Q2 - FAC slots

[shugie]

I've got a moderator 'slot' on my licence for my .357, but I doubt I will ever use it, the Rossi has a clamp towards the muzzle, and the magazine tube would need shortening.

How does it compare, in terms of difficulty, to varying that for another rifle, I'm minded to get a .303, as opposed to applying for a variation to add the rifle? I was told that it was beneficial to apply for licence 'slots' for later use.

But I don't really understand how this works.

Also, are you expected to have the physical licence in your possession when you are transporting a gun, or do the police just check on their computer if they happen to stop you?

[TattooedGun]

ALWAYS have your lisence (not a copy) on you when you have your guns...

[Blackstuff]

One slot should not hold more weight that another, i.e. a moderator isn't 'worth' less on a certifacte than a rifle, therefore providing you have the 'good reason' to aquire the additional rifle you should not have a problem. I have heard of some FLD's trying to 'negotiate' 2 slots for things like mods/barrels/receivers etc for 1 extra firearm but there is nothing in the 2002 Firearms Guidance to back this up so it would be just an FEO/FLM trying their luck. emrolleyes

While it isn't an offence not to have your certificate (remember they are certificates, not licenses), on your person while you are in possession of your guns, it IS an offence to be in such a condition if an officer demands to see your certificate (Section 48 of the 1968 Firearms Act Section 4).

However, because of a recent event which happened while i was RCO'ing at a range and a few members were not able to produce their certifactes for the police, i contacted BASC about it and they said that they have no record of anyone ever being prosecuted for this offence alone. 99/100 the officer would simply check the PNC which should give them the required information. The officer is fully within their rights however, to confiscate your guns if you cannot produce your ORIGINAL certificate, but this rarely happens, providing you co-operate with them. If this were to happen be aware that your guns will be transported to the nearest suitable police station to where you were at the time of the confiscation, and you wouldn't be able to collect them until you produced your original FAC/SGC. Might not be an issue if you're on your way to your local clay shoot, might be not be so much fun if you're at the other end of the country though . . . .

As TG says, its safest to always carry your original certificate(s) if you have a gun with you, it'll only save you hassle.

[saddler]

To add to what Mark posted above....

ANOTHER good reason to have your FAC on you when shooting is you never know who else will be at the shoot; you could get chatting, they mention they've got a rifle with them that they're trying to sell, etc... as long as your free slots match the goods they have you might get a bit more leverage in haggling terms as the seller knows that you can take the item of him there & then!

PLUS

As happens sometimes, you can also buy any ammo that the shoot you are at may have on offer, you need the FAC with you if buying primers, etc.

[Steve]

Theres nothing written in stone saying you need your FAC when transporting guns,but for the sake of a moment to pick it up i always carry mine.I keep all my certs in a sealable plastic envelope from Tescos which saves them all getting dog-eared and torn.Apparently,if the Police run your details through their computer it will tell them you're a gun owner,but wont tell them what guns you actually own.

The only exception is if you are carrying loose blackpowder-you are required to have your explosives cert on you.

Unfilled mod slot wise.Yes they will do a 'one for one' and swap it for a firearm of your choice.

[Blackstuff]

Apparently,if the Police run your details through their computer it will tell them you're a gun owner,but wont tell them what guns you actually own.

I have it on good authority (a Police Inspector who is a keen shooter) that ALL details held on the National Firearms Licensing Management System (the computer system used by FLD's) are now also held on the PNC. All details of including makes/model, serial numbers, conditions of use, ammo limits etc etc are now accessible to all police officers and those civilians authroised to access the PNC . . . .

[shugie]

Apparently,if the Police run your details through their computer it will tell them you're a gun owner,but wont tell them what guns you actually own.

I have it on good authority (a Police Inspector who is a keen shooter) that ALL details held on the National Firearms Licensing Management System (the computer system used by FLD's) are now also held on the PNC. All details of including makes/model, serial numbers, conditions of use, ammo limits etc etc are now accessible to all police officers and those civilians authroised to access the PNC . . . .

I think the chap who came to see me mentioned something about that, and it might be tied into vehicle records as well, so that police can tell if vehicle is registered to a FAC holder.

I think I shall go for the free variation to change my spare moderator slot for a .303, if they don't object, and once I've got a larger cabinet to put it in. The current one is proving too small for scoped rifles, they go in, but it's a fiddle and much care (and padding) is needed.