7.62/.308 or 7.62x39?

[7792]

Hey, so I’m sure I read somewhere (maybe even on here?) that if you want to buy an AK47 type rifle in 7.62x39 you need to have that specified on your FAC before an RFD will entertain it? That simply having “7.62/.308” isn’t good enough?

Is that correct? I’ve had my FAC less than a year and I am thinking of maybe an AK type for my next rifle but the slot states “7.62/.308”... will I need to do a 1-1 variation or have I misunderstood something (very possible!)

[Pete]

Welcome to the infinite inescapable maze that is UK firearms regulations.............

Pete

[7792]

Haha! I was actually reading a post last night about the new regulations for RFDs and the notification requirements for deacts and sad as it is I do quite enjoy reading legislation but stuff me if they don’t deliberately try to obfuscate when firearms are involved.

It’s almost like they want people to find it all too much trouble...

[J4mes]

I purchased a 7.62x39 with 7.62/.308 on my ticket. Also purchased ammo from a separate supplier.

Lincs police were happy that it covered the variants of 7.62.

[7792]

Ah, that’s good to know then.

I did think it odd that there would be ‘sub-types’ of 7.62 but that’s the essence of what I read.

Cheers

[Laurie]

I purchased a 7.62x39 with 7.62/.308 on my ticket. Also purchased ammo from a separate supplier.

Lincs police were happy that it covered the variants of 7.62.

Yes, but South Yorks FLO is very likely take a different view given the already mentioned differences in local licensing interpretations! In practice, the RFD will either have dealt with this situation previously and got clearance, or more commonly will telephone the appropriate (customer's not his own if they're in different jurisdictions) FLO before making the sale. This of course means they send customers away on Saturdays or if the shop is full and the sales assistants are all tied up, they won't do an immediate sale/transfer on weekdays.

[Gazza]

On your ticket it says "calibre" which in this case is 7.62/308. It does not mention case length.
That's my argument when buying anyway
If you put a case length eg:54R when you asked for the relevant slot and its put on your ticket then you have limited yourself further for buying.
Ambiguity is king in these situations so also ask for .22RF instead of .22LR

[7792]

South Yorks FLO is very likely take a different view given the already mentioned differences in local licensing interpretations!

Well I don’t live in SYP area so throw that into the mix!

A 1-1 variation is hardly an issue, was more a curiosity is all. As mentioned above, 7.62 is the calibre - nowhere has case length been specified so surely if it’s a match there should be no issue?! Lucky we have a unified and easy to navigate firearms licensing system.

[7792]

Ambiguity is king in these situations so also ask for .22RF instead of .22LR

Cant remember what I asked for but the FEO put .22RF on mine!

[snayperskaya]

This comes up quite regularly!

It has been my experience that I have needed 7.62x39 or 7.62x54r listed on my FAC in order to buy rifles and ammunition in these chamberings, the one time I tried to buy a Mosin to fill a 7.62/.308 slot I was told I couldn't and would need a variation for "7.62x54r".To be honest ever since then I've never been bothered about listing the actual chambering when putting in for a variation or whatever as I've always had a pretty good idea of what I want to buy.

I was told by my FLD that "7.62/.308" is "usually" interpreted as being 7.62x51 NATO and/or its commercial .308 Winchester variant, although "7.62" listed on its own would be ok.

I know of a number of dealers that won't sell a 7.62x39 or 7.62x54r rifle or ammunition to someone that only has"7.62/.308 listed on their FAC, but as others have said they haven't had a problem and it depends on how other RFD's/Firearms Departments interpret things.

Below is a line from a well known dealers website regarding 7.62x54r Mosins........

*** Note: The correct Variation for a Mosin Nagant is "7.62" or "7.62x54". A Variation for a "7.62/308" is Not Valid For a Mosin Nagant ***