Questions about Applying for first FAC

[tom.h]

Hello,

i’m about to put in an application for my first FAC with Metropolitan police. I have a few questions I would love some guidance on:

- I previously held a shotgun certificate (issued in 2015 and recently expired) and I would like one also. Should i apply for this at the same time as the FAC? Is this what they call a coterminous application?

- I have no permission currently and plan to continue with paid stalks and Potentially join a syndicate after I have DSC1.

I have done 4 outings in Scotland (on one trip) and one outing in Devon. (1 kill in Scotland) I plan to do more during the time my application is pending. (And DSC1 if they’re running them) I just want to confirm i’m in a position to apply now?

- I’m thinking of applying for a .243 as I’d like to be able to shoot Deer and Fox. I’m thinking more land would be cleared for .243 than a larger caliber like a 6.5 and the Police more likely to grant me foxing with a .243

- Another option would be to apply for a 6.5 and then apply for a .223 for foxing if/when I get a permission for them. But I just don’t fancy knocking on doors asking for foxing permission without even owning a rifle cleared for it? (Seems like a hassle for the land owner?)

Best,
Tom

 

[8x57]

- I previously held a shotgun certificate (issued in 2015 and recently expired) and I would like one also. Should i apply for this at the same time as the FAC? Is this what they call a coterminous application?

Yes it would be cheaper to apply for your SGC at the same time.
Yes it is what is called coterminous.

 

[Sampo]

• It is always advisable to apply for your SGC with your FAC to keep the costs low. Also its easier to renew them together than at two different times.
• Accompany a letter explaining your reason behind applying for FAC and on the experiences you have had. References with contacts would be useful, if you have them.
• .243 is a good caliber to start with. Ask for permission for 'Any Other Lawful Quarry' (AOLQ) to avoid having restrictions on just Deer and Fox. Also worth asking for a .22 as farms may require help with rabbits.
• Moderators needs a separate line and farms prefers them. So include these than having to send a variation.
• If you have a gun safe with spare capacity, worth mentioning this within the letter.
• If you have any paid stalks booked for the future, worth mentioning the dates and if possible references for these.
• If there are any potential farms you know of, worth having a chat and if they were to give you a written permission, it strengthens your case

You will usually get a call while the application is being considered and Met Police is quite good. Be nice and polite and it usually helps. Also if the application is being denied, ask for the reason and what you could do to help with the application and ask for more time to get things in order. All the best.

 

[tom.h]

Thanks for that, very helpful.

My only question is... without currently having any farm permissions can I stick the .22 on there as you suggest? (I thought they would refuse on the grounds of not having a reason)

 

[steve54]

Check out the Met's website firearms section to see what they expect., as each force seem to have their own requirements.
They may ask for a specific piece of suitable land, with written permission first, before granting the FAC.
Good luck..
Steve.

 

[stubear]

Hello,

i’m about to put in an application for my first FAC with Metropolitan police. I have a few questions I would love some guidance on:

- I previously held a shotgun certificate (issued in 2015 and recently expired) and I would like one also. Should i apply for this at the same time as the FAC? Is this what they call a coterminous application? Yes apply for a coterminous licence.

- I have no permission currently and plan to continue with paid stalks and Potentially join a syndicate after I have DSC1. Apply anyway. Thats how I started.

I have done 4 outings in Scotland (on one trip) and one outing in Devon. (1 kill in Scotland) I plan to do more during the time my application is pending. (And DSC1 if they’re running them) I just want to confirm i’m in a position to apply now? From what you have said yes

- I’m thinking of applying for a .243 as I’d like to be able to shoot Deer and Fox. I’m thinking more land would be cleared for .243 than a larger caliber like a 6.5 and the Police more likely to grant me foxing with a .243 Dont go down the route of applying for a .243 because you think thats what the police will grant you, apply for what you want and can justify. I got a .308 on first application.

- Another option would be to apply for a 6.5 and then apply for a .223 for foxing if/when I get a permission for them. But I just don’t fancy knocking on doors asking for foxing permission without even owning a rifle cleared for it? (Seems like a hassle for the land owner?)

Best,
Tom

Added my comments in above.

 

[tom.h]

Thanks very much gents.

I’m not wanting to turn this into a which caliber is better thread but as far as which is better for me....

As a new rifle shooter I think one of the main things I need to do is practice my shooting skills.

So i’m thinking for that you want a caliber that has decent barrel life and relatively affordable factory rounds.

Which caliber would be good for stalking but also some target practice. I see some places say about 1500 shot barrel life on a .243 which sounds really low to me if you’re shooting targets? (That’s my only concern with .243 as someone who needs to practice)

 

[Sampo]

Thanks for that, very helpful.

My only question is... without currently having any farm permissions can I stick the .22 on there as you suggest? (I thought they would refuse on the grounds of not having a reason)

Think of what you want and the reason behind it. I suggested a .22 as its a handy caliber to have when around farms for small mammals. Vermin control is a good reason if you are planning to ask for permissions. Alternatively an air rifle would also suffice. If you don't see the need for it, please don't be compelled.

 

[Sampo]

Which caliber would be good for stalking but also some target practice. I see some places say about 1500 shot barrel life on a .243 which sounds really low to me if you’re shooting targets? (That’s my only concern with .243 as someone who needs to practice)

I would say, its not just the caliber but the type of barrel as well. You probably want a heavy (varmint) barrel if the plan is to do target shooting as a light barrel will heat up after 3-4 rounds. Look at ammo prices and a .308 might work out cheaper if you are able to get your hands on the 7.62 rounds as opposed to .243 soft points. There are pros and cons for each. Have a search on SD and you will find a lot of discussions on these topics.

 

[Stalker62]

Which caliber would be good for stalking but also some target practice. I see some places say about 1500 shot barrel life on a .243 which sounds really low to me if you’re shooting targets? (That’s my only concern with .243 as someone who needs to practice)

Most of my preparation and practice for .416, .375 (and others) is done on a .22.

If you are new to rifle then a .22 is a great (and affordable) round to practice your drills with.

To make the drills for .416 more realistic - every time I fire - I also thump myself in the shoulder with a mallet and rip up a £20 note.

 

[artschool]

I am slightly confused about your good reason to acquire firearms?

you haven't got anywhere to shoot it?

 

[bullet chucker]

When you apply,the form asks,have you held a certificate before? Answer YES' if you have the number of it, even better. Applying for BOTH' is coterminous, and easy for you, and the firearms department! and is cheaper of course.
Reasons for your application are,as you said, booked outings and target shooting on approved ranges. Membership of shooting clubs will help enormously if you want a .22.
Shotgun, would be clay shooting as a member of a club or Pay and Play,as there are plenty around that do not require membership these days.
My, go to rifle is a 6.5x55, suitable for all' deer and fox, it is sweet to shoot with hardly any recoil to speak of.
Last of all, do not forget to include sound moderators for all' FACs on your application. Best of luck.

BC.

 

[tom.h]

I am slightly confused about your good reason to acquire firearms?

you haven't got anywhere to shoot it?

well this is the part i’m confused about. How could someone join a syndicate without owning a rifle? It’s gambling alot of money on quick processing of the FAC isn’t it?

i could send someone 1000/2000 for a syndicate place and then not receive my FAC for that season?

perhaps it could be pending certificate being issued if that wasn’t too much trouble for them?

 

[artschool]

Met police persistently refuse my application

I have a FAC and a deer-legal rifle. But I am restricted to target-only. I go stalking once or twice a year and I am obliged to use estate rifles rather than my own (which I'm far more familiar with, obvs). I have applied to have my FAC conditions changed to allow accompanied stalking but the...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

If the met won't allow this guy a condition on his existing rifle how are you going to go from 0-60 and get a FAC for a centrefire?

 

[tom.h]

Met police persistently refuse my application

I have a FAC and a deer-legal rifle. But I am restricted to target-only. I go stalking once or twice a year and I am obliged to use estate rifles rather than my own (which I'm far more familiar with, obvs). I have applied to have my FAC conditions changed to allow accompanied stalking but the...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

If the met won't allow this guy a condition on his existing rifle how are you going to go from 0-60 and get a FAC for a centrefire?

I did read that and was a bit surprised. Well I'm not in a huge rush.... what is the correct roadmap?

I don't know any farmers etc right now but I could send letters/ knock on doors? Probably offer to pay a small amount for vermin permission since they're taking on the hassle of giving a beginner permission.

Or should I join a syndicate pending FAC issuance?

The roadmap for getting into this sport sure is confusing.

Perhaps I should knock on doors or send letters until i get some farm permission and then apply for something they maybe more happy to grant.... from .22 LR to .223? Like I said I'm not in some huge rush.... Just want to figure out what steps to take.

 

[Sampo]

Start with your local full bore rifle club. That's a good enough reason and the FAC might have restrictions, but at least its a good start. Also it does help to try a few, meet people etc.

 

[artschool]

Start with your local full bore rifle club. That's a good enough reason and the FAC might have restrictions, but at least its a good start. Also it does help to try a few, meet people etc.

I agree with this. you will also get into good firearms safety habits.

then perhaps try to get permissions for pest control, you could always start with an air rifle prior to getting a 22LR etc?

 

[tom.h]

Thanks guys... good idea, I'd like to shoot at a club and meet people. I was under the impression they're hard to get into but I'll call/email around and see.

Cheers

 

[tarponhead]

Deffo join a club and you may get an FAC for rimfire and target only, to start with. Doesn't stop you going on guided stalks, on the Estate rifle principle. Take your time and learn some good habits and keep asking questions.

 

[Kjm041]

I suspect FEO will want ground permission and / or rifle club for a.22LR FAC. At least my FEO suggested he would not approve a .22 FAC without this but would approve a centrefire based on proving paid stalks (with reference) and DSC1 for deer hunting.

If you plan on shooting red deer in Scotland with any regularity i'd suggest going 6.5 rather than .243 but that's just my opinion.