Variation Query

[Matabele]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping for some help, apologies if this has been covered before but I haven't quite found the information I'm after.
I had a slot on my ticket for a 308 rifle and moderator, which was subsequently filled and I used the rifle for a bit. I then sold the rifle last year May and used another rifle that was on my ticket instead.
I'm now at a point where I'd like to get another 308. My question is: is this a simple one for one variation or do I need to apply for an additional firearm variation?

Is there a time limit on a one for one variation, as the wording when researching this seems to indicate you need to basically exchange one for the other at the same time.
Additionally does the moderator add a complication to this as this is now technically two firearms I'm requesting?

I did speak to a lady at Warwickshire Firearms who was very friendly, however she said I need a "full" variation. This being my first variation I'm applying for I didnt know enough to enquire further exactly what that meant.
I have tried to call and sent an email but so far have not heard back.

Could anyone shed some light on the matter?

 

[TringSaint]

So do you have an open slot for a 308 today?

 

[Stevie/P]

You should have re applied within 7 days of selling you’ll have to apply for a variation and pay the new fee

 

[8x57]

As Stevie/P says as you've left it so long to apply for the variation after selling your last .308 rifle they probably won't treat it as a 1 for 1 variation which would have been free of charge, and will now treat it as a new variation requiring payment.

 

[Matabele]

Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated. Tring I no longer have an open slot as although I had authority to own a 308 once you sell it you have to apply for a variation to reset the authority. At least that's my understanding up to now!

 

[TringSaint]

Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated. Tring I no longer have an open slot as although I had authority to own a 308 once you sell it you have to apply for a variation to reset the authority. At least that's my understanding up to now!

Yup. It’s a use it or lose it when you sell and don’t vary the license to open the slot back up.
Solution there is not to sell any guns!!

 

[Matabele]

I've learnt my lesson there!

 

[Stevie/P]

You may also struggle with a variation at the moment what with delays in processing FAC I did a one for one that took a year to get processed I’ve not long renewed so asked for a spare rifle and mod in case I needed a variation in the future as a backup against delays.

 

[markyw]

“One for one” variations​

10.36 A variation is always necessary if a certificate holder wishes to change one of the firearms, even if they wish to purchase one identical to the one they are selling (Wilson v Coombe, Queen’s Bench Divisional Court, July 1988). “One for one” variation refers to firearms that are authorised to be acquired following the disposal of a firearm or a request to change an existing authority to acquire. There is no set time in which the certificate holder must apply for a replacement authority once their firearm is disposed of. The keeping of open authorities indefinitely should be discouraged, subject to a collector seeking particular firearms. Applications for “one for one” variations should be made by the certificate holder submitting their firearm certificate together with a completed Form 201V to the police firearms licensing department. Such variations are processed free of charge. In most cases, it will not be necessary to re-examine the applicant’s circumstances. Further enquiries will be necessary, however, if for example the application is for a change of use or for a full-bore firearm when the holder’s shooting club only has facilities for small-bore shooting.

From the Guide on Firearms Licensing Law (updated 19/12/24).

My last variation came back within a week (Surrey).

Regards

Mark

 

[BenBhoy]

Don't worry, now they cost more the service will undoubtedly be much improved.....

 

[M@tt]

All those saying you have missed the boat are wrong.
As the guidance says, there is no time limit to apply for a one for one variation, at least not before renewal.

The relevant passage is quoted above and you should use this if you get problems when you apply.

 

[cooksey]

All those saying you have missed the boat are wrong.
As the guidance says, there is no time limit to apply for a one for one variation, at least not before renewal.

The relevant passage is quoted above and you should use this if you get problems when you apply.

Police Scotland will charge you if its been over a month which I think is fair you obviously didn't feel you needed that calibre anymore.

 

[M@tt]

It might be fair in your mind but it's not what's written in the guidance.
I wonder what is their justification for making up the law and going against the Home Office guidance in these matters.

There could be many reasons why someone didn't apply for a one for one variation at the time of selling a rifle. That is their business and in the absence of any legal restriction and with full backing of the Home Office it should be allowed. The police do not make the law, just uphold it and shouldn't be allowed to get away with doing so.

 

[spanj]

Police Scotland will charge you if its been over a month which I think is fair you obviously didn't feel you needed that calibre anymore.

You might think its fair but it clearly isnt legal and a month is a blink

 

[Matabele]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd give an update. I had applied for a new/additional firearm variation to my FAC, initially thinking I had run out of time for a one for one...and dutifully paid my money. The next day I received a very friendly and helpful call from Warwickshire firearms saying this was not necessary and a one for one variation is all that is required, and that I should expect a refund in the next day or two. I received my varied FAC certificate within the week, with slots for a 308 and moderator. Result!

 

[M@tt]

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd give an update. I had applied for a new/additional firearm variation to my FAC, initially thinking I had run out of time for a one for one...and dutifully paid my money. The next day I received a very friendly and helpful call from Warwickshire firearms saying this was not necessary and a one for one variation is all that is required, and that I should expect a refund in the next day or two. I received my varied FAC certificate within the week, with slots for a 308 and moderator. Result!

So, they followed the law and provided a good service. Result.