Perplexing situation with two FAC's...

[lapua338]

This may be an interesting point for discussion (or not)?

My local Firearms Licensing Department have today returned my certificate renewed for a further 5 years.

I note that they've removed the authority to acquire a 6.5mm rifle from my FAC. As this authority has not been taken up the Chief Officer considers I have no "Good Reason" for this authority to continue.

I quote "It may be thought that it is not in the public interest that unused authorities should continue on the mere say so of the applicant, with the risk acquisitions might eventually be made in circumstances very different from those originally envisaged."

"Should you now or in the future wish to acquire additional firearms or firearms for different disciplines to those already granted you will have to prove Good Reason to possess for each of the calibres and types of firearms requested."

Since my current FAC does not expire until the 05/03/2011, which I must add is still in my possession (with the relevant authority to acquire) what are the implications if I purchased a 6.5mm rifle before my current FAC expires and replaced by the new FAC, which is subject to the new conditions?

Comments please!

[Sim G]

I'm not sure. I suppose you are still entitled to acquire a 6.5 with the "old" certificate, but I imagine you'd create a $hit storm for yourself when you did!!

One question though, was the 6.5 and retaining the authority to acquire not discussed with the FEO prior to renewal, or was the first you knew of it when the new ticket landed on the door mat? Bad show if the former, smacks of very underhand.....

[Angelfire]

Aye had a bit of a taste of this myself. Wanted to remove one of my "permision to aquire" when the ticket came up for renewal. Had a bit of a rumble over it, told the law I was saving up the brass to purchase, and did it state anywhere in the "law" that removable was possible because of non purchase. It was left on, even though I was not sure I was right.

Regards

Phil*

[lapua338]

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I open the envelope this morning and I find to my disbelief that the authority has been revoked on the new FAC.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

[dromia]

I'd politely challenge the decision of the chief officer in a letter to firearms licensing which at the same time clearly explains and evidences your good reason for wishing to possess.

I feel he is being awkward for the sake of it but unless he can evidence good reason to withdraw he doesn't have a leg to stand upon. If we were to follow his logic then it could be used to refuse all requests for variations at renewall times which is totallu absurd.

I'f you are not minded to challenge him then you could just fill the slot on your valid ticket.

Its not very often that we get the chance to glimpse the future but you have with that FAC.

[Robin128]

If you are a member of BASC it might be worth mentioning to them the continueing good reason for acquiring the 6.5mm rifle you gave to your FEO before he agreed to renew your FAC with that unfilled slot continuing.

[Sim G]

I reckon I'd be tempted to send the FAC back with a "snotogram"! Especially as it was discussed and you obviously demonstrated your good reason then. And another question to ask is; is the removal of this authority to acquire a partial revocation? Very underhand and not in the least transparent. Nor do I like the assumption, "with the risk acquisitions might eventually be made in circumstances very different from those originally envisaged." WTF does that mean? I'm sure Tom Cruise doesn't operate a "Minority Report" department in any force......!!


All depends how much of a fuzz you fancy kicking up. As a compromise you could agree to having the 6.5 not included at this point, however, once the 6.5 acquisition moves beyond the planning stage, you have it in writing that the variation for the said rifle will be free of the fee........

[HeatherW762]

If you are an NRA member, email Geoff Doe firearmsliaison@nra.org.uk and he can advise or intercede on your behalf.

Heather

[ovenpaa]

. As a compromise you could agree to having the 6.5 not included at this point, however, once the 6.5 acquisition moves beyond the planning stage, you have it in writing that the variation for the said rifle will be free of the fee........

I would agree, after all they are effectively taking twenty five quid off you and not everyone can afford to just go out and buy a rifle on the spur of the moment, such things need to be planned. What if you are waiting for *the* rifle and have not found it yet?

I think at the least it is worth discussing with your licensing department and do it quickly.

[Robin128]

If you are an NRA member, email Geoff Doe firearmsliaison@nra.org.uk and he can advise or intercede on your behalf.

Heather

I've heard a lot of good things about Geoff Doe.