What to expect from "the visit"

[escargot]

Hi all,

I'm expecting a call in the next month or so to book a visit with an FEO from Greater Manchester Police. I've applied for my first SGC and am about to buy and fit a safe in the next couple of weeks.

I realise that every FEO and police force is different, but what can I expect in terms of agenda/questions likely to be asked? I'd like to be as prepared as possible!

Any guidance sincerely appreciated.

[Blackstuff]

If its for a shotgun certificate rather than a firearms certificate it should be pretty minimal. Where you plan on shooting, whether you have any experience already, who else lives in the house etc.

They'll likely go through the basics of correct storage i.e. the gun(s) should be locked away when not in use/being cleaned etc. They will have a general inspection of your houses security and give your cabinet the obligatory pull test.

Just be open and honest with them, there's got to be something pretty major wrong for them not to grant a SGC.

[Pippin89]

Just be open and honest with them.

This is all you need to remember really. SGC they are looking for a reason not to grant one (unlike an FAC where you have to give them a reason why you should have one) so don't give them a reason to not grant one. As long as your cabinet is installed correctly then you wont have a problem.

[Polchraine]

You do NOT need to have a cabinet when you apply. For my first SGC, I did not own any guns for maybe 18months/2years and only installed a cabinet then.

Having te SGC allowed me to borrow a gun and shoot in various locations without issue.

If you are planning an immediate purchase, ask the FEO when they call if they want a cabinet in place for the visit. Some do, some do not.

[MarkW]

Having just gone through this process in A&S, I was worried about the visit. But he came in, had a cup of tea and it was more of a friendly natter than questions. He obviously knew how to put people at ease and get the answers he wanted without it being an interogation.

[escargot]

Thanks all

[escargot]

Decided to order this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380897168616 - basic but functional! A lot of the reviews say the supplied fixings are a bit tosh so i'll pop down to screwfix and get some proper ones. Planning to fix it into an external wall (slight issue of skirting board in the way so i'll pack it out so I don't have to cut the skirting away. Hopefully that should suffice if I use extra long fixings to ensure it's anchored to stone rather than timber. I'll make sure I keep some of the fixings to show the FEO!

Very excited to go gun shopping now! Thinking either an ATA Arms SP Sporter or a second hand Beretta Silver Pigeon as my first gun.

[johngarnett]

Suggest buying the biggest safe you can get / fit!! They never take what they say. Once you start gun shopping you need bigger!!
Good luck
JohnG

[escargot]

10 months later and the FEO is visiting me tomorrow! Cannot wait to get everything sorted - I've put a deposit down on a second hand silver pigeon at my local RFD and I'm so excited to collect it. Wish me luck for tomorrow!

[RDC]

Don't reveal to them where you keep your cabinet keys. Only person who should know is you.

I say that as they may ask you where you keep them. Politely decline to reveal that info.