How early to send renewal?

[lasbrisas]

When you get your renewal letter there is a note in there stating that you can send them a photocopy so you can keep the original for ammo etc as it still has time to run, I have just had mine back which was due to run out on the 23rd of this month, I sent the form around the beginning of June. I am in Surrey and the photocopy was fine for them. I am a target shooter and there was a new form asking how many times I have shot each rifle which my club secretary had to verify and sign.

[Blackstuff]

Just send in a 201 mate and advise them of the deadline and that you'll take in, post or destroy your current cert on grant or receipt of the new one.

/\/\/\/\/\/\ This!

Send it 12 weeks beforehand. 6-8 weeks is the minimum to be considered 'in good time' where they are then obliged to issue a Section 7 if they're going to miss the deadline. Any later than that and they think they're justified in telling you to put them in with an RFD for not giving them enough time

[tisme]

I put mine in on the 19 march my FAC ran out 4th August. I asked for a section 7 on the 4th and got my new FAC on the 5th. Kent are a long way behind in renewals, I know others that are shooting without their renewal being done as thats what their FEO has told them to do. My FEO also told me to not worry about it and just carry on but I'm sure that's illegal hence my calls. They are doing their best but are very understaffed

[Robert303]

I am shooting on a Permit as Police Scotland are way behind. If variations / ammo blocks are not used I always found it was easy enough to get round in a covering letter. What I do find stange is people asking questions like this on forums BEFORE asking the relevant police force, who are the only people who can give an accurate answer. OK if they come up with stuff that appears 'odd' or more restrictive than before by all means ask around on thr forums as to what happens elsewhere etc.

[TattooedGun]

I am shooting on a Permit as Police Scotland are way behind. If variations / ammo blocks are not used I always found it was easy enough to get round in a covering letter. What I do find stange is people asking questions like this on forums BEFORE asking the relevant police force, who are the only people who can give an accurate answer. OK if they come up with stuff that appears 'odd' or more restrictive than before by all means ask around on thr forums as to what happens elsewhere etc.

The force is overwhelmingly behind in many places. I'd rather ask the consensus of you guys before picking up the phone to my force and sidetracking them from getting through the ever-growing mound of renewals/applications...

It's not that strange, really.

[Racalman]

I know others that are shooting without their renewal being done as thats what their FEO has told them to do. My FEO also told me to not worry about it and just carry on but I'm sure that's illegal hence my calls. They are doing their best but are very understaffed

Never do that unless you want to risk some jail time. The law is absolute in this respect and no-one can advise you otherwise. Get a Sec 7 permit or put them in RFD storage. Then complain to your Chief Constable, Police Commissioner and MP.

[HALODIN]

Whilst I accept there is some risk to this, surely the police won't prosecute you if you've followed the advice from your FEO/licencing department? The law gravitates around the word "reasonable" and I believe taking advice from your FEO would qualify as reasonable. Has anyone ever been prosecuted for this?

[Robert303]

The word Reasonable means different things to different people at diffrent times. Unless you had something in WRITING or WITNESSED you are out on a limb. What happens if the Local Firearms Licensing Manager gets suspended as has just happened in one force area. racalman @12:20 is quite right. You MUSThave a permit.

TattooedGun OK I see your point but would suggest a quick e mail to them. It worked for me in Scotland.

What we all should be doing, and won't, is be writing to our MPs pointing out that we have just had an increase in 'Fees' and a fall in Service.
If you live in Scotland ask how they can even think about bringing in licensing for airguns.t

[Gaz]

Whilst I accept there is some risk to this, surely the police won't prosecute you if you've followed the advice from your FEO/licencing department? The law gravitates around the word "reasonable" and I believe taking advice from your FEO would qualify as reasonable. Has anyone ever been prosecuted for this?

People have been prosecuted for illegal possession - a strict liability offence, iirc - in exactly those circumstances. You become low-hanging fruit for the unscrupulous if you put yourself in jeopardy on the verbal advice of a police employee. Don't do it.

[HALODIN]

Thanks.

People have been prosecuted for illegal possession - a strict liability offence, iirc - in exactly those circumstances. You become low-hanging fruit for the unscrupulous if you put yourself in jeopardy on the verbal advice of a police employee. Don't do it.