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All the replies are very interesting. Thank you.

Please do update this thread when there is a decision for an application.

My collecting condition also allows me to shoot those in my collection.

I am allowed top collect and hold amour piercing and expanding however my FAC states it is not to be used and is to be held only. I would be interested to hear which Police Forces allow a 'collection' to be held and how it is phrased on the FAC as no doubt the Viking will need to justify her request to our licensing department along with examples.

My condition reads;

"A firearm or ammunition identified by an asterisk in Part 1 or Part 2 of the certificate must be possessed, purchased or acquired by the holder of the certificate only for the purpose of it being kept or exhibited as part of a collection.

[caliber and serial numbers of all firearms held in the collection then listed] and ammunition for them may be used for target shooting on ranges suitable for the safe use of that class of firearm and with adequate financial arrangements in place to meet any injury or damage claim."

With regards to the ammunition for the "collection", I'm limited to 200 rounds per caliber, where as the target/sporting guns on my certificate are limited to the usual 2k rounds per caliber.

Firearms depts are usually quite open to the "collecting" for good reason, but you really have to satisfy that good reason and just "collecting guns" wouldn't satisfy it. I know a bloke who tried the "collect modern military replicas in .22 rimfire" who was given short shrift. Where as mine began with several Marlin lever guns on ticket already, a fairly comprehensive library on America Western history and gunmakers of the time, a couple of s58 Marlins and a hat! In short, I could comfortably show my particular interest in Marlin rifles.

Variations for the collection are so much easier than "ordinary" variations. I have never had a collection variation refused since being granted the condition. But it's all in the preparation and presentation of the "good reason" and mine will be completely different to yours...

Odd Job wrote:I have just applied for 10 moderators for research purposes, I will let you know what happens.

If it's anything like the Sam7 and Katyusha I put a variation in for, then good luck with that!

Les wrote:

Odd Job wrote:I have just applied for 10 moderators for research purposes, I will let you know what happens.

If it's anything like the Sam7 and Katyusha I put a variation in for, then good luck with that!

Ahhh.....the unmistakable wailing of a Katyusha brings a tear to the eye Tovarisch

When I apply for a variation, for historic rifles I always state that it is for a collection of infantry rifles from 1850-1950, not official condition nor restriction to ammunition limit (600 per cal) but not been refused one yet.

The problem with that is if the reason to possess is for target shooting on your certificate then there will come a point when it will be deemed impracticable for all of them to be used for target shooting.

Do you just say it is as part of a collection or do you also say they are for target shooting on approved ranges etc. etc.

Just because you say it is part of a collection does not mean that plod accept that, especially if there is no collecting condition on your FAC.

Fair point Dromia

I also stated in variations that they would be used for target shooting as well as being part of a collection.

I hope Avon & Somerset are being reasonable about it, I've been very clear since the day that I got my FAC that for me collecting and target shooting ran parallel to each other and this far they have been understanding of this and I haven't taken the mick either

If there is no collecting condition on your FAC then as far as plod is concerned they are only recognising the target shooting reason. It is far easier for them to do it that way than do go down the collecting condition route which would require them to evidence that you are a genuine collector to have that condition on your FAC.