Thoughts on renewal vacant or lesser used slots please

[RJD]

My renewal is around 12 months away, which sadly means I need to start thinking about it! I have a 17 hmr which hasn’t been used that much since last renewal due to RHD principally but I still have a need for the odd crow or fox removal tool, would it be a good idea to start getting through more rounds (even if at range) or won’t it matter?

Secondly, I have a need for .223 and a slot free but haven’t filled it yet as house renovations are getting in the way AND any spare cash is being deployed to make the most of the 2025 crypto cycle …

A caliber smaller than 6.5 would be useful for CWD, also have a few rabbits that need to go that need to be shot from a long way in order to manage backstop .. is it likely that I can keep the slot on the license at renewal or should I buy now?

Thanks

 

[gixer1]

As long as you can explain as you have done above it should not be an issue, I had a space for a section 1 shotgun on my cert for 5 years and although it was mentioned and asked if I still needed it - I just explained that time, finding the right gun and funds don’t always align to allow the purchase.

As long as you are using each firearm a couple of times a year you should not need to dispose of them.

I too have an HMR and don’t really use it now as my requirements have changed - so will move it on but I’m not going to rush to do so or make a loss on the rifle for fear of the FEO - usually if they are good at their job they understand that rifles can’t just be offloaded immediately.

I hope the above helps.

Regards,
Gixer

 

[WalkedUp]

I would put some rounds through each rifle. It doesn’t need to be many to justify use. I’ve had unfilled slots at renewal and even been granted more post renewal, with unfilled slots. I get asked about them but as I can justify each one it really isn’t a big deal. Obviously forces vary and this is only my experience so do as you feel is right for your situation.

 

[triggertrix]

I’d not want to go into renewal with unfulfilled slots or not having gone near my ammo allowance, or expect pushback. Been there, and that was with police Scotland, who are some of the most lenient ones I believe

 

[timbrayford]

My renewal is around 12 months away, which sadly means I need to start thinking about it! I have a 17 hmr which hasn’t been used that much since last renewal due to RHD principally but I still have a need for the odd crow or fox removal tool, would it be a good idea to start getting through more rounds (even if at range) or won’t it matter?

Secondly, I have a need for .223 and a slot free but haven’t filled it yet as house renovations are getting in the way AND any spare cash is being deployed to make the most of the 2025 crypto cycle …

A caliber smaller than 6.5 would be useful for CWD, also have a few rabbits that need to go that need to be shot from a long way in order to manage backstop .. is it likely that I can keep the slot on the license at renewal or should I buy now?

Thanks

Buy something cheap just to fill the slots and bang off a few rounds down at the range just to keep plod happy, and please use the correct terminology which is "good reason" and not "need" , they are subtly but significantly different in meaning.

 

[Dickie]

Postcode lottery some forces it wont be an issue others wont be sympathetic.
Maybe get a cheap S/H .223 or something like the Bergara BA13 break barrel they are advertised quite cheaply in the classifieds, then when circumstances allow put in a variation and upgrade.

 

[25 Sharps]

If you’ve had an empty a lot for a long time they will question your good reason.

For target only firearms they expect to see use 4x per year, for quarry there is no guidance.

If you’ve had a .223 slot for a long time with fox control as good reason then they could reasonably assume you’re not doing the fox control so don’t actually have good reason.

Good reason needs to be satisfied, according to the guidance long range rabbits is not good reason for .223 (it is for .204) but fox is. Maybe consider .204 for fox and vermin and lose the HMR, unless you really do think CWD is good reason for another deer rifle.

 

[Pedro]

If you've got an unfilled slot and you want to keep it come renewal, then you will need to once again show your good reason and also have an explanation of why you haven't filled it yet. That might be, for example, illness or injury to you, maybe a death of a close relative especially where you are sorting out their affairs. I've seen both of those. Other reasons might include work pressure or lack of funds or not being able to find the model you want. However, those aren't really guaranteed to work. Especially a second time! The counter argument would be if you haven't filled a slot in 5 years, then is that good reason really valid? You've done without it all that time.

So, have a think and have your ducks in a row.

 

[enfieldspares]

WHAT 25 SHARPS SAYS. +1.

I think with usual or "commonplace" calibres then maybe a delay on using an authority to acquire is at risk to be queried. OTOH if you had an authority for a .465 Holland & Holland then that might take years to find a suitable rifle. Yet if you did you'd need to be in a position with a vacant "slot" to be able to immediately purchase it. I don't think that .223 Remington is either unusual enough or seldom seen enough to benefit from the same extended period of grace.

 

[timbrayford]

My renewal is around 12 months away, which sadly means I need to start thinking about it! I have a 17 hmr which hasn’t been used that much since last renewal due to RHD principally but I still have a need for the odd crow or fox removal tool, would it be a good idea to start getting through more rounds (even if at range) or won’t it matter?

Secondly, I have a need for .223 and a slot free but haven’t filled it yet as house renovations are getting in the way AND any spare cash is being deployed to make the most of the 2025 crypto cycle …

A caliber smaller than 6.5 would be useful for CWD, also have a few rabbits that need to go that need to be shot from a long way in order to manage backstop .. is it likely that I can keep the slot on the license at renewal or should I buy now?

Thanks

Don't confuse good reason with need!