Variations

[Primer]

Looking at getting an Armscor nitro muzzle loading revolver and 2 additional cylinders from Alan Westlake, so need to put in for a variation of my FAC and i've not done this before, whats needed?

I've downloaded the FAC application form but not really much info on that apart from it saying referee's are not required for a variation but it does mention about sending in photo's, are they really needed as only had my FAC granted in October this year?

Now not sure if i should give up one of my current slots, say .357 lbr or apply for new slot as i guess i will have to apply for new slot/s for the 2 extra cylinders i may get with the pistol and if so should i also stick in for another .22 and maybe .223 as my current 2 slots for .22 are already full?

Is it like a new full application, do they do a visit etc?
Do i need to list all the calibres that are currently listed on my FAC or just the ones that are filled and the extra's i require?

It also states to send in my FAC with the application, that doesn't sound right to me as then i can't buy ammo, new guns that i have slots for and are you not supposed to carry your FAC with you whenever you have your guns out?

Thanks in advance

Simon

[Sandgroper]

You are are basically filling out the form again, but you don't need references or photos.

To get what you are asking for you'd have to give up 3 slots (ML Pistol + extra cylindersx2), so your best bet would be to pay for extra slots to be added - £26, I think. Plus, if your paying for the variation you might as well go to town and ask for as much as possible!

[saddler]

I've downloaded the FAC application form but not really much info on that apart from it saying referee's are not required for a variation but it does mention about sending in photo's, are they really needed as only had my FAC granted in October this year?

NO photos needed

Is it like a new full application, do they do a visit etc?

Yes - they visit.

Do i need to list all the calibres that are currently listed on my FAC or just the ones that are filled and the extra's i require?

I'd list them all to be sure

It also states to send in my FAC with the application, that doesn't sound right to me as then i can't buy ammo, new guns that i have slots for and are you not supposed to carry your FAC with you whenever you have your guns out?

Send in a full colour photo-copy or scan...My variation was sent in in March, hoping to get it back maybe January...or February....or March??
IF I'd sent my original FAC in I'd have been shouting "bang" months ago as I'd have been out of ammunition

[LeighC]

You do not need to send photos, but you will need to send in the original of your FAC, just make sure you have all the ammo you need for now! You must list all of the extra slots that you wish to have, as well as any existing empty slots that you wish to retain. If you don't list the empty ones, they will be deleted on a 'one for one' basis. You must also list all of the firearms that you currently own as per your existing FAC. In my area, they will not visit for a variation, unless they suspect that you are about to exceed your storage capacity as inspected at the last visit. Variations tend to be a lot quicker than your first grant, my FEO will often do them literally while you wait, I've never waited more than 72 hours to get my amended FAC back through the post, even with 2nd class postage on it.

There is no requirement in law for you to carry your FAC when you have your guns out with you, but it is advisable as the Police can confiscate any guns (albeit temporarily) if you cannot immediately prove lawful possession.

[Primer]

Variations tend to be a lot quicker than your first grant, my FEO will often do them literally while you wait, I've never waited more than 72 hours to get my amended FAC back through the post, even with 2nd class postage on it.

If only we all had such a competent firearms dept as Wiltshire, unfortunately across the border in Avon & Somerset they are much slower, my FAC grant took 16 weeks but i had to push to get it that quick and only due to my coterminous SGC expired, so i wouldnt anticipate a quick turnaround, you only have to look at Saddler above who is still waiting since March.

I wonder whether it would be easier just to give up 3 of my slots now LBP, LBR & underlever or give up 1 and not get the extra cylinders at the moment and wait a year till i have filled my other slots, would it be easier and quicker and be free to do the one for one? maybe by then the firearms dept may of caught up with their backlog.

[LeighC]

One for one variations are free of charge. I would check that you need to give up all your slots as I would be very surprised if spare cylinders require separate slots. The cylinders will probably not have serial numbers and, therefore, are probably not, in themselves, restricted. I don't profess to be an expert in the subject, so stand to be corrected by someone more knowledgeable.

As a member of a Bristol based club, I am well aware of A&S's (over)zealous behaviour in all matters FAC related, some of the conditions placed on some of my fellow members are nothing short of draconian and are certainly not in line with HO guidelines.

Just to rub salt into the wounds, my first FAC took 3 weeks to complete and that included a week's delay as myself and my FEO were on holiday )

[Charlotte the flyer]

There are various programs available that allow you to fill the 101 form in electronically and save it again in pdf format. This makes applying for variations really easy as you don't have to hand write it out each time (good if you hardly write anymore like me).

Last count Staffs were turning variations around in a week (before the PCC elections).

Do spare cylinders get signed off OK or are eyebrows raised?

[M99]

Spare cylinders for these conversions are required to be entered on your FAC (Therefore take up a slot) some forces are following the Home Office guidance to the letter and will NOT give you a slot for a spare cylinder - some forces are more realistic and are giving out one or at the most 2 extra slots for cylinders.

[bobbob]

Always make sure you keep a copy of your original certificate and check everything is back on it. Also check everything new that you are asking for is on there. They do make mistakes.

[meles meles]

Mr Plod? Error prone ? Imperfect ?

Wash your mouth out with carbolic soap...


*CHUCKLES*