Firearms Certificate
Discussion
As a British Ex-pat, non-resident for tax purposes, spending less than 90 days per year at my UK address, is it possible to apply for (and have approved) a firearms certificate?
I have all the other usual reasons/permissions/storage/not loony boxes ticked, its just that I'm not at home very much; 11 weeks of the year.
I'd really like a rifle & shotgun as I have a country home with plenty of pesky varmints, lots of game around, a strong sport shooting community. I have always enjoyed shooting rifles in the ATC (when I was a lot younger!), some pistol shooting in Dubai, and have owned many air rifles/pistols over the years. Turns out I'm quite handy with a 9mm pistol and could group in a bottle top at 30 yds. Would like to join the local shooting club and learn to shoot clays as I have always been a bit of a clay humanitarian. Or a poor shot, one of the two.
Whats the odds on the Firearms Officer seeing that I work in Saudi on the application, laughing loudly, and tossing it straight into the cylindrical, under-desk filing?
I have all the other usual reasons/permissions/storage/not loony boxes ticked, its just that I'm not at home very much; 11 weeks of the year.
I'd really like a rifle & shotgun as I have a country home with plenty of pesky varmints, lots of game around, a strong sport shooting community. I have always enjoyed shooting rifles in the ATC (when I was a lot younger!), some pistol shooting in Dubai, and have owned many air rifles/pistols over the years. Turns out I'm quite handy with a 9mm pistol and could group in a bottle top at 30 yds. Would like to join the local shooting club and learn to shoot clays as I have always been a bit of a clay humanitarian. Or a poor shot, one of the two.
Whats the odds on the Firearms Officer seeing that I work in Saudi on the application, laughing loudly, and tossing it straight into the cylindrical, under-desk filing?
Best speak directly to your local Police as they will be the ones making the decision.
If the property where the firearms will be kept is going to be vacant for much of the time I can see concerns being raised regardless of the level of security you have. Storage at a local firearms dealer/gun club may be a consideration.
If the property where the firearms will be kept is going to be vacant for much of the time I can see concerns being raised regardless of the level of security you have. Storage at a local firearms dealer/gun club may be a consideration.
oilydan said:
I'd really like a rifle & shotgun as I have a country home with plenty of pesky varmints
I can't see that carrying much weight in conjunction with the "absent 41wks of year" bit - after all, surely if the varmints need controlling, they need controlling all year, not just part of it? So you need to employ some year-round solution.shot guns you dont need a reason. The police need a reason not to allow it.
Why not get a nice Air rifle instead of a rifle. No licence needed. http://www.air-arms.co.uk/hunting/812141-ultimate-...
Why not get a nice Air rifle instead of a rifle. No licence needed. http://www.air-arms.co.uk/hunting/812141-ultimate-...
As has been said, it's better to get some free advice from your local FEO - Firearms Enforcement Officer. The can talk you through the application, and provide decent advice.
Given that you are opting for the pest control route, IIRC this has some contraints. (I went down the target route) The land and type of pest/varmint will determine the calibre choices opn to you, it's relatively straightforward but you won't be allowed a .416 for example..! As an idea, for rabbits and stuff .17HMR or .22LR are reasonable - of course, you could use a decent air rifle at 12 ft/lbs, but the powder burners will give you much increased range.
If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
Try and spec a moderator, this will use up a line on your ticket but it will be essential for you.
I've not been into it in a while, but the only minor issue you may have is usage - unless you are using it a LOT during your time here, you are not going to be getting through much ammunition (you spec a amount to buy and to hold on your ticket) - occasionally this can raise questions/need justification.
Given that you are opting for the pest control route, IIRC this has some contraints. (I went down the target route) The land and type of pest/varmint will determine the calibre choices opn to you, it's relatively straightforward but you won't be allowed a .416 for example..! As an idea, for rabbits and stuff .17HMR or .22LR are reasonable - of course, you could use a decent air rifle at 12 ft/lbs, but the powder burners will give you much increased range.
If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
Try and spec a moderator, this will use up a line on your ticket but it will be essential for you.
I've not been into it in a while, but the only minor issue you may have is usage - unless you are using it a LOT during your time here, you are not going to be getting through much ammunition (you spec a amount to buy and to hold on your ticket) - occasionally this can raise questions/need justification.
Some good points raised; I'll see if I can address them...
And a monitored alarm.
However, I will be using the local club to learn better technique WRT clays/shotgun sporting.
Thanks all for your input, I'm off to find my local Firearms Officer.
paintman said:
Best speak directly to your local Police as they will be the ones making the decision.
Yes, that is sound advice.paintman said:
If the property where the firearms will be kept is going to be vacant for much of the time I can see concerns being raised regardless of the level of security you have. Storage at a local firearms dealer/gun club may be a consideration.
The property will not be vacant most of the time. My wife and kids are there. And a big dog And a monitored alarm.superlightr said:
shot guns you dont need a reason. The police need a reason not to allow it.
Why not get a nice Air rifle instead of a rifle. No licence needed. http://www.air-arms.co.uk/hunting/812141-ultimate-...
I have had air rifles, but I would like to be able to extend my range. I'm a pretty good rifle shot but usually find myself limited with air rifles and pellet droop at extended ranges.Why not get a nice Air rifle instead of a rifle. No licence needed. http://www.air-arms.co.uk/hunting/812141-ultimate-...
Kuroblack350 said:
As has been said, it's better to get some free advice from your local FEO - Firearms Enforcement Officer. The can talk you through the application, and provide decent advice.
Again, sage advice.Kuroblack350 said:
Given that you are opting for the pest control route, IIRC this has some contraints. (I went down the target route) The land and type of pest/varmint will determine the calibre choices opn to you, it's relatively straightforward but you won't be allowed a .416 for example..! As an idea, for rabbits and stuff .17HMR or .22LR are reasonable - of course, you could use a decent air rifle at 12 ft/lbs, but the powder burners will give you much increased range.
If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
I have a bunny problem, chickens under threat from foxy, loads of pheasants, and there are deer around, but wouldn't be after them unless with experienced folk. I would probably start with a .22 but would be nice to jump straight in with a .243 for the multitude of foxes that seem to be making an appearance.If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
However, I will be using the local club to learn better technique WRT clays/shotgun sporting.
Kuroblack350 said:
Try and spec a moderator, this will use up a line on your ticket but it will be essential for you.
By 'Moderator' do you mean sound moderator?Kuroblack350 said:
I've not been into it in a while, but the only minor issue you may have is usage - unless you are using it a LOT during your time here, you are not going to be getting through much ammunition (you spec a amount to buy and to hold on your ticket) - occasionally this can raise questions/need justification.
When I do use it, I'll be using it a lot. Thanks all for your input, I'm off to find my local Firearms Officer.
Whilst a 22 rimfire is fine for rabbits, it's not recommended for foxes - other than .22WMR.
I've shot a lot of rabbits with 22LR & solids, head shots only, without issue. Never noticed any difference with hollow points.
You do need to be ultra careful with your backstop as the 22 has a nasty tendency to ricochet.
A sound moderator may be a worthwhile addition used with sub-sonic ammuntion but I found that not using one made little difference to the rabbits scattering esp with a semi-automatic rifle. The sound of a bolt being operated usually did the trick though!
Unless you particularly want to get into deer shooting - in England the minimum calibre for other than muntjac & water deer is .240 & probably the most common is the .243 Win - you might want to consider a 22 centrefire for foxes. Late friend of mine did a lot of fox shooting on several farms with either his .222 Rem or his .223 Rem - the latter aka 5.56Nato.
You might want to have a look at this from BASC - the link should take you a PDF: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
I have to say that I love the idea of a .416 for pest control - and it would HAVE to be a double - but unless you can establish you are plagued by were-rabbits I think you might struggle to get it past the Licensing department.....
I've shot a lot of rabbits with 22LR & solids, head shots only, without issue. Never noticed any difference with hollow points.
You do need to be ultra careful with your backstop as the 22 has a nasty tendency to ricochet.
A sound moderator may be a worthwhile addition used with sub-sonic ammuntion but I found that not using one made little difference to the rabbits scattering esp with a semi-automatic rifle. The sound of a bolt being operated usually did the trick though!
Unless you particularly want to get into deer shooting - in England the minimum calibre for other than muntjac & water deer is .240 & probably the most common is the .243 Win - you might want to consider a 22 centrefire for foxes. Late friend of mine did a lot of fox shooting on several farms with either his .222 Rem or his .223 Rem - the latter aka 5.56Nato.
You might want to have a look at this from BASC - the link should take you a PDF: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
I have to say that I love the idea of a .416 for pest control - and it would HAVE to be a double - but unless you can establish you are plagued by were-rabbits I think you might struggle to get it past the Licensing department.....
Edited by paintman on Thursday 14th May 19:25
paintman said:
I have to say that I love the idea of a .416 for pest control - and it would HAVE to be a double - but unless you can establish you are plagued by were-rabbits I think you might struggle to get it past the Licensing department.....
LoL - more pest obliteration than control Edited by paintman on Thursday 14th May 19:25
Kuroblack350 said:
As has been said, it's better to get some free advice from your local FEO - Firearms Enforcement Officer. The can talk you through the application, and provide decent advice.
Given that you are opting for the pest control route, IIRC this has some contraints. (I went down the target route) The land and type of pest/varmint will determine the calibre choices opn to you, it's relatively straightforward but you won't be allowed a .416 for example..! As an idea, for rabbits and stuff .17HMR or .22LR are reasonable - of course, you could use a decent air rifle at 12 ft/lbs, but the powder burners will give you much increased range.
If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
Try and spec a moderator, this will use up a line on your ticket but it will be essential for you.
I've not been into it in a while, but the only minor issue you may have is usage - unless you are using it a LOT during your time here, you are not going to be getting through much ammunition (you spec a amount to buy and to hold on your ticket) - occasionally this can raise questions/need justification.
The rules for the UK seem so draconian, and miss the point - contrast to NZ - IF you a are a suitable person, any calibre, any number of firearms and any quantity of ammunition. You are either a suitable person OR you are not - as one Firearms officer said "we do not really approve of a .50BMG, but we have approved you, and any other rifle also kills - so we cannot stop you importing one"Given that you are opting for the pest control route, IIRC this has some contraints. (I went down the target route) The land and type of pest/varmint will determine the calibre choices opn to you, it's relatively straightforward but you won't be allowed a .416 for example..! As an idea, for rabbits and stuff .17HMR or .22LR are reasonable - of course, you could use a decent air rifle at 12 ft/lbs, but the powder burners will give you much increased range.
If you've got deer (lucky you) you'll be looking at .243 or similar, although you'll then be progressing down the mentoring route, which is a grey area, but some police forces insist on it before granting the ticket.
Try and spec a moderator, this will use up a line on your ticket but it will be essential for you.
I've not been into it in a while, but the only minor issue you may have is usage - unless you are using it a LOT during your time here, you are not going to be getting through much ammunition (you spec a amount to buy and to hold on your ticket) - occasionally this can raise questions/need justification.
For rabbits - 22-250, and 6mm-284 for long range - the 22 is for getting the eye in the back garden.
OP, you need to move to France... much more relaxed about the whole thing there!
The owner of this piece is like yourself, a keen competitive shot, and in need of pest control.. although the LMG is a little bit over the top for rabbits!!
He also has an M16, Mauser carbine, Colt 1911, Lee Enfield .303, an 1860 Remington roll block etc.etc, and reloads all his own ammunition.
We had wild boar at his house in April, but when we asked if he had shot it, it turned out it was road kill - his wife hit it on her way home for work in her Peugeot!!!
The owner of this piece is like yourself, a keen competitive shot, and in need of pest control.. although the LMG is a little bit over the top for rabbits!!
He also has an M16, Mauser carbine, Colt 1911, Lee Enfield .303, an 1860 Remington roll block etc.etc, and reloads all his own ammunition.
We had wild boar at his house in April, but when we asked if he had shot it, it turned out it was road kill - his wife hit it on her way home for work in her Peugeot!!!
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