So the only question is digestive biscuits or hobnobs? 😂

The FEO that visited me was very professional,very friendly , asked me lots of questions checked my security arrangements very thoroughly..no trick questions or anything to try and catch anyone out ..I was a little nervous but that soon disappeared...you dont have anything to worry about going by my experience..

I never thought about this part of applying, this is pretty good to know.

Give them a tour of your home by clearing it tactically

My feo and firearms department has been great through the whole process , have to say when I had my interview he was definitely playing bad cop, didn’t want tea or my nice buiscuits , and was a very serious interview. But I was granted every cal. I’d requested and even suggested I go higher than I’d applied for , so I did 😁

Remember watching this channel back in 2015 whilst applying for my SGC. So much research and support from this channel

The guys at Thames Valley have always been INCREDIBLY helpful when dealing with my certificate renewals. My experience with the FEO was nothing but positive and my interview and home survey were relaxed, informal and helpful. As with everything, your behaviour and attitude will influence how you are treated.

Super useful! Easing some of the anxieties around the application process for sure

I've had various FEOs ranging from the local unformed copper, through a retired detective sergeant to the current (the last 3 occasions) ex-international small bore target shooter. The retired detective was a difficult character who took me to task because I was an insulin dependant diabetic, mainly because his ex-detective partner (also a diabetic) was constantly on the verge of having hypos and needing chocolate bars to stabilise himself. Being a diabetic is no reason per se to withhold a license especially as my consultant had confirmed my fitness and stating that my condition was well controlled. (I once saw a pink elephant so all elephants must be pink is the saying that fitted the circumstance with that FEO). My renewal interview last year was conducted on the phone, which was on the basis of "any changes, none - good, therefore we will approve the application" Each time the other two FEOs have checked my security they have been complimentary and suggested that I register my cabinet as being a 4-gun unit instead of 3-gun in case I wanted to buy an additional gun. I consider that to be uncommonly helpful.

Thanks for your video. Very informative and useful.

Hey brother It’s Hal from Callaway Ballistics. Great video as always. Looking forward to your visit!! God Bless my friend.

Mine was over 10 years ago, we sat down at my dining table with a pot of tea and homemade cake. Lots of chat about my job, hobbies etc before the house and cabinet check. I confess to holding my breath when he swung off my safe!

Got my shotgun certificate aged 16 in 1974, just applied & about a month later it dropped through my letterbox!. in 1976 applied for an FAC & much the same happened. Plod had inspected where i was going to use the gun, (Which i thought was pushing it!) as it had a busy main road on one side & next door was a busy large Garden centre!. That also dropped through my letter box a month later with no restrctions on use! ...Happy days!!

Moderators, lol. Hearing the Uncle Sam equivalent *want* you to get suppressors made a tear roll down my cheek. But of course the very idea of serving someone tea to increase my chances made my be like 'wtf'? Super interesting video, thanks.

My FEO never even checked my safe, he just stood back and looked at it and said its fine, I even said "give it a good tug if you like" and he said "no it's fine it's only a shotgun not a machine gun", the fact it was an SGC and not a FAC he seemed really chilled about it all.

hi Thank you so much for making this practical video Please help me figure out a few questions: 1. I should have purchased and installed a gun safe before the interview, 2. Or install it according to the suggestion of 'FEO' after the interview 3. If it is the second method, is there a total of 2 interviews? Thank you so much

I'm 17 but I have always been around guns, from shotguns and rifles, this came in extremely useful for my future as I wouldn't mind owning a few in many years to come. First biggest round I ever fired was 308 Winchester

Thanks really informative 🏆

Something that I don't think I heard you mention. One of the main reasons they are there is to ascertain whether all the information in your application is true. They are basically human lie detectors and are judging how trustworthy you are. So biggest tip I can give anyone. Always be open and honest with them.

Wonderful and Informative video

Thank you very much!

We in Lincolnshire now have to have additional security in place if we own more than five shotguns/firearms, eg approved alarm system/cameras. I received an email with the new regulations a while back and my FEO contacted me to confirm that ruling when i applied for an additional rifle that would have took my total to six. I'm not sure if this is now nationwide, maybe others will comment. Keep up the great vids mate.

My FAC interview was over very quick, a few obvious security questions and yeah he encouraged me to go for moderators for all my firearms.

My feo is great she is always there for help and advice

Very insightful! Around the 8 min mark you mention justifying why you want X gun and proving competency however I take it this would be a bit difficult for LBP/LBRs? I’m looking to get my FAC hopefully before the year is up and aiming to get a .22 lbp and either .357 or .44 LBR as well however the understanding is only the owners of the guns themselves can shoot these? I’ve shot a fair few guns abroad including ‘normal’ magnum revolvers so I’d hope this could go towards proving competency!

Hmm i have a 40mm bofors in my back garden, do you think it would raise any questions.(it is deactivated lol or there be dead pigeon). I might apply just to see the inspectors face hehe.

That gilet is class pal may I ask where you got it from ?

35 Years Ago when I got My Australian Firearms Licence It was pop Name and Address on Form and Pay Fee.

Hi Callum, brilliant video. I’m going to be applying for my FAC pretty soon. Just wondering what I put down for a straight pull AR? It it classed as a bolt action rifle or do I need to be more specific? Cheers

I had to have an inspection for safe storage of firearms, the constable that did the inspection of my safe decided to kick it to see if it was securely anchored. I had showed him the 10mm dynabolts drilled into the concrete. I informed him I had to push the safe into place with the bull bar with my 4wd. The safe weighs about 300 kg and is a commercially produced safe. After the inspection he issued a certificate ,over and above the required specifications.

Thank God I live in the US

I find it rather odd that they expect you to go to the expense of purchasing a firearms safe and fitting it in securely when you haven't yet been approved for a licence. That is a huge expense if you get refused by the FEO or Chief Constable.

I thought it was just me who offered tea / coffee/ sandwiches / biscuits et al!

On my interview , my FEO was only present for 10 mins , did not even sit down. First time application.

as a texan this is absolutely batshit crazy. imagine having to apply for a god given right.

How does a UK citizen go without actually becoming and FEO? Are they just recruited from within the local police force itself? Or are they hired by the national government for specifically that purpose?

I'm in the process of applying ATM. Cabinet with internal locking box for ammunition in place. Been a member of a small bore rifle club for over 6 months, compleated probationary period & now full member. I've been completely honest on my application form & yes I used to have an issue with alcohol, yet I'm over 8 years completely sober , have a good job, little car & no criminal record. Just hoping my past addition doesn't mess up my chances 👍

Where do you submit for such an application?

I was just wondering if you could request a different FEO ? as the one for my location doesn't have a good knolage of things as I put in veryation to my fac regarding long barrel pistols fo target shooting to wich the I got the reply thay are Illegal And with confusion of .22 rinfire and .22lr rimfire ammunition Amongst other issues regarding firearms

When you get a firearms safe, do you have to keep the keys in a different room from the locker? Can’t find any information online, thank you

I always find it interesting to see what the rest of the world has to deal with while I literally sleep with a loaded pistol under my pillow

What about the secret handshake? And the brown envelope under the table?

I have installed a CCTV system in my house but the DVR is in my office in the loft out of the way. do I have to let him have access to my office to check my CCTV out?

So the trip wires, claymore charges, and bazooka need to be concealed 😆😆. On a serious note, given that the interview may take a few months at times, do realise that you can do an on-the-fly variation by changing calibres, mods, amount of ammo based on your conversation. This will help re-align your needs as you attend the club that’s sponsoring you during the application process. ;)

I'm looking to get an fac but I'm worried that the area where I live may be unsuitable, is that a factor? The area where I live is quite popular for crime.

so the FEO are the eyes & ears for the police chief, good to know, i am looking forward to going through the application process. Regarding your chickens you would be amazed at how many people would have replied with a yes as they consider them as vermin

My FEO took a look at my safe in the loft and said excellent without even touching it.

Loving the succinct videos. Message lost if they run to hours in length.

Question for anyone. I currently have 2 sub 12ft lb springer air rifles, One I use for plinking and the other for rabbits. I am thinking of applying for an FAC air rifle for hunting as I feel a rimfire is too big a rifle for the land I can shoot on. I also want to try clay pigeon, so may apply for a shotgun. The question is, do I have to have security measures already in place for the interview or do I get informed of a successful application before I receive the licence, so that I can then purchase safes etc. Thanks

You have to get the safe first? Seems a bit harsh what if your fac is turned down?

Seems incredible sneaky for them to ask trick questions.

When I had my interview, as a professional pest controller (BPCA level 2), I wanted an open certificate for pest control. I wanted it for rabbits, and foxes as I get lots of calls to deal with these pests. I do shooting with my air rifle and shotgun (not for foxes of course), but wanted a more long range rifle. I was told I need to get a mentor and proof of competence with photos and or videos? And the 'mentor' to sign me off as safe. I got all firearms I wanted, but for club and competition

Im 18 been around guns in the states but live in the uk i know my way around a firearm and would love to be able to own in england

Apologies, this may already have been stated. They can swing off the closed/locked safe. Swinging off of the door of an open safe should be challenged! They will measure the size of your bolt heads though!

As a Texan I will never need this but its very interesting

Hi Callum, I have been clay shooting many times over the years and am hoping to apply for a SGL very soon. I’m only hoping to get one to start with but hoping to get a 5 gun license. My only concern is that I’m an avid Airsoft player and so have replica firearms stored beside where I keep my one-shotgun gun safe. I have an up-to-date UKARA license (necessary for realistic, imitation firearms). Is it possible that my affiliation with replica firearms could be a negative? Really just hoping to not have to borrow someone else on shotgun when I go clay pigeon shooting!

I've finally put in for mine last year and been wondering the more inner workings of the process. Starting to panic I've put in for too much 🤣 wish they'd hurry up. Or at least let me know who my FEO is so I can ask some advice.

do you think the feo would look into and ask about a youtube channel that you have?? if its gun related?

Are these still happening or are they on hold because of lockdown

Having grown up with firearms and owning them my whole life this is all so alien to me. They’re basically regarded as tools here and you assume everyone owns them.

fantastic video. total common sense. im probationary at mu club ext due to ;lockdown and likely to wait a fair while (GMP) but as i wish to take up practical shotgun i mentioned to FEO and stated i was gonna start with sec2 or standard shotgun. the came back in 24 hrs stating a sec 1 shotgun. despite issues with you firearms i still see you as a massive positive force in licencing. lots of airgun shooters make me cringe unlicensed guns scare the doo doos outa me!!!! well done you're a star!!!!

My FEO was here for about 20 minutes and i'd wager 16 minutes of it was spent talking about fishing. People think too much into it, he's only there to make sure you're not a loonie. Just have a brew and a chat, in my 3 interviews the conversations have barely even been about firearms at all

Wow I just filled out a paper they check my legal/criminal and MH records, then few days after for most, minutes for some (internet and electronic files), then you get you arms, if you want to get your FFL then you have a meeting.

is clay pidgeon shooting a valid reason?

I've just sent in my renewal application for shotgun certificate and I'm applying for my first fac I just wish I had put in for a Higher capacity shotgun as well .but what a ripoff with the medical certificate

I have had my section 1 cert for a year now. I shoot an impact .22 with slugs for pest control. I am not interested in powder burners what so ever. I put in for my “open ticket” about 2 months ago. I was refused as they’re saying I’ve not had my licence long enough 🤔. When would you say would be long enough for me to ask again? I have acquired more permissions which involves the feo to make a long journey to come see me every time. If I had an open ticket then wouldn’t that mean I can decide if the land I plan to shoot on is justifiable to use fac rifle?

Wonder if anyone can help. Do I need to get a safe before applying for my license? Or can I wait till I have had my interview and gained my license???

is it the same process for only one shotgun license??and whats renewal process??thank you in advance

Why to most police forces insist of rimfire over centrefire?

What about if you live in a rented property?

So i doubt id get approved with ptsd depression anxiety etc?

What about FAC air rifles? Will the process be the same as for shotguns?

Do you have to have citizenship to apply for a license ?

will the FEO inspect your house if you decide to store your firearms at the club or RFD

If you have ADHD (mine isn’t severe at all) and use medication - is that a straight no? I’m worried because of the stigma and misunderstanding of it would be a detriment to my application.

Why would I buy a safe before I get my fac?

One question asked was if you were to purchase privately what is the first thing you should check?

When I had my interview it transpired that the officer was a distant member of my wife's family!

This is way more invasive than in Queensland. They don’t do these interviews or ask any personal questions here. Just a criminal background check is all they do.

Here in Arizona, we interview the Firearm and walk home with it in 15 minutes.

From the U.S.A. I find this hilarious. So they may *require* you to get suppressors?! We have to jump through NFA hoops and wait forever to be granted permission to buy one. Suppressors are super scary and evil here, I guess. Great vids though, it's always interesting to see how things are elsewhere.

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If i get someone from the SAS to say yes is that good enough?

Can I have a firearms safe and guns in a static mobile home

I was lied to, insulted and provoked by my interviewer. Got my ticket in the end though..

"Monitored Alarms" .... Would be a non secure list of Firearms owners ripe for abuse by criminals. The anonymity of Firearms users is the best security there is.

Tell you what not to expect........ a sense of humour 😂 You’d think you were getting interviewed for access to the queens pants Oh and don’t expect them to have any knowledge whatsoever of firearms, shooting sports, competition, or differences in calibres etc 🤦🏻‍♂️

Offer them a coffee. Answer their questions as honestly as you can. Do not lie to them. If you do not understand a question... Ask them to rephrase it. Be a human. They are straight forward questions. They will probably ask the person you live with if they are OK with you having guns in the house.

Is that the crime commissioner? He’s the constabulary boss

The bit that confuses me is, why would you have a gun safe and go to the trouble of securing it before you even know if you’ll get the licence? Bit of an expensive cupboard if they say no.

What if I wanted to store my guns at a gun club and not at home, Callum?

Will I need a gun safe BEFORE the interview?

What is a moderator?

I wonder how much do they put into consideration if you’re from another country who is much less restrictive to gun ownership and then you come to the UK, do they take that into consideration at all or how much? Assuming you can provide proof of course

“Well yes…. as I was saying, I love war films, especially the Rambo movies and I’ve always wanted to be an assassin growing up ever since primary school”…. “So go on then, what d’ye reckon me chances are… more tea?

I wonder whether anybody has ever offered his FEO a real drink instead of tea or coffee during the interview...

Also they barter on how much ammo one is allowed. Like 500 to a 1000. Last year 2020 I had my interview over the phone. That being said a follow-up safety check would follow.

Can anyone tell me if my past criminal history would be detrimental to obtaining a certificate??

Can't wait to be the one dude who has the FEO questioning the furry body pillow on the bed.

I'm very much wanting to apply for my first shotgun certificate, but I did have depression in my younger years and I'm worried that I'm about to waste £80 on the application for it to be thrown away simply because I have that on my medical history. I've never had any history of violence towards anyone though. As I said, on my medical report it will most likely say that I had suicidal thoughts and was hospitalised on one occasion 6 years ago when I was 16. Does anyone know of a similar situation where someone such as myself has been declined/approved their certificates?