what's the minimum age for FAC

[Primer]

As the subject header says, what's the minimum age to apply for an FAC ?

I have a work colleague who's son has just started shooting at our club to get a heads start on practicing for his rifle proficiency certificate for the air cadets and he was asking me last night about ages, I had a look at the "firearms law 2002" and got totally confused as it seemed to mention 17, then 15 and then 14 with allsorts of differing situations that related to this act and that act and so on and didn't really give me a clear answer.

So please sign85

[ovenpaa]

IainWR is sure to have the answer, personally I have a feeling it is 14 however I am probably wrong. The other consideration is club membership as some set minimum ages and the MoD have some restrictions on age at different ranges.

[Dombo63]

Google result from Suffolk Constabulary:

Section 1 Firearms

Under 14 – May not be granted a firearm certificate.
Between 14 and 18 – may be granted a firearm certificate but may not purchase or hire a firearm or ammunition until they are 18. May borrow or be gifted a firearm and ammunition if they possess the appropriate certificate

MoD ranges limit is 15

[IainWR]

As Ovenpaa says, the limit is 14.

But (thank you for the compliment that I would know) I actually cannot find the specific point of law that says that you have to be over 14 to hold an FAC. There is a law that says that you cannot possess a firearm in any circumstance under age 14 unless you fall into one of the exemptions (S11(4) and 11(6) of the '68 Act and S15 of the '88 Act and a couple of others), which implies that a FAC may not be issued. But there is not, as far as I can see, a law that actually says that a person under 14 may not be issued with a Firearm Certificate. It is in the Guidance as a bald statement, but it is not referenced to a piece of legislation, which makes me suspicious.

Anyone want to press to test?

Iain
NRA Firearms Liaison

[BaconButty]

In a similar vein, what's the deal with children under 14 coming to a club and using someone else's rifle? (me taking my son there for example)

[Primer]

Thanks all, it's very confusing.

So I also see that between 14-17 you can't purchase a firearm or ammo but you can receive them as gifts, so would that also mean that the person purchasing said gifts of rifles and ammo would also need an FAC to purchase them? I ask this question as the friend in question doesn't shoot, so would he also need to join the club and apply for a license or does it mean it's ok for him to pay for said items from an RFD for his son?

[ovenpaa]

Interesting question, I am inclined to say yes, an FAC would be required with the correct permission to own a firearm and ammunition would be required in order to purchase so it could be gifted to the youngster. The person would also need good reason so club membership is almost a given as I doubt the local FEO would support an application otherwise.

The FEO would be best placed to answer this as it will be down to his interpretation.

[dave_303]

I received my FAC when I was 16, the deal with Avon & Somerset was that they had to be gifted, however, the only person who could gift them was my Dad. Luckily, then the purchase age was only 17, so I had a condition on my certificate which stated that this scenario would end on my 17th Birthday.

[IainWR]

In a similar vein, what's the deal with children under 14 coming to a club and using someone else's rifle? (me taking my son there for example)

There is no minimum age in law to join a Home Office Approved Club. Therefore S15 Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 can potentially apply at any age. S24(2)(b) Firearms Act 1968 says:

It is an offence ...(b)to part with the possession of any such firearm or ammunition to a person under that age (14), except in circumstances where that person is entitled under section 11(1), (3) or (4) of this Act or section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 to have possession thereof without holding a firearm certificate.

In other word the law explicitly acknowledges that S15 (which is what allows you to have a gun without a FAC as a club member) applies to under-14s.

Iain

[pe4king]

My boy started shooting with our club (on MOD ranges) at 11 he had a dispensation from the then commandant (now sadly retired) who was all for introducing new blood into the sport. the boy is now just coming up 14 he has rifles for his own use but they are legally mine and he obviously only uses them with me at the club.
At present I see no purpose for getting his own FAC until he is 18 and he can acquire his own rifles and ammunition.