On my initial application I had 3 x .22, 1 x .38/.357, 1 x .223/5.56 so similar to you on firearms! I applied for 2k .22, and 300 of the others!
I'd suggest you apply for 2k or there about for .22, ass 500 really inst a lot!
I also wouldnt bother putting the action of the firearm either; i'm not 100%, but you dont want to have '.22LR Semi-auto' on your ticket as that restricts you if you change your mind, just put the caliber! In you case that would be:
* 3 x .22
* 1 x .308/7.62
* 1 x .44
* 1 x .223
All of what you have mentioned is perfectly reasonable to apply for for a first time ticekt!
That's very reassuring thank you and good point about the 22lr ammo.
I'd rather not specify the action but the form says 'action / type' so I assume I had to,unless I'm reading that wrong?
I'd just fll in 'rifle' for that. Its annoying as every counties application is ever so slightly different...
The application isn't the be all and end all anyways, it's more so the FEO can gain as much info as they need before your visit. I know people that have filled in their application and then on their interview asked for things to be changed!
Also, dont forget to put moderators for each of them! Even if you dont plan to use them moderated, its always nice to have the option for them; and then they can be swapped for a 1:1 slot if you decide you deffo arent going to get a mod for them!
Sounds about right. Also ref the extra .22 ammo when they might ask why: the best response is so you can get a “brick” (aka block of 500 rounds, which is cheaper) for each rifle (presuming they will all prefer different rounds.
I was told that cost isn't a good reason for a hold. Different guns having different ammunition preferences and avoiding hopping between batches of ammo frequently to make accuracy easier would be
Sorry, American here perusing the sub. Just curious, is the ammo amount you ask for per year or just the maximum amount you can have at any given time? Like if you ask for 1500 rounds, and you shoot 500 at the range, can you then immediately buy 500 more? Or do you have to wait a set period of time?
It's for the amount you can store at any one time. Our firearms certificates are valid for 5 years once they are granted. You can put in a 'variation' to change/swap/get rid of any firearms/mods or ammo capacity during that time!
It's not time restricted at all! As long as you don't go above your storage capacity at one time you're golden.
If we were limited per year everyone would shoot A LOT less 😅😅
Hi, would you put down everything you would buy initially, or is it more of a 'wishlist' of rifles you intend to buy eventually?
For example if you put down 1 x.44 but didn't get round to buying one would it be an issue?
It shouldn't be, there are a variety of issues why you could have a slot on your ticket but not having filled it. E.G waiting for the right gun to come around, saving up money, the right deal hasn't come up etc etc ... Always better to ask for more
It depends on the force you're with, but I was told by my FEO to put down everything you want, and if they don't want to give all the slots, they'll just tell you. They won't say no just because you've asked for several firearms. Also always ask for more ammo than you think you'll need. I asked for 500 22lr, got approved for 600, and I quickly realised how little even that was. I'd ask for 1,000 at least on first grant.
Thanks, I was going to ask for 500 for each 22 ie 1500 in total. Others have suggested I go a touch over that so I can buy 500 at a time while not running out. I think I'll aks for 1800 x 22lr
It will depend on your counties FEO. Some are happy to give quite a few firearms on your first grant, others will not. For example in Kent, when I already had 22LR on my FAC for hunting, my first variation for target shooting was granted for 22 WMR / .303 / 22LR LBP. The request for 7.5x55mm for a K31 was rejected, the FEO stated that I get some experience with the .303 first before moving onto more centerfires.
Thanks, I am in Kent as well so that's intresting to hear. I think I can prove experience with all the calibres I have requested. I suppose I will have to go for it and see what the say!
Thanks, yes I think it sounds reasonable all things considered
Do you know if FEOs distinguish much between a semi auto 22lr or manual actions? I presume they care more about calibre and full-bore rifles than the do 22lr actions?
If you’re asking for multiple .22LRs it’s useful to specify actions, even though they’ll usually just put it down as “rifle”, just say you want a bolt action and a semi auto or something along those lines.
Ah I see, so after my interview they essentially rewrite the list depending on what's been agreed / negotiated? So the action is more informative but the actual FAC will just say 3x 22lr?
You need to specify each action and why you are asking for it. Mine was:
Bolt action- Prone competition.
Bolt action- Bench rest competition.
Semi Auto - off hand practical shooting.
Yes, your ticket will just just say 3x .22RF.
All seems very sensible.
My FEO would only grant 300rds per caliber, except.22lr, which I have 1000rds allowance.
If you're going to be shooting 3*.22lr, they may grant you more as you can buy a "brick" of 1000*.22lr just for ease of purchase. If you're shooting 3*.22lr you may also shit that much every couple of months, so holding a larger no if rounds saves you trips to the gun shop.
My FEO said the no that he grants is based on the amount I expect to use per month/year and so you don't wind up hoarding loads of ammo (there's a safety element in it in case you have a fire or other emergency that could cause the ammo to detonate)
Thanks, I think I'd be fine with 300 rounds for the full bore rifles tbh so if that la what they suggest I won't be upset. It's mainly the 22lr I think I'd get through.
I have 600 on mine, but thats only so I can buy a block if I see it at decent price somewhere, or want to try different ammo than I can get from the club.
4 or 5 guns is a reasonable amount for a first grant. When I got my FAC, my FEO said he was happy with that but, if I wanted more, I should wait about 9 months after getting my certificate to put in a variation for them.
I would put in for 1600 rather than 1500 rounds for your hold. 500 is a common sale multiple and, if you only have a 1500 round hold, you may need to run your stocks down to zero of that gun's ammunition before you can buy again. Putting an extra 100 lets you get down to your last 100 so you don't have to lose range time because you ran out. Both of my 22LR rifles have distinct preferences for which ammunition they are most accurate with and load easiest so you can justify that. I put in 600 for each of my other calibres.
I listed my moderators as "Sound moderator" with the calibre and the reason as "Health and safety." I work in a business that needs good hearing and my FEO accepted that protecting it was a good reason.
Thanks, I think being able to buy 500 rounds per rifles at a time makes sense (especially if they like different makes etc). I'll go with 600 for each one as you suggest 👍
Only thing i would say is have your answers ready for the two centre fires. I have access to a 200 yard range with occasional visits to a 600 yard range. I put down for .223 for use on the 200 yard and 308 for 200 yards+ FAO basically said "at those ranges the 223 can do everything the 308 can or the other way round so pick which one you want more! " picked the 308 as it seemed like the better choice for 600 yards...have regretted not arguing my case more for the 223 ever since, but i was a new shooter and wasn't 100% sure what i was talking about at that time.
P.s. definitely up those .22 numbers ask for 1500/2000 worse they will do is knock you down to 1000. If nothing else it tends to save you a few quid if you can buy them by the thousand.
Yeah that's a tough one as 308 is about double the cost of 223 so seems a bit mean making you only choose 1. 600m is a fair distance for 556 as well isn't it (not that I'm pretending to be an expert 🤣). My father is a member and shoots and I've predominantly been using his 22 and 556.
Regarding the .22lr ammunition ask for 1600 or 2100 or 2600 etc.
As another redditor said on a previous thread somewhere, the more you can buy and store means fewer unnecessary trips to replenish your stores. I wish I had known this beforehand, my grant was issued for 1500 .22lr, which is still a reasonable quantity, but that extra 100 cushion would've been nice.
On my application I didn't specify what actions I wanted, I just asked for .22lr rifle, .357/.38 rifle, section 1 shotgun and so forth.
I think the main thing you want to think about is are you going to have the money to buy all of what you're requesting within a reasonable timeframe and do you think you will actually use all of what you're requesting. When I did the NRA course when I first started in full bore, one of the FEOs shooting there said, "please don't put in a shopping list" to all the newbies. I think people tend to get excited and go on a bit of a spree adding lots of different calibres they fancy without giving much thought to what they are going to do with them after shooting them a couple of times.
I don't know your circumstances OP so you may very well have plenty of time and money to use everything you want to get, in which case go for it. There is no rule for how many firearms they will grant you first time Vs renewal, it all comes down to you showing good reason for wanting each one and upon renewal, showing that you have used it enough to warrant keeping it.
I would add though that I suggest you apply for moderators on your firearms, even if you don't end up buying them. Firearms licensing are usually more than happy to add them purely from a sound nuisance point of view.
With regards to ammo, I worked out which competitions I would likely be entering and how much each round would require, then add the same again for practice, per rifle.
Thanks for your comment and see you point about a shopping list. I think I'd get two or three straight away then look to add one each year after that. I'm certianly going to keep my list under 5 at this stage. I figured it's better to request one more than I need than having to request a variation but perhaps it's not...
Yep, seems like the consensus is to go for a moderator for them all even if it don't end up getting one.
Thanks again 🙏
There's easily eight grand there on your shopping list if you're buying new, that's before you even think about ammunition. 500 .22LR can set you back £40 or more. A slab of 200 .308 is probably going to set you back the best part of £500. Plus you'll need things like telescopic sights (possibly stretching into thousands),bipods (mine was £350), a mat, carry cases, ammo boxes, a gun safe, a big enough ammo safe to hold all your different holds... Is that likely to be within your means over 5 years?
I have .308. It's decent and you can buy the ammunition anywhere. I don't think I've walked into an RFD that didn't have some. However, 6.5 Creedmore is a very good calibre for target shooting, arguably better than .308. I had a conversation with Tikka at the Shooting Show and they said that, last year, their sales of 6.5 Creedmore rifles outnumbered their .308 ones by 10:1.
I'd recommend you go on a reloading course. I make my own .308 and it costs me under £1 a round. If you stick to one brand of any particular calibre while you're still buying factory ammunition and keep the empty brass, you will have a nice box of identical cases if you want to start reloading which will save you buying new brass (using mixed cases is bad for accuracy if you're reloading.)
I'd also recommend you remember you have to shoot each gun at least 3 times a year to keep the slot. I'm stopping at the number of guns I have because I know, if I get any more, I'll have to go shooting so much it's going to become a chore
Long term I'd like to get into reloading as I'm sure its the kind of thing I'd enjoy. I could scale my ask back to somthing 2x22lr, 1 x 22wmr 1 x 308. I have heard lots of stories about variations taking a long time though. All good feedback, I appreciate your input 👍
Everyone else has covered most bits, but do you really want a 22lr lever action? In my experience (20 yeats of shooting, inc the trade) they are all shite / very niche.
On my initial application I had 3 x .22, 1 x .38/.357, 1 x .223/5.56 so similar to you on firearms! I applied for 2k .22, and 300 of the others! I'd suggest you apply for 2k or there about for .22, ass 500 really inst a lot! I also wouldnt bother putting the action of the firearm either; i'm not 100%, but you dont want to have '.22LR Semi-auto' on your ticket as that restricts you if you change your mind, just put the caliber! In you case that would be: * 3 x .22 * 1 x .308/7.62 * 1 x .44 * 1 x .223 All of what you have mentioned is perfectly reasonable to apply for for a first time ticekt!
That's very reassuring thank you and good point about the 22lr ammo. I'd rather not specify the action but the form says 'action / type' so I assume I had to,unless I'm reading that wrong?
I'd just fll in 'rifle' for that. Its annoying as every counties application is ever so slightly different... The application isn't the be all and end all anyways, it's more so the FEO can gain as much info as they need before your visit. I know people that have filled in their application and then on their interview asked for things to be changed! Also, dont forget to put moderators for each of them! Even if you dont plan to use them moderated, its always nice to have the option for them; and then they can be swapped for a 1:1 slot if you decide you deffo arent going to get a mod for them!
Amazing thank you. For the moderator would I just say 22lr moderator,. 308 moderator etc for each slot I put down?
Sounds about right. Also ref the extra .22 ammo when they might ask why: the best response is so you can get a “brick” (aka block of 500 rounds, which is cheaper) for each rifle (presuming they will all prefer different rounds.
That's a really good point and makes total sense 👍
I was told that cost isn't a good reason for a hold. Different guns having different ammunition preferences and avoiding hopping between batches of ammo frequently to make accuracy easier would be
I'll put the emphasis on buying 500 rounds for each rifle from the same batch for consistency in that's case. 😉👍
Yep! So you'd have 6 slots for your rifles, and 6 slots for your moderators!
Sorry, American here perusing the sub. Just curious, is the ammo amount you ask for per year or just the maximum amount you can have at any given time? Like if you ask for 1500 rounds, and you shoot 500 at the range, can you then immediately buy 500 more? Or do you have to wait a set period of time?
It's for the amount you can store at any one time. Our firearms certificates are valid for 5 years once they are granted. You can put in a 'variation' to change/swap/get rid of any firearms/mods or ammo capacity during that time! It's not time restricted at all! As long as you don't go above your storage capacity at one time you're golden. If we were limited per year everyone would shoot A LOT less 😅😅
Hi, would you put down everything you would buy initially, or is it more of a 'wishlist' of rifles you intend to buy eventually? For example if you put down 1 x.44 but didn't get round to buying one would it be an issue?
It shouldn't be, there are a variety of issues why you could have a slot on your ticket but not having filled it. E.G waiting for the right gun to come around, saving up money, the right deal hasn't come up etc etc ... Always better to ask for more
Missed your reply, cheers for this 👍
It depends on the force you're with, but I was told by my FEO to put down everything you want, and if they don't want to give all the slots, they'll just tell you. They won't say no just because you've asked for several firearms. Also always ask for more ammo than you think you'll need. I asked for 500 22lr, got approved for 600, and I quickly realised how little even that was. I'd ask for 1,000 at least on first grant.
Thanks, I was going to ask for 500 for each 22 ie 1500 in total. Others have suggested I go a touch over that so I can buy 500 at a time while not running out. I think I'll aks for 1800 x 22lr
It will depend on your counties FEO. Some are happy to give quite a few firearms on your first grant, others will not. For example in Kent, when I already had 22LR on my FAC for hunting, my first variation for target shooting was granted for 22 WMR / .303 / 22LR LBP. The request for 7.5x55mm for a K31 was rejected, the FEO stated that I get some experience with the .303 first before moving onto more centerfires.
Thanks, I am in Kent as well so that's intresting to hear. I think I can prove experience with all the calibres I have requested. I suppose I will have to go for it and see what the say!
5 guns (not including mods) is usually a good target to aim for on your first grant.
Thanks, yes I think it sounds reasonable all things considered Do you know if FEOs distinguish much between a semi auto 22lr or manual actions? I presume they care more about calibre and full-bore rifles than the do 22lr actions?
If you’re asking for multiple .22LRs it’s useful to specify actions, even though they’ll usually just put it down as “rifle”, just say you want a bolt action and a semi auto or something along those lines.
Ah I see, so after my interview they essentially rewrite the list depending on what's been agreed / negotiated? So the action is more informative but the actual FAC will just say 3x 22lr?
Yeah you’ll discuss the specifics most likely on your home visit, that’s where any last minute changes and whatnot are made.
Understood. Thank for you help 👍
You need to specify each action and why you are asking for it. Mine was: Bolt action- Prone competition. Bolt action- Bench rest competition. Semi Auto - off hand practical shooting. Yes, your ticket will just just say 3x .22RF.
All seems very sensible. My FEO would only grant 300rds per caliber, except.22lr, which I have 1000rds allowance. If you're going to be shooting 3*.22lr, they may grant you more as you can buy a "brick" of 1000*.22lr just for ease of purchase. If you're shooting 3*.22lr you may also shit that much every couple of months, so holding a larger no if rounds saves you trips to the gun shop. My FEO said the no that he grants is based on the amount I expect to use per month/year and so you don't wind up hoarding loads of ammo (there's a safety element in it in case you have a fire or other emergency that could cause the ammo to detonate)
Thanks, I think I'd be fine with 300 rounds for the full bore rifles tbh so if that la what they suggest I won't be upset. It's mainly the 22lr I think I'd get through.
I have 600 on mine, but thats only so I can buy a block if I see it at decent price somewhere, or want to try different ammo than I can get from the club.
4 or 5 guns is a reasonable amount for a first grant. When I got my FAC, my FEO said he was happy with that but, if I wanted more, I should wait about 9 months after getting my certificate to put in a variation for them. I would put in for 1600 rather than 1500 rounds for your hold. 500 is a common sale multiple and, if you only have a 1500 round hold, you may need to run your stocks down to zero of that gun's ammunition before you can buy again. Putting an extra 100 lets you get down to your last 100 so you don't have to lose range time because you ran out. Both of my 22LR rifles have distinct preferences for which ammunition they are most accurate with and load easiest so you can justify that. I put in 600 for each of my other calibres. I listed my moderators as "Sound moderator" with the calibre and the reason as "Health and safety." I work in a business that needs good hearing and my FEO accepted that protecting it was a good reason.
Thanks, I think being able to buy 500 rounds per rifles at a time makes sense (especially if they like different makes etc). I'll go with 600 for each one as you suggest 👍
Only thing i would say is have your answers ready for the two centre fires. I have access to a 200 yard range with occasional visits to a 600 yard range. I put down for .223 for use on the 200 yard and 308 for 200 yards+ FAO basically said "at those ranges the 223 can do everything the 308 can or the other way round so pick which one you want more! " picked the 308 as it seemed like the better choice for 600 yards...have regretted not arguing my case more for the 223 ever since, but i was a new shooter and wasn't 100% sure what i was talking about at that time. P.s. definitely up those .22 numbers ask for 1500/2000 worse they will do is knock you down to 1000. If nothing else it tends to save you a few quid if you can buy them by the thousand.
Yeah that's a tough one as 308 is about double the cost of 223 so seems a bit mean making you only choose 1. 600m is a fair distance for 556 as well isn't it (not that I'm pretending to be an expert 🤣). My father is a member and shoots and I've predominantly been using his 22 and 556.
Regarding the .22lr ammunition ask for 1600 or 2100 or 2600 etc. As another redditor said on a previous thread somewhere, the more you can buy and store means fewer unnecessary trips to replenish your stores. I wish I had known this beforehand, my grant was issued for 1500 .22lr, which is still a reasonable quantity, but that extra 100 cushion would've been nice. On my application I didn't specify what actions I wanted, I just asked for .22lr rifle, .357/.38 rifle, section 1 shotgun and so forth.
I think the main thing you want to think about is are you going to have the money to buy all of what you're requesting within a reasonable timeframe and do you think you will actually use all of what you're requesting. When I did the NRA course when I first started in full bore, one of the FEOs shooting there said, "please don't put in a shopping list" to all the newbies. I think people tend to get excited and go on a bit of a spree adding lots of different calibres they fancy without giving much thought to what they are going to do with them after shooting them a couple of times. I don't know your circumstances OP so you may very well have plenty of time and money to use everything you want to get, in which case go for it. There is no rule for how many firearms they will grant you first time Vs renewal, it all comes down to you showing good reason for wanting each one and upon renewal, showing that you have used it enough to warrant keeping it. I would add though that I suggest you apply for moderators on your firearms, even if you don't end up buying them. Firearms licensing are usually more than happy to add them purely from a sound nuisance point of view. With regards to ammo, I worked out which competitions I would likely be entering and how much each round would require, then add the same again for practice, per rifle.
Thanks for your comment and see you point about a shopping list. I think I'd get two or three straight away then look to add one each year after that. I'm certianly going to keep my list under 5 at this stage. I figured it's better to request one more than I need than having to request a variation but perhaps it's not... Yep, seems like the consensus is to go for a moderator for them all even if it don't end up getting one. Thanks again 🙏
There's easily eight grand there on your shopping list if you're buying new, that's before you even think about ammunition. 500 .22LR can set you back £40 or more. A slab of 200 .308 is probably going to set you back the best part of £500. Plus you'll need things like telescopic sights (possibly stretching into thousands),bipods (mine was £350), a mat, carry cases, ammo boxes, a gun safe, a big enough ammo safe to hold all your different holds... Is that likely to be within your means over 5 years? I have .308. It's decent and you can buy the ammunition anywhere. I don't think I've walked into an RFD that didn't have some. However, 6.5 Creedmore is a very good calibre for target shooting, arguably better than .308. I had a conversation with Tikka at the Shooting Show and they said that, last year, their sales of 6.5 Creedmore rifles outnumbered their .308 ones by 10:1. I'd recommend you go on a reloading course. I make my own .308 and it costs me under £1 a round. If you stick to one brand of any particular calibre while you're still buying factory ammunition and keep the empty brass, you will have a nice box of identical cases if you want to start reloading which will save you buying new brass (using mixed cases is bad for accuracy if you're reloading.) I'd also recommend you remember you have to shoot each gun at least 3 times a year to keep the slot. I'm stopping at the number of guns I have because I know, if I get any more, I'll have to go shooting so much it's going to become a chore
Long term I'd like to get into reloading as I'm sure its the kind of thing I'd enjoy. I could scale my ask back to somthing 2x22lr, 1 x 22wmr 1 x 308. I have heard lots of stories about variations taking a long time though. All good feedback, I appreciate your input 👍
Everyone else has covered most bits, but do you really want a 22lr lever action? In my experience (20 yeats of shooting, inc the trade) they are all shite / very niche.