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the Daily hi thread
The FAC process By @Kyska
- Thread starter AGF17
- Start date
Martindale2025
Well-known member
I am in Suffolk and so far I have been waiting for 13 months and when I call and check I get “it’s with the decision makers but there is no issues with it”. Yet, a friend of mine in Yorkshire had his in 2 months!. I would have thought that as I have had a shotgun license for many years it would be a bit quicker but sadly no.
If I can ever be bothered with all the red tape of applying for an FAC,I've got both 'good reasons'. I've been a full member of a 'home-office-approved' rifle club for three years but I would use the farm that I have permission to shoot on ( FAC air or .22LR for the rabbits). However, I live in Kent and the farm is just over the border in the Met. Would that complicate things?
Martindale2025
Well-known member
My local fire arms copper said it can be anywhere but they may want to visit it.
I’ve recently reapplied for my firearms and shotgun tickets after a gap of 6 years. The application process has changed from paper to an online application in Nottinghamshire…
There wasn’t anywhere to upload written shooting permissions (although I have a written consent over 650 acres of arable land). Did I miss something here?
I had to sell my previous .22 AA S410 HP but kept my shotguns on a friend’s ticket so the only new purchase will be an FAC Alpha Wolf if approved this time. I will get both .25 and .30 barrels and a Magnum 0dB silencer. I specified 3 slots 1. For the Alpha Wolf action and .30 cal barrel, 2. For the .25 barrel alone and 3. For the silencer (which although .30 cal, can be used on the .25 cal also). Just wondering if this was the correct way of specifying?
Final question, when shooting over a land permission, do the police take account of the relative effective range between live ammunition and air rifle pellets/slugs i.e. i have specified a .30 PCP on land which may only be approved for say .223/243 CF riles?
There wasn’t anywhere to upload written shooting permissions (although I have a written consent over 650 acres of arable land). Did I miss something here?
I had to sell my previous .22 AA S410 HP but kept my shotguns on a friend’s ticket so the only new purchase will be an FAC Alpha Wolf if approved this time. I will get both .25 and .30 barrels and a Magnum 0dB silencer. I specified 3 slots 1. For the Alpha Wolf action and .30 cal barrel, 2. For the .25 barrel alone and 3. For the silencer (which although .30 cal, can be used on the .25 cal also). Just wondering if this was the correct way of specifying?
Final question, when shooting over a land permission, do the police take account of the relative effective range between live ammunition and air rifle pellets/slugs i.e. i have specified a .30 PCP on land which may only be approved for say .223/243 CF riles?
BernardG
Member
I applied to Leicestershire in November and still waiting. Hopefully not too much longer because, while the club guns are fine, they just don't fit. Anyone with any experience of Leicestershire who can advise how much longer I could expect to wait?
Id say you’ve a while yet as November not long ago
Martindale2025
Well-known member
I’m in Suffolk anat almost at 14 months now for my FAC and potentially it can take 24 months or so I have recently been informed
t-sat
Super member
Police land clearance is a whole thing and let's be honest a load of old nonsense. If you have a safe back stop it doesn't matter if it's a 17hmr, a 243 or 6.5prc or whatever.
But anyway if land has been cleared to 243 then there shouldn't be a problem with an air gun of any description in terms of shooting there. What you need to demonstrate is 'good reason'. If it's big open fields full of bunnies, then I can't see that being a problem.
I don't totally get your question as air rifle is miles under a 243 in power/range so I doubt very much they will bat an eyelid about it.
If you got 650 acres to go at, basically it's opening the door to all sorts of calibres for you.
t-sat
Super member
Not great I hear
BernardG
Member
No, me either. Disappointing but it is what it is. Grateful for airguns...
BernardG
Member
Oh heck, maybe I'm not so bad off after all. Good luck!
BernardG
Member
So I'm finding out... sometimes I wonder if they actually want us to get them. More funding needed, especially if they want support for deer management.
t-sat
Super member
What
No of course they don't.
I know what you’re saying it should be faster and better managed I totally agree with that. But I like to think also that only sound minded responsible people with good reason get an FAC issued. We all know how much responsibility comes with such privilege, I waited 20 months but when you get the green light it’s something to be very proud off.
. Good luck.
t-sat
Super member
20 months is absolutely ridiculous.I know what you’re saying it should be faster and better managed I totally agree with that. But I like to think also that only sound minded responsible people with good reason get an FAC issued. We all know how much responsibility comes with such privilege, I waited 20 months but when you get the green light it’s something to be very proud off.
JohnnySweden
Proactive member
Is no education or proof of suitable firearms training required at all? 
BernardG
Member
That would probably help the process for them in assessing responsible ownership.Is no education or proof of suitable firearms training required at all?