A Salutory Tale and Warning

[walesdave]

Can't believe the "bend over and take you punishment" attitude of some members of our united shooting community .

I've not had a drink in almost 10 years (nope, not a mormon ) but wouldn't say exceeding what is a suggested daily intake of alcohol based on health reasons not on "unable to maintain self-control reasons" is any cause to refuse or revoke an FAC / SGC.

Would the high-horse riding members of our united shooting front say it's ok then if an applicant doesn't touch a drop Sunday to Friday, but then necks 7 or 8 pints in one Saturday session?
Staying under the weekly limit, but f^%ked out of your face once a week = sensible applicant who's welcome to come and join me in my ivory tower anyday.

I really hate people who think they are better than others when it comes to shooting; obviously if a person has a serious alcohol problem and continues to drink then they should be investigated as a safety risk but this new system looks like another case of the "I'm ok, so screw everyone who isn't" mentality which I find all too often on various ranges and in certain gun shops. Bet some of the posters here feel all pre-ban handgun shooters and 'black gun' lovers should all be investigated by their GPs for homicidal tendancies!

/Rant over

[Christel]

Firearms licensing are applying a risk assessment approach now to managing renewals and variations which means that they are totally risk averse and the slightest cause for doubt will end in refusal without further investigation as to the proportionality of any perceived risk.



Firearms licensing want to reduce the number of certificate holders and the number of firearms held, there are many GPs who see no reason for public ownership of firearms, this combined with national organisations who use our membership fees on anal lubricant so they can get regularly shafted on our behalf cannot bode well for shooters and gun owners.

This goes hand in hand, too many people do not object/appeal.

[Christel]

This is all getting very pedantic.....

I do not think it is, it is very important that we as shooters know where we stand, who is in charge, who can make the decisions and where we can go for help if we do not agree with a decision.

So the more we debate and exchange views the better.

[Christel]

And could YOU afford to go through the appeal process without the financial backing (and knowledge) of an umbrella organisation like BASC? "See you in court" is quite the smug attitude of many authorities knowing full well that many first time applicants will go "oh bugger it! it's not worth the hassle"

Which is why it is so important that a FAC/SGC application goes hand in hand with a membership of an organisation like BASC.

[dromia]

How ever these organisations are pretty selective on the type and number of cases they will support so even with membership there is no guarantee that they will pursue your appeal with you.

They have agreed and gone along with this recent rash of changes designed to reduce the number of FAC holders and the number of firearms held. If they had being doing their job all along then we wouldn't be in this mess. None of these bodies are fit for purpose and to rely on them to save gun ownership and shooting is folly.

[phaedra1106]

They have agreed and gone along with this recent rash of changes designed to reduce the number of FAC holders and the number of firearms held. If they had being doing their job all along then we wouldn't be in this mess. None of these bodies are fit for purpose and to rely on them to save gun ownership and shooting is folly.

Absolutely correct

[Sim G]

Of course, it can work the other way as well. The police can't afford court cases neither, so call their bluff and represent yourself. It's actually quite easily done. A friend did exactly that, not on a firearms related case, but he represented himself and actually won. It even seemed at one stage, because of the way he presented himself and his case, the County Court judge was almost "representing" my friend at one point!

And ultimately, the situation is really quite simple. Make yourself aware of legislation and guidance and challenge dodgy decisions by firearms dept. Some of the stuff circulating our club at the minute because of one FEO is incredible!

[Chuck]

Sim g - good post. Court is NOT as difficult as it may seem.

I wonder if CAB would represent anyone??? Just joking....

Some Judges/ Sheriffs DO take a view on those who represent themselves as being worthy of some sympathy and help because they are not clued up in court speak. They also do NOT like their time being wasted on cases they feel are superfluous or vindictive.

[channel12]

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style ... 70121.html

GP's workloads hit unsustainable levels.
Reception "I've a feo enquiry about Mr A"

GP "Check his notes, if there's nothing sent the usual letter and put a marker on the file" OR

GP "I'm not that busy I will interview this one although there's nothing in their notes to indicate alcoholism and I get regular feo letters about some my patients since 200"

[Maggot]

When I was having problems with my application I was advised to say exactly that...see you in court.

I did not quite say it like that, but I suggested that if I was not fit to hold a firearm then I was not fit to work with vulnerable people or be SC vetted and best the medically suspend/retire me on full pension and I did say I would appeal/complain.

Most of these departments will only go to court if they KNOW they will win, budgets etc see to that.

I got my FAC and have had no further issues....funny that.

(All I said is that I had to see an occupational therapist after being put on beta blockers during a rough time at work, she concluded I was fine, just shagged out and had already taken the steps she was going to suggest....they turned it into stress...I never mentioned stress....funny that).

I cant see the issue with sensible drinking, its the old gun/knife/car thing again.

Spookilly, I think I am correct in saying that GPs are amongst the biggest group of drinkers in the UK. It certainly seems to start early with med students