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Still not got my FAC back (again) as Durham are taking over 2 weeks for a simple action type change (bolt action to single shot) for an existing empty slot, they insisted on the exact chambering and action type being specified for the original grant but couldn't find 300 Blackout so just put 300 calibre!.

They are insistent about having the exact calibre, chambering and action type listed.

Question is, am I correct that the Home Office requirement is only for the calibre and type plus intended use?.

That is I should have been able to ask for,

30cal Target Rifle for use at xxx club and suitable ranges

And not have to specify the exact chambering action type as they insist on,

300 Blackout single shot (break action) rifle

.308Win/7.62x51 Bolt Action Rifle

.44 magnum Lever Action Rifle

etc. etc.

Reason being is that (yet again) I wouldn't be without my FAC while they bugger about for no reason if they'd done it properly in the first place, ie. .30cal rifle with no chambering or action type and I'm seriously thinking of making a formal complaint given they took over 2-1/2 months last time they had it only to give me it back with the exact same solid slug conditions it had to start with, this is really wasting resources and inefficient management.

My FAC stipulates calibre as per my request some times generic like 6.5mm or 8mm and sometimes specific like 45-70 or 30-40. They are how I requested them at renewal last year.

Type simply states rifle or pistol again as requested at time of renewal. I could not specify action as I could have options at time of purchase depending on what comes along.

+1 calibre is calibre -- not cartridge designation .

dromia wrote:I could not specify action as I could have options at time of purchase depending on what comes along.

Which is exactly what I told Larraine (firearms manager) when she phoned me about it but she insisted on an action type being present so I chose bolt as that was the most likely (turned out not to be!).

I think they may have been reading the forum, just had a call, can I specify whether it's a break barrel or single shot? as they can only list one!!!, told them it's both and that HO guidance say only need to have 30cal rifle and it's them who are making things more complicated than they need to be, told them to just choose either break barrel of single shot and put whichever they are happy with on it.

EDIT

Just rang me again asking who I'm buying it off as they need to ask them some questions about it, so expect a phone call soon Adam!!!.

Durham have spoken with me and yes it is a requirement of that licensing authority that you stipulate the action required in addition to the HO guidance requirements.

If you don't know what action the rifle will be then put down any legal action and they will vary it if different for you at time of purchase.

I was also told that this will not generate extra work for them as the majority of rifles are bolt action any way.

I applied for a 300 Blackout, in my covering letter I explained that it was 7.62x35 and I got my ticket back from Surrey last week. No special fuss about specifying the action as well. I wasnt aware that its a requirement on the authority to purchase, but only that you specify the action when you do acquire.

But anyhoo my FAC now has authority to purchase a ".300 Rifle" ??

I rang the nice peeps at Surrey Firearms Licensing to clarify and they confirmed that it had to say that because 300 Blackout is not on flimsy. The kind lady said she would update my file so when I did buy one there wouldn't be an issue.

Forgot to say - although ".300 Rifle" isnt quite what I hoped for I got my ticket back in less that 2 weeks :cheers:

"300 bolt action rifle" is what they put on mine as they also said 300 AAC or Blackout doesn't exist.

dromia wrote:If you don't know what action the rifle will be then put down any legal action and they will vary it if different for you at time of purchase.

Which (not surprisingly) is the complete opposite of what the manager told me when I asked for it, couldn't have a slot without the specific action type being listed on my FAC and then had to send it in for variation before purchase and yet again wait over 2 weeks for full background checks etc. for a rifle/calibre that had already been approved and was on my FAC.

Thanks for the update Adam, will see how long it is before they ring me this time.

That sounds like what they told you not the opposite Jeff?

Sorry, think I read your post wrongly, I thought you meant if it was say Bolt Action I could get a break barrel and then inform them at the actual time of purchase

Not quiet, when you were ready to buy and knew what exactly the action was then they would do a variation on your certificate for you, one for one I persumed.

Hope that is clearer.