When to buy a gun safe

[Oscar]

Yes, no doubt you are right.
I would have thought it prudent to have a cabinet fitted however, and save yourself having to wait for a second visit.

That's something that can be discussed with the FEO when they call you to arrange the interview.
Having said that Devon and Cornwall specifically say on their website "When applying for a shotgun or firearms certificate it is best to do nothing in relation to security until a Field Officer has paid you a visit."

Security - Devon and Cornwall Police Firearms

The security of the weapon is second only to the vetting of the applicant and British Standards gun cabinets (BS7558) are highly recommended.

firearms.devon-cornwall.police.uk

 

[Baksteen]

That's something that can be discussed with the FEO when they call you to arrange the interview.
Having said that Devon and Cornwall specifically say on their website "When applying for a shotgun or firearms certificate it is best to do nothing in relation to security until a Field Officer has paid you a visit."

Security - Devon and Cornwall Police Firearms

The security of the weapon is second only to the vetting of the applicant and British Standards gun cabinets (BS7558) are highly recommended.

firearms.devon-cornwall.police.uk

Well, as you point out, they say "best to do nothing in relation to security".
Maybe that's to save you time, and expense of not getting it right; or maybe it's a tactic to shove your application down the road a bit.
They do not say, however, "do not do anything in relation to security". I think that if you are confident of where to place the cabinet, and have the skills for the job, then get it fitted, and save yourself the potentially lengthy wait for a second visit.
It worked for me. West Midlands area that is

 

[Bighit]

When I asked the FEO about fitting a new or second cabinet he said fit it and I will pop in and check it . Only a 5 mins check he said. The same as fitting a cabinet after your home visit if they allow you to fit one after the home visit .

May be different where you live though.

 

[Flinty]

Again. YOU DO NOT NEED A CABINET FITTED FOR THE INTERVIEW!
Which is what this whole thread was about.
Prove me wrong...

Sir you are mis quoting me again. Please show me where I have stated that you cannot start the interview process before the safe is fitted ? The interview process includes your security, which includes bullet points 1,2,3 & 4 in my previous post, The interview is not complete until those points plus any other conditions are met then the interview is complete, your application will not progress until the process is complete. It really is as simple as that. Would you like to prove me wrong ?

 

[Oscar]

@Flinty This was my 1st and only post on this thread a couple of weeks ago.

I'm currently applying for my FAC and won't be getting a cabinet until I know the licence is approved.

Today @Shadowryder told me I wouldn't get my licence if I did this.
I supplied a link that proved this to be untrue.
You've jumped in saying I'm wrong but not provided any proof to back it up and just generally been belligerent.
I've proven that you don't need a cabinet fitted before the interview.
I'm done here.
Good day to you sir.

 

[Riddmeister]

In South Wales you do need a cabinet fitted before a firearm or shotgun certificate is granted. It is part of the Firearm Enquiry Booklet that the FEO fills out for approval by the Firearms Licensing Manager. The security section requires a BS cabinet and various levels of security dependent on the number and type of guns held. Typically for most certificate holders this is level 1, over 10 guns held is level 2 and section 5 humane disptach pistols requires a level 3 (these are exempted from section 5 prohibition by virture of section 3 of the Firearms Amendment Act 1997 ). The FEO recommends and the FLM approves. Only an ACC can refuse or revoke on the recommendation of FEO and FLM. This is in a monthly hearing with the ACC, FLM and Force Solicitor.
In a nutshell you are not going to get a firearm cerificate which would permit you to purchase whatever authorities you are granted without there first being adequate security to store them in. Otherwise the cert holder could purchase the gun before the cabinet, or not fit the cabinet properly like attaching it to a plasterboard wall or within plain sight of a window etc.
Be open and honest with the police and take care with the form. Many people either intentionally or recklessly make false declarations concerning relevant medical conditions and convictions and are warned, cautioned or prosecuted.

 

[P8X]

@Flinty This was my 1st and only post on this thread a couple of weeks ago.

Today @Shadowryder told me I wouldn't get my licence if I did this.
I supplied a link that proved this to be untrue.
You've jumped in saying I'm wrong but not provided any proof to back it up and just generally been belligerent.
I've proven that you don't need a cabinet fitted before the interview.
I'm done here.
Good day to you sir.

If you fit an approved cabinet in line with their guidance, before interview, you will save the FEO and yourself, valuable time.

I think when they say don't do anything in terms of security, they are referring to general house security, which will also be looked at at the time of the visit.
For more than 6, S1 rifles, D&C also require you to have an approved alarm system.

Do yourself a favour and speak to D&C Police, who will advise what they expect to be in place, before the home visit. It will save you and them a lot of time

 

[herb64]

Like suggested earlier get one fitted when you get the shout you are going to get a visit. Unless you come over as a complete moron, which is debatable, you should be nearly there. You should have enough time as rarely is a next day appointment.

 

[Baksteen]

Like suggested earlier get one fitted when you get the shout you are going to get a visit. Unless you come over as a complete moron, which is debatable, you should be nearly there. You should have enough time as rarely is a next day appointment.

Funny you should say that.
When my FEO called me to arrange a visit, I asked him when would be convenient for him, as I am self employed and can shift things around. He replied " Well, as it happens, I can do tomorrow". I thought to myself, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, so replied "Great, I'll see you tomorrow then"
Got my certificate in post 4 weeks later. Good job I had my cabinet fitted.
As you say though @herb64, I would think this is pretty unusual.

 

[Flinty]

Hopefully, I can get through this post without being too "belligerent" as I have been acquised of a couple of post ago
As I see the problem, there are two options. Option 1, which is the one I would take, would be to buy a safe fix it as suggested by the guidelines then wait for my home visit If all goes well with the visit you then wait for the cert to be approved/granted.
Option 2 You wait for your home visit and discuss which safe to get and then where to mount it if the rest goes well you then have to buy the safe and mount it, then request a second visit the timing of this visit will be down to when the FEO can fit you into his very busy diary it could be days or weeks depending ?????
Now this bit I'm basing on 30-odd years dealing with firearms departments. anyone sitting at home with an application submitted but will not buy a safe before their application is "approved" might (no guarantees) but might have a long wait

" Well, as it happens, I can do tomorrow"

Not quite as uncommon as you might think. I have had this happen several times over the years if it happens to you take the opportunity if you possibly can

 

[Captain_Slackbladder]

Hopefully, I can get through this post without being too "belligerent" as I have been acquised of a couple of post ago
As I see the problem, there are two options. Option 1, which is the one I would take, would be to buy a safe fix it as suggested by the guidelines then wait for my home visit If all goes well with the visit you then wait for the cert to be approved/granted.
Option 2 You wait for your home visit and discuss which safe to get and then where to mount it if the rest goes well you then have to buy the safe and mount it, then request a second visit the timing of this visit will be down to when the FEO can fit you into his very busy diary it could be days or weeks depending ?????
Now this bit I'm basing on 30-odd years dealing with firearms departments. anyone sitting at home with an application submitted but will not buy a safe before their application is "approved" might (no guarantees) but might have a long wait

Not quite as uncommon as you might think. I have had this happen several times over the years if it happens to you take the opportunity if you possibly can

What any sensible person would do, I agree .

 

[ian964]

Funny you should say that.
When my FEO called me to arrange a visit, I asked him when would be convenient for him, as I am self employed and can shift things around. He replied " Well, as it happens, I can do tomorrow". I thought to myself, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, so replied "Great, I'll see you tomorrow then"
Got my certificate in post 4 weeks later. Good job I had my cabinet fitted.
As you say though @herb64, I would think this is pretty unusual.

I had something similar, FEO called on the Monday, asked if I was available that Thursday for the visit. Fortunately had bought a safe, though not yet bolted to the wall. Got that sorted the next day, FEO visit all good and ticket arrived about 2 weeks later.

 

[Redboat01]

Not quite as uncommon as you might think. I have had this happen several times over the years if it happens to you take the opportunity if you possibly can

Completely agree with this. It can be quiet for ages, then suddenly everything happens over a short time period. At least, that was my experience. FEO's still seem to be dealing with big backlogs. Personally, I would prefer to have a safe installed and be ready, rather than be unprepared and miss an opportunity. So my advice would be to buy and install the safe. I expect there would be secondhand ones around if cost is a big factor. Otherwise, be prepared for possible delay.

 

[HWHunter]

In the same situation myself with my sgc. Police are coming out to interview me end of next month which I’m taking as a good sign, buying a cabinet next week as I think it saves them having to come back out, shows them your nice and organised, and if for any reason your knocked back, you now have a cabinet that needs filling with a couple of new high end pcps

 

[stiggy]

When my FEO rang me to arrange the visit he asked if I had installed a safe for the guns and a safe for the ammo which I had so he came within two days and then got my licence 2 weeks after the visit.

 

[BrightBrewer]

I decided to buy mine after picking up my second rifle and realizing I had nowhere safe to keep them.

For what it's worth, the best gun safe I’ve used fits nicely in a cupboard and has room for ammo too. I didn’t want anything huge or overly fancy, just something solid that ticks the legal boxes and keeps everything in one place away from the kids.

 

[Sarge]

I've used these before. They had the model that matched my older ones (my OCD wouldn't allow different cabinets next to each other). Delivered to the door no problem.

Simply Safes

Gun Safes & Cabinets | Free UK Delivery | SimplySafes

At SimplySafes we have an excellent range of gun safes to choose from. Ideal to store shotguns, rifles and ammo. High Security, Police Approved.

www.simplysafes.co.uk

 

[Sarge]

I've used these before. They had the model that matched my older ones (my OCD wouldn't allow different cabinets next to each other). Delivered to the door no problem.

Simply Safes

Gun Safes & Cabinets | Free UK Delivery | SimplySafes

At SimplySafes we have an excellent range of gun safes to choose from. Ideal to store shotguns, rifles and ammo. High Security, Police Approved.

www.simplysafes.co.uk

Sorry, I've just realised I've answered the "Where to buy" thread rather than the "When to fit" thread.

I must read proper like, in future.