifle, especially if the applicant cannot demonstrate experience in the use of said firearms. Post #2 is excellent information.

Indeed. Good reason.