FAC Questions

[Ovenpaa]

Good idea, something on gaining your FAC if you are moving over from another country and how to make life easier. Froggy and ESN are the chaps for this.

[EagerNoSkill]

Morning all

Coming from another country adds a several dimensions to your application that you must overcome. What I did was create a shooting CV that supported my main application paperwork

1. LEGAL
Proof of legal entry and residence. I attached copies of all my visas etc- this helps the FEO validate your legal status.

2. LEGAL FIREARM EXPOSURE
Since I have been the legal owner of firearms over 26 years I attached copies of licences that I had been granted in South Africa.

3. HOBBIES / INTEREST
Since you wont have shooting related activity in UK you need to indicate and show your shooting interests and activities overseas.
I was fortunate that I had numerous photos, certificates etc. that I had in a file for the FEO to inspect during his visit (he never did feel a need to).

I had also indicate I had been a exec member of a national shooting body.
The FEO did a internet search - found the organisations website and found several minutes of meetings that had me in the role I had stated and doing work, giving feedback. This is independent validation that is priceless.

4. DURATION
One of the biggest hurdles you face is that you need 2 references (non family) that have known you longer than 2 years. I had to wait till I had met that threshold.

5. ACTIVITY
I had made a list of all the UK based shooting I had done, this included the date / type of shoot / number of round fired by weapon type. This showed the FEO interest and approved activity that supported my application for 6 months prior to my application.

I also made sure my applications aligned with my NRA SCC.

6. SAFE
I had pre-installed the 2 safes - very securely. I had bough a Brattonsound (based on the advice of members here) and the FEO said he had same safe - so he could not have any issues could he :-)
Important point : You safe must be able to house the number of guns you applied for.

7. PURPOSE
I articulated my purpose and goals with the firearms that I was applying for.

8. INSPECTION
My inspection was for 10 am - I stayed at home and he arrived at 9:00. Had a great and long interview. He requested that I ask the NRA for a confirmation of my activities.

9. RELOADING BOOKS
I made sure that all my shooting related books were displayed on a bookshelf next to my safe. This indicates your range of interest and knowledge.

10. BASICS
Write neatly on form!! :G
I needed 4 photos for each application ( I did 2 - Firearms and shotguns).
I place the photos in a plastic packet attached to form so that they could not get lost.

Make his / her job easier .. and it will help you
:shakeshout:

[IainWR]

And as the NRA Firearms Officer, i can confirm that ENSs approach worked.

Iain

[EagerNoSkill]

Another thing

Heather and NRA turned a form around in 1 day for me sign92 sign92 sign92

Got great advice from slot of forum members here

Ovenpaa and Christel :cheers:

[Amber Dog]

I will probably apply within a week or so, I am putting down:-

9mm Lever-action Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
9mm Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection
.38 / .357 Under-lever Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
.22 Semi-automatic Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
.22 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection

.223 Straight Pull Rifle Outdoor Target Shooting
.223 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection
.308 Bolt Action Rifle Outdoor Target Shooting
.308 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection

[Ovenpaa]

That is a reasonable list to start with, have you decided on how much ammunition you are going to ask for?

[Amber Dog]

500 / 600 right across the board. I fancied applying for an FAC shotgun + .22 LBR (GSG 1911) but I think I will learn the trade first

[kennyc]

I will probably apply within a week or so, I am putting down:-

9mm Lever-action Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
9mm Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection
.38 / .357 Under-lever Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
.22 Semi-automatic Rifle Indoor Target Shooting
.22 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection

.223 Straight Pull Rifle Outdoor Target Shooting
.223 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection
.308 Bolt Action Rifle Outdoor Target Shooting
.308 Moderator Health & Safety / Ear Protection

you may struggle with the CF rifle quantities (if only paying for them!) I personally think you are light on .22LR those bad boys go down the barrel like you wouldn't believe try buy 1000 hold 1200

[AL8]

I tried buy 1000 .22 and hold 1250, I was told I should ask for buy 500 and hold 750. Its worth a try as stated you can get a better price for 1000

[Dr. Strangelove]

Its worth a try as stated you can get a better price for 1000

The HO guidance states that economy of purchase isn't a reason to be allowed to buy 1000. I would have thought, though I haven't confirmed, that saying I want to buy a batch of 1000 in order to ensure consistency of ammunition and best accuracy should work.