Call: 0161 408 3555 
Introduction...Whilst these details are believed to be correct as of January 2008, they are shown here purely as a guide to assist anyone interested in taking up the sport of long-range rifle shooting. The best advice, especially if you have any doubt about your legal status, is to contact your local police or talk to a Registered Firearms Dealer. Stuart Anselm at Osprey Rifles will be pleased to advise you... just call 0161 408 3555. Firearm Certificates...A Firearm Certificate (FAC) is required before you can purchase or posses any firearm, ammunition... and even certain parts of a firearm, e.g. a spare barrel. The most common way for a civilian to obtain an FAC in the UK is to demonstrate membership of a target shooting club. This may take some time, as clubs often apply probationery periods to assess the suitability of an applicant prior to granting full membership. It is only once this membership status is confirmed by a club official will the police accept your FAC application. |
Tips on making an application...On receipt of the completed application (see link below) and required fee, the police will inspect the security arrangements for the storage of your firearms and ammunition in your home. There is no limit on the number of guns or quantity of ammunition that you can ask to be included in the FAC, but the more you list, the greater the security the police may insist upon before granting the certificate. At the least, the police will expect a steel cabinet (no less than 16 SWG) bolted to the floor and/or wall, secured with 5 lever lock(s). Connection to an alarm is a bonus and in some locations may be a requirement. If your home is in a multi-occupancy building with shared access, such as an apartment block, the requirements are likely to be more stringent. It is worth remembering that unless anyone else living at your address has an FAC listing your guns, then that person cannot legally handle them, even in the home. You will also need to give the names and addresses of two referees willing to support your application for an FAC. Referees may not be; other members of your shooting club, family members or anyone with a criminal record. FAC application download...Click on the link below to download or print an FAC application form in .pdf format.
Firearms law in the UKWhat are the laws relating to owning a rifle, here in the UK? The FAC (Firearm Certificate) is the document you must possess, by law, to legally hold an F class or FTR - FT/R rifle in the United Kingdom. |
Important notice...[It is an offence under section 21 of the Firearms Act of 1968 as amended, for anyone convicted of a criminal offence, to handle, possess, or shoot a firearm and ammunition] If the sentence was for more than three years the prohibition is for life; if less than three years the prohibition is for 5 years (Note: it is the sentence, not the time served, which is the determining factor). No person under 14 may be granted a firearm certificate, or use firearms other than on an approved range.  FAC fees...Firearm Certificates are valid for 5 years. Grant of a firearm certificate: £50.00 Renewal of a firearm certificate: £40.00 Variation of a firearm certificate: £26.00 Replacement of a firearm certificate which has been lost or destroyed: £9.00 |
Firearm Certificate application form
