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Shooting Forum - Firearms licencing information


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Should there be compulsory Firearms Training prior to being issued with a FAC

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    #92
    rrpc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,244 ✭✭✭rrpc


    You don't have to phone the DoJ, it's in the firearms act as quoted above.


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    #93
    Sparks
    Registered Users Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    Sparks wrote: »
    They're going to do this in the UK for fullbore as well, and for similar reasons (namely that the MOD wouldn't let them use MOD ranges like Bisley otherwise)
    Just an update on that that, the UK NRA have issued a press release on the proposed competency test arrangements:
    NRA Press Release
    NRA/MoD agreement for civilian use of MoD ranges by clubs affiliated to the NRA

    The NRA is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed a series of negotiations with the MoD and the resulting agreement will allow the continued use of MoD ranges by civilian shooters who are members of the NRA or of NRA affiliated clubs.

    Whilst agreement ‘in principle’ was achieved some weeks ago, the MoD placed a number of requirements upon the NRA and its affiliated clubs if it was to accept the continued use of its ranges by civilians. It has taken some time to finalise the precise nature of these requirements and the finalised document has had to be approved by a number of MoD committees. It was important that publication of the details of the agreement waited until the finalised document had been agreed at all levels on both sides.

    The key changes for NRA members and members of affiliated clubs are:
    • There will be a standardised training scheme for all new shooters with clubs having to use the NRA Probationary Course structure or have their own scheme approved by the NRA.
    • All shooters will be required to have an annually renewed certificate, signed by their club Chairman, confirming that they are safe and competent to use the relevant type of firearm. This certificate will have to be available for inspection when shooting on an MoD range.
    • Both the NRA and affiliated clubs will have to maintain sufficient records to show that these procedures have been carried out, and periodic audits will be required.
    • Clubs will need to sign an agreement stating that they accept these requirements, they will take part in any investigation following an incident and they will require their members to assist fully in such investigation.

    The timetable for implementation of these changes requires that the new probationary training procedures be in use by the 1st July 2008 and that the annual certification process must be fully implemented by the 1st January 2009.

    Recognising that these are new requirements for clubs, the NRA is preparing a range of documentation to help them through the process. The NRA Probationary Course has been updated and will be available to clubs from the 1st May 2008. For the annual certification process, club Chairmen will be provided with guidance on certification of shooters and documentation to carry out this process.

    Finally, the limit on use of firearms using ammunition with a muzzle energy greater than 4,500 Joules remains in place, but from the 1st May 2008, the introduction of specific procedures will allow this limit to be exceeded. By that time a sufficient number of RCOs will have been trained in the correct procedures and approved zeroing targets will have been distributed.

    Whilst recognising that shooters have been concerned about the possible curtailment of their access to MoD ranges, these have been lengthy negotiations and it has been important to ensure that information was not released in ‘draft’ form which may have needed subsequent updating. With the conclusion of the agreement, information packs will be sent to club Chairmen as soon as possible and these will include full copies of the agreement along with supporting documentation to help clubs to understand and implement the changes. This information will also be posted on the NRA website.

    Issued by the muzzle energy working group on behalf of the Council
    14th April 2008


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    #94
    rrpc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,244 ✭✭✭rrpc


    The NSRA have a similar statement (shorter though)
    Clubs affiliated to the NRA will already know that with effect from 1 January 2009, persons wishing to use MOD ranges will need to be able to produce "a certificate of competence" before being allowed to use the facility.

    It was hoped that this requirement would not be imposed on small-bore shooters. However, we have now heard from the Military that any person wishing to use an MOD range will require to be a holder of the necessary documentation.

    This arrangement will become compulsory from 1 January 2009. We will be writing to our clubs in due course, detailing the arrangements they will have to put in place.

    This has implications for anyone wishing to shoot in Bisley. As soon as I get the letter from the NSRA, I'll post it here.


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