Wiltshire Firearms Department

[Jenks]

Following my recent move from Hampshire to Wiltshire. Yesterday I had a visit from one of their Fire Arm Enquiry Officers to check my security arraignments, and that the firearms in my possession tallied with those recorded on my FAC and shotgun Certificates. Having held firearms for upward of thirty years, it occurred to me that I had only ever dealt with Hampshire Constabulary . Over the years I have had a pretty mixed service. Some very good and some bad. On one occasion after several weeks of holding my firearm illegally (FAC expired) in spite of numerous polite telephone conversations including one with the head of department I was still without, and holding firearms illegally. In desperation I sent an e-mail to Hampshires Chief Constable. Within one hour of sending my e-mail I received a call from the head of department (firearms) assuring me that my FAC would be with me within seven days……. It WAS! Back to yesterdays visit. The Visiting Officer arrived bang on time. It was a Lady officer…. A young, lady officer… An attractive, young, lady officer. She asked all the right questions did what she had to do in a very pleasant manner, and went away satisfied that I had the firearms detailed on my certificate, and that my security arraignments met the requirement for safe keeping. Prior to moving I asked one of our club officials what he knew of Wiltshires firearms department. He said he had heard that they were very good. From my experience yesterday, It certainly bodes well.

Jenks

[Mr_Logic]

Just don't ever be suspected of anything. Your firearms will disappear irrespective; they have a 'policy' which is , er, illegal - the Acts are clear that cases must be dealt with on individual merit.

But apart from that sure they're great!

[the running man]

Being in the force adjacent to you we have a lot of members who are with Wiltshire, rumor has it that 2 3rd of the dept left after Hungerford, the upside being they became the model for other forces firearms dept, although the fact system was dirrefent back then no real blame was ever attached to Wiltshire dept but none the less something happens becase I hear that even now they are not slackers.......so jenks take away from that what you will.....

[Jenks]

Just don't ever be suspected of anything. Your firearms will disappear irrespective; they have a 'policy' which is , er, illegal - the Acts are clear that cases must be dealt with on individual merit.

But apart from that sure they're great!

Mr Logic..

Just don't ever be suspected of anything. Your firearms will disappear irrespective; they have a 'policy' which is , er, illegal

Are you saying that this a policy enforced more rigorously by Wiltshire Fire Arms Department than other counties? Just asking because of course, I have never been suspected of acting illegally...

Jenks

[raybrown53]

What can I say about Wilts Firearms Dept.

Initial grant from visit to it landing on my door step about 2 weeks.

1st Variation posted on a Monday received FAC back on the Wednesday

2nd Variation posted on a Friday received FAC back the following Wednesday

Its not unknown to go into the office in Devizes drop the variation off in the morning and go back in after lunch and pick up you new FAC.

My FEO Alan is always helpful and always an email or phone call away. If I can't get hold of Alan I can always get hold of someone in the office if I have a question.

From what I have heard of the force just a few miles to the north of me they are not so good and the Force to the West of me are even worse so I am led to believe.

So all I can say is thank goodness I am lucky enough to live in Wiltshire.

[Jenks]

Ray Brown..

Thanks for reinforcing this new' Moonrakers' belief /hope that Wiltshire Fire Arms Department is among the best

Its not unknown to go into the office in Devizes drop the variation off in the morning and go back in after lunch and pick up you new FAC.

I asked the FEO who visited me yesterday how long a one for one variation would take. She said that if I rang in with my request prior to visiting It could be dealt with at the desk upon my arrival. How good is that.


Jenks

PS What is the situation regarding the Tunnel range in Devizes. Can the public use it?

[Individual]

I have never been suspected of acting illegally...

Jenks

Apart from your recent public admission to illegal possession if a firearm that is....

[Jenks]

................... Very Good clapclap clapclap

The cops made me do it 'Honest Injun'


Jenks

[raybrown53]

I have never shot at the Tunnel in Devizes.

If it is open to non members on a walk in and pay a fee basis then I may well take a drive along to Devizes sometime.

Any forum members local to Devizes able to enlighten us as to the state of play concerning use of the tunnel in Devizes?

[CDM5]

The Tunnel always seems to be closed when I'm in Devizes. I met them at the shooting show and will be enquiring about membership since they shoot practical mini rifle comps.