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Morning all,

As a soon-to-be FAC holder, I'm curious how FAC holders make sure they stay within the law and avoid all the nasty things that are associated with breaking it, accidentally or otherwise.

When the FEO visited I did ask him if I'd get a handbook or something to help me, but to my surprise, he said I wouldn't and it was basically up to me to work it out. :G

So, did you all read the 49 pages of the Firearms Act and commit it to memory, or is it a case of applying common-sense and taking advice from the guys at my clubs?

Cheers,

Jud

Jud,

Some useful stuff here:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/pol ... -firearms/

Here:

http://www.basc.org.uk/en/departments/f ... d-fees.cfm

And of course, the home office guide
I always have a copy of the HO guide on the coffee table when my FEO visits.

There is a wealth of knowlege and willing help on this forum too.


Happy reading and welcome to our world


:cheers:

Best advice I can give is, if in doubt, ask an existing FAC holder at your gunclub, or the forum, for advice first.

Is there any specific bits you're unsure on?

Just dont point your gun at anyone!! And the rest is pretty much common sense....

the running man wrote:Just dont point your gun at anyone!! And the rest is pretty much common sense....

RM, common sense to you and I perhaps, as we know, common sense and FEO's are often worlds apart. Any newbie is likely to be bamboozled by an FEO out only to impress his superiors by 'reducing'

Typed in smile

RTFM Jud

http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=9

I think common sense is the big one here Judders, it is not just the firearms side of things to worry about, getting in a brawl with your neighbour over the cat, doing 45MPH in a 30 limit and walking out of Boots with a bottle of shampoo in your back pocket are all going to have a negative effect on your FAC.

The Firearms side of things is actually quite easy again as long as you apply common sense and the Police seem (for the most) to work on the premise that you have been vetted for an FAC and passed so you must be fairly reasonable, also they do not turn up unannounced trying to trip you up with technical questions or counting the number of loaded rounds you have in the safe unless they have a very, very good reason.

I keep my rifles locked up at all times in the house unless they are being cleaned or worked on, I never leave them unattended. I log and segregate my loaded ammunition, I keep my powder and primers under lock and key and when on the range I exercise good range discipline at all times.

In my early days I was pulled up on occasion for minor points and I learnt from them, a good example is I used to carry my rifle in a hard case and opened it one day to find the rifle pointing the wrong way, not a problem as it was flagged, had no bolt or magazine in it and permission to place the rifles on the firing point had been given so I lifted it up, keeping it horizontal as ever and rotated it by 180 degrees. An RCO crouched down next to me a couple of minutes later and pointed out that such an action was not wise, I knew the rifle was safe, he was equally sure it was safe but fellow shooters may not have done. Good point, I have never done it again, It was a long while ago and certainly not breaking the law as such but a timely reminder so never be afraid to listen and learn.

One thing I will say is just because a fellow shooter does something or says it is OK does not mean this is the case so if in doubt ask and do not be afraid to query something politely if in doubt.

Might get a telling off for this however...

When at Bisley, do not do as they do, do as you know is right.

I have been attending many shoots at Bisley and one thing that always surprises me is the lack of discipline and safe range behaviour.
I have lost count of the amount of rifles I have seen pointing in all directions, all apart from down the range.
People walking behind the shooters with a rifle in their hand (not in a slip or case) pointing in the direction they are walking.
People standing chatting with a rifle butt on their foot and the pointy end up in the air.
:shock:
As far as I am concerned, a rifle should only EVER be pointing in one direction and that is down the range. Be that as you take it out of the case/slip or put it back in.
Practical shotgun being the exception (I know it is not a rifle, just clarifying)

At our local club, we would get a kicking for that sort of behaviour!

I agree with Ovenpaa about this.

Common sense, stay out of trouble, apply the rules the FEO outlined when he gave you the permission for the cabinet and the FAC, you should be fine.
What I also find helps a lot is to make yourself visible, talk to the issuing authority whenever you can, variation, more slots, anything.
Email them, ring them. Make sure they know who you are. That helps a lot.

Don't worry, they won't perform a dawn raid on your house out of the blue!
Unless you have given them a good reason for doing so but if you have then you will know :)

Oh and as I have said before, don't tell friends and neighbours about the toys you have. None of their business. Same goes for meter reader, milkman and so on.
Insurance company, tell them but do not invite them over to "have a look".

You'll be fine!

Have you had a read of my safety notes Jud...they are easy to read and it's all linked to the law etc...what do you think?

An odd para from us won't do it...there is more to know...give yourself 10 mins a day...you will be surprised how much you already know.