Expired FAC, "it'll be fine, go shoot" say police

[Maggot]

The problem Gaz is that as I said, many forces wont issue a Sec 7 because it looks bad on their stats.

Its just an FAC by another name.

What they need is some sort of cert in lieu ONO, or to standardise and trim it down. There is not too much wrong with the act, it just needs applying sensibly as advertised, and we need to be covered and protected by it as well as potentially punished by it. Just something to say "Right young shooter me lad...or lass....you's an allright bloke...or lass....that has not given us any worries, you shoot a lot, your club secs etc are happy, carry on quietly enjoying your shooting (I tend to do it noisilly but it takes all sorts) until we can get the boss to sign this thing with his unicorn blood"

Jesus, if we can let crims out on bail surely we can cut law abiding shooters some slack (and the licensing authorities as they dont half need it)!!

For the licensing authority this is a paperwork exercise by and large (other than the FEOs who may have to go and do various inspections) and these exercises, like it or not, take time.

If you get some slippage (one member of staff gets leprosy or buggers off on maternity leave) it throws the rest out.

Now, it makes no difference to them, they just get it done when they can. There may be some overtime in it, but by and large round and round goes the bloody great wheel.

Meanwhile.....IF the letter of the law is followed, your FAC expires. You have called them, you have made it clear that you are worried but they say

"Dont worry, we are running a few years (?) late, as Mr Zebra, alphabetically your are at the bottom of the heap and I am afraid the lady that deals with X-Z is clinically insane so we have had to grab a PCSO off of the lesbian and gay working group to cover, it will take another year or two"

....who's fault is that?

My advice for what it is worth is the minute anything goes slightly whiffy, get it in writing and start documenting a time line, phone calls, ask for the names/collar numbers of who you are talking to but be polite.

I find talking to my licensing office well in advance and asking what suits them best or what's the best way to proceed works wonders.

[Maggot]

Does anyone know why the Firearms Licensing are so reluctant to issue a Section 7, is it because it is a part measure of their operational efficiency?

It was explained to me Dave that it still needs more or less the same input as an FAC and to go before the CC, and it should never really need to be done if the original was dealt with in a timely manner so yes, its a bit of both.

[Blackstuff]

'Face value' isn't worth much in court though is it

I disagree

It has the potential to be worth the mandatory 5-years per offence.

Only if you own some very tasty stuff. Max sentence for simple possession of anything non-prohibited/S5 is 6 months

[channel12]

I've held FAC since 1985 and at no time when out and about with my firearms has there been any occasion when a police officer asked me for my FAC. However your experiences may be different. I have been stopped driving at night for various spurious reasons eg document check etc and nobody said "are you carrying your firearms because the PNC shows you have a FAC".
I always carry my FAC with my firearms and if the FAC is in for renewal or a variation a photocopy.

[BritBloke]

TVP Renewal. Now at day 60 (working days!) no sign of renewal despite having had my visit a fortnight ago. Seriously, how is it that a bog standard renewal can take so long?

[Blackstuff]

TVP Renewal. Now at day 60 (working days!) no sign of renewal despite having had my visit a fortnight ago. Seriously, how is it that a bog standard renewal can take so long?

Same work load - budget (=likely less staff) + introduction of new guidance + introduction of new forms/method of working + introduction of eCommerce = delay.

[fra150l]

Hampshire

Variation to add 38 special already had 357 (I should have thought to add/include in first place so my fault)

Posted 30th March. Phone call 3 days later from them checking item/details on form.
Received back 8th May.....

[ukrifleman]

My coterminous (and black powder) permits run out in early August and I had my reminder and forms 201 and ER 4b through the post last week.

Everything is filled in and ready with photos etc. and I am waiting for my FEO to contact me re-a visit.

If it looks like my tickets will expire before the new ones are issued, I will certainly be requesting a `cover note` to tide me over.

ukrifleman.

[meles meles]

cc your covering letter to Mr Plod to your local MP and regional BASC representative. It seems to get things done rather quickly.