The FAC wait continues

[phaedra1106]

Just got in and found some late post, SGC is back (dated the 18th) but not my FAC, hopefully it's on the way!.

[IainWR]

Unfortunately our police area’s rapid turnaround of FAC applications/variations can only go downhill from here on in. The reason being is that our entire firearms licensing department is staffed by civilians and our illustrious and very new police commissioner Mr. Christopher Salmon has pledged cut bureaucracy as his first priority and how is he going to do that I hear you ask?

At a stroke of his mighty pen he has stopped ALL civilian recruitment!!!!!!


Dave tesnews

You could point out to him that he has a majority of under 1000 and there are 19000 FACs and SGCs on issue in Dyfed-Powys. Only 16% of the population voted, so there should be about 16000 Certificate holders who didn't vote this time round. That's a lot of work for him, a single-interest group to be motivated over something they care deeply about for us. Is he going to be so successful as to turn out another 15000 supporters from elsewhere than the FAC holders in 2016?

[David-mauser]

Dyfed-Powys Carmarthen FAL dept. still lightning fast! I phoned my FEO on the 27th February (he lives 45 miles away in the next county) and told him that I’d fitted another gun safe and would like some more firearms please , “OK says he, I have a free slot tomorrow I’ll pop around and have a look” . Sure enough he comes the next day bringing a variation form with him, he checks the numbers on my 6 firearms and checks out the cabinet and says I have now have secure storage for 13 firearms which means I can have 7 more clapclap , what do I want? I told him what I’d like, he agreed , I filled out the form, he took it and my FAC away with him and today I got an email to say my new FAC is ready to collect!

Thats less than 4 working days and all for 26 quid! :shakeshout:

[phaedra1106]

7 weeks tomorrow and still not got my FAC back from change of address and a variation request.

Firearms manager rang me about 2 weeks ago and while there's no problem with adding the second S.1 shotgun or .45 muzzle loading pistol I asked for there's a problem with having solid slug (which I already have on it from last year!). She's not happy that I'm not a member of the UKPSA or that the club I shoot with isn't affiliated to it, the conditions they (Durham Firearms) added to my FAC last year simply say,

The 12 bore Shot Gun SMOOTH-BORE GUN/SOLID SLUG shall be used for practical target shooting:-
a. on ranges suitable for the safe use of that class of firearm and with adequate financial arrangements in place to meet
any injury or damage claim, or:
b. over a course of fire approved by a qualified member of the UKPSA on land over which the holder has lawful
authority to shoot.

As the members who run the PSG section of the club and set out the course of fire are UKPSA members this shouldn't be a problem and certainly wasn't a problem when I applied for (and was granted) the first S.1 shotgun and solid slug last year.

As it stands I'm now almost 2 months without a certificate, I can't sell my .223, can't buy stock of .22rf ammunition or buy the muzzle loading pistol.

[dodgyrog]

Renewing my RFD with Durham - they are estimating 90 days. What on Earth could take that long!!!

[phaedra1106]

Getting sacked for gross incompetence over the Horden shootings and then having no firearms staff left ???

[dodgyrog]

I was always taught to put 80% of your effort to the 20% of worst problems that you have.
Why have a complex system that is work intensive for those who have never been a problem and are highly unlikely to ever be a problem?
I recognise Durham have their problems but one must wonder why they have them when other forces seem to be much more efficient.
The new PCC is of no use either as he is undoubtedly likely to make the situation worse. He is an ex Deputy Chief Constable who reckons he knows it all!

[dave_303]

It's no better in Avon & Somerset. 1for1s can take up to 3 months, with a month minimum,'my Dad's last variation took 7 months and renewals are taking around the 6 month mark

[Dahonis]

Hi,

The whole system nationwide is a complete shambles. We are paying for a service, it's not free.

If it was a high street store it would simply close down !

Leaving people without certificates is just plain wrong and as we all know contravenes the firearms act.

I do feel sorry for the people who work in such departments as cut backs are forever looming, but that's not our fault.

It's not a free service

Regards

Chris

[Sim G]

And you really think 26 quid covers the "service"?

During the firearms consultation a few years back, ACPO's submission included that Chief Constables would love to get rid of it because of cost. Likewise, it was touted a couple of years ago that fees were being looked at and if memory serves, the numbers being bandied around were frightening...... 4 to 500 for grant and renewal, 100 pounds for variations.....

It's a monumental pain in the 'arris the whole FAC system, however, be careful what you wish for.