Perplexing situation with two FAC's...

[Jenks]

Sim G,

It was discussed with the FEO at the home visit and I was assured it wouldn't be an issue.

I open the envelope this morning and I find to my disbelief that the authority has been revoked on the new FAC.

How can one explain that?

The "old" certificate is still valid until it expires on the 05/03/2011 and the new certificate is valid from the 06/03/2011.

It wouldn't be an offence if I purchased a 6.5mm rifle with my "old" but current certificate but I'm sure it wouldn't make me very popular.

Lapau338..

The "old" certificate is still valid until it expires on the 05/03/2011

I would just check that the conditions that become valid on 06/03/2011. Do not in fact replace the existing conditions with immediate effect. (a quick phone call should clarify that. Then
no it would not be an offence. You want it. You are authorised to acquire it . Stop messing about and go and buy it. Assuming you are squeaky clean why should you care about your popularity with local Firearm department . You pay their wages, they are there to serve YOU!. I had a problem relating to the issue of a FAC renewal. An e-mail to MY! chief constable CC to the Home Office. Resulted in a phone call within the hour from the local Firearms Dept. After dragging on for weeks, the matter was resolved to my complete satisfaction within 48 working hours.


Jenks

[alan108]

The way I see it is,you have the permission on your existing FAC,so buy the rifle and send your "old "certificate in with the rifle details on it for a "new" certificate.That's what i'd do.

Alan :)

[lapua338]

Thanks for your opinions and advice guys.

I'm relatively squeaky clean (apart from a traffic offence for speeding in January 2009) and yes, we do pay their salaries. They're public servants after all, much like myself. I'll contact them and see what they have to say for themselves and perhaps an email to the NRA Firearms Liaison Officer would be advantageous too. What offended me the most was the implication that I might make an acquisition "in circumstances very different from those originally envisaged". What does that statement actually mean? What do they think I'm going to do? Buy a rifle with the intention to committ a crime? Hold up a building society or something? That is very offensive! I had Good Reason to acquire (for target shooting) previously so I don't see how my circumstances have changed.

What's funny is that they also authorised a 1-for-1 variation (7.5mm to 0.308/7.62mm) and increased the amount of ammunition I can purchase at any one time but removed the authority for the 6.5mm!

Ovenpaa,

I'd been waiting for "the" ideal Swedish Mauser, which are not easy to find. They mentioned a "lack of use should be taken as indicating prima facie the lack of such an intention". Of course I haven't used it because I've got to purchase one first! I didn't think there was an expiry date for authorities?

Anyway, I feel like buying anything in 6.5mm just out of spite!

[IainWR]

L338

Please send the story to the NRA. I have no idea if we can do anything about it, but if nobody tells us that licensing authorities are buggering people around for no good reason, we definitely can't do anything about it.

Oh and if you aren't a member, join now, we might just be able to help the next time you have a problem.


Iain

[Robin128]

From the anecdotes I've heard over the years, there appears to be stock practice in many forces to delete any unfilled slots on renewal...it may just be the girls in the office just applying their usual practice...go on...give them a ring and be nice...it always works for me with South Wales Police.

:)