Problems with your firearms officer

Time Well Spent June 15, 2022

I feel I’ve been treated unfairly by my firearms officer… Lachlan Nisbet offers some advice

Q: I previously had one spare slot on my FAC for a 7.62 and had also possessed another 7.62, which had been on my FAC for over 20 years. I decided to sell my 7.62 last year as I wanted a stalking rifle in that calibre instead. So when I renewed my FAC I didn’t ask for any new additions.

When I received my new FAC the 7.62 slot was missing. I informed them immediately, however they were unable to give me an answer and told me that I would have to apply for a variation. Not knowing any different or wanting to argue I reluctantly sent off a variation after just paying for my coterminous certificate. After some weeks I got a call from them saying that I hadn’t had a 7.62 slot before. I tried to explain to them that I sold my 7.62 rifle last year and still had a spare 7.62 slot left. They asked me when I was going to purchase one to which I replied that everyone is skint after Christmas and that it might be two or three months, but hopefully as soon as possible. I was informed that the decision would be left to the Chief of Police.

Could you please advise me on this as I feel that I have been treated unfairly, but I don’t wish to upset the apple cart…

LACHLAN NISBET replies: On the face of it, you should not have been asked to apply for a variation. Firearms licensing will hold a full record of your licensing history on NFLMS. There may also be paper records. I would suggest that you write to the firearms licensing manager at your constabulary and politely explain your situation. You shouldn’t be afraid to politely point out what was initially a fairly minor mistake.