Shooters - chances of FAC approval?

[wiffmaster]

Afternoon all,

Fancy getting a .22 rimfire to do some pest control around the farm, so am considering applying for my FAC.

Background:

• 22 years old (no idea if they consider age when applying?)
• Already hold SGC
• 120 acres private land to shoot on. Chalk with no flint so minimal chance of ricochet
• Crops grown and plenty of rabbits which need controlling
• One public footpath running through the land (would be shooting a long way from this)
• Zero convictions (including speeding fines and the like)
• Hertfordshire Police are my local force

What are my chances of gaining approval? Does anyone have any tips to make the whole process run smoothly?

Any advice much appreciated.

[Jezza30]

Shouldn't be a problem. I shoot over a similar amount of land and have a rimfire, 22-250 and 243, although i think i was a bit lucky to get the last one!
Just be very nice to the FAO on your interview and get some nice biscuits in Be knowledgable about the land (where footpaths are, where potential backstops are etc...) and know what you want in terms of a rifle.
Oh, and the quality of FAO's between counties varies A LOT!!!
As long as you have land and are a decent, sane bloke, getting a FAC is not as hard as many will make you believe

Edited by Jezza30 on Monday 1st March 18:18

[wiffmaster]

Thanks for the info - sounds like it should be possible then.

I've heard it varies a fair bit between forces as to what they will and won't grant. But, I got on well with the chap who conducted the SGC interview/inspection, so with any luck it will be the same chap again when I come to apply for FAC.

One more question if I may - can you add calibres to the certificate retrospectively? I only want/need a .22 for the time being and so that's what I'd apply for. But, could I theoretically add a something like a .243 at a later date if the need arose, or does it all have to be done when the certificate is granted?

Cheers.

[Lambochick]

Other calibres can be added retrospectively. Just remember that with a FAC you need to demonstrate a good reason for owning one, and not because it's something you want.

[poo at Paul's]

I'd think referring to them as "shooters" doesn't help your case! Dont mention sawing them off, either.

[Emsman]

Can't see amy issue- all of the boxes ticked.

Make sure you get a silencer for your .22 though- far more effective

[wiffmaster]

Lambochick said:

Other calibres can be added retrospectively. Just remember that with a FAC you need to demonstrate a good reason for owning one, and not because it's something you want.

Thanks for the info, good to know they could be added at a later date if needed. I wouldn't want to apply for anything other than a .22 at present, as the only pests which need controlling are rabbits. Hence a .22 rimfire would be sufficient for the time being. However, it's possible this will change at some point - hence my question about adding calibres retrospectively.

poo at Paul's said:

I'd think referring to them as "shooters" doesn't help your case! Dont mention sawing them off, either.

I meant it in the 'people who shoot' sense, not the 'this is my shooter' sense!

Emsman said:

Can't see amy issue- all of the boxes ticked.

Make sure you get a silencer for your .22 though- far more effective

Jolly good. Would definitely go down the silencer route.

Edited by wiffmaster on Tuesday 9th March 21:06

[Lefty Two Drams]

Remember that a moderator needs to be stated on the FAC.

Any particular reason you want a .22? I'm a fairly recent convert to .17hmr, it's a superb round and my .22 has barely been touched since getting an hmr.

[wiffmaster]

Lefty Two Drams said:

Remember that a moderator needs to be stated on the FAC.

Any particular reason you want a .22? I'm a fairly recent convert to .17hmr, it's a superb round and my .22 has barely been touched since getting an hmr.

Wasn't aware of the moderator fact - cheers.

I just thought that a .22 rimfire would be the best choice as it is quite quiet, relatively accurate and cheap to run. Most of my shots are likely to be rabbits ~75 yards, so I'm not sure if the extra accuracy/range of a .17hmr is worth the extra noise associated with a .17hrm? I also have decent backstops and chalk ground, so hopefully the richochet potential of .22 is minimised.

Willing to be enlightened/corrected/converted though, if people believe a .17hmr to be the better choice?

[Emsman]

I have used both, and although the 17 is a great round, I still prefer the 22 for the lack of noise (with a sub sonic round) and I found 17 to be affected much more by a cross wind.
You could try for both though?

[Lefty Two Drams]

Much flatter trajectory than .22, fewer ricochet worries as you've rightly noted but, unfortunately, they're quite a bit more expensive.

[wiffmaster]

Cheers guys. Might apply for both as mentioned, but would probably buy the .22 to start with and then purchase the .17 at a later date. Is .17hmr any less likely to be approved? If I put down both and one is rejected, will I still be granted the other one, or do you have to restart the application process? Thanks for all your help chaps.

[Emsman]

I would apply for a moderated .22 first, and you can add the 17 at a later date.
You can get a good .22 for peanuts, or go mental and spent st loads. A few hundred quid will get you something nice- don't go too mad on scope magnification though- it magnifys wobble as well, I use a 9x and that it more than adequate

[anonymous-user]

I would say you have a fairly good chance with the details you have given.
It does vary from county to county though.
I have my SGC and I'm hoping to apply for my FAC over summer for a bit of bunny shooting.

[ChunkyloverSV]

Emsman said:

I have used both, and although the 17 is a great round, I still prefer the 22 for the lack of noise (with a sub sonic round) and I found 17 to be affected much more by a cross wind.
You could try for both though?

Who let you anywhere near a gun

[jbudgie]

Emsman , You ---have ---a --- gun ??

[jbudgie]

Beaten to it

[mybrainhurts]

RUN AWAY....

[Jovial Joe]

Easiest way is to first apply for a FAC rated air rifle,get your ticket and then apply for a variation.
Pretty much accepted procedure down here in darkest Glos and have yet to know of anyone that's been refused via this method.
Best regards

[Silent1]

As long as you don't get the female FAO you'll be fine.
When she came round last time to sort the paperwork for the .50 she was in complete disagreement with her colleague over what was appropriate use (the bloke agreed with boar, deer and anything of that size) she only agreed with boar!