I think it may go further than that. In the days of Hungerford, if an incident occurred requiring the issue of firearms, those authorised to carry them would have to make back to a station where firearms were kept. They would then be issues with a standard .38 revolver and 12 rounds of ammo, the holster was optional ! Those who were qualified as 'snipers' had to make to the Firearms Department (usually the H.Q. building) to collect their personal issue rifle (sights etc. having been previously set up by themselves), before any form of briefing, prior to making out to the incident. So, you would have as many as they could muster (usually uniformed) Officers with .38 revolvers deployed after some loose form of briefing. It was unfortunate that on the day of Hungerford, those qualified to carry a firearm and were on duty, were all at the ranges either practising or re-qualifying and as such, were not available. Obviously this lead to a change in policy and the Armed Response Vehicles were born. These vehicles carried the weapons in a locked cabinet in the boot of the vehicle and were doubly manned with Officers trained in their use. The Police came in for a lot of criticism at the time, BUT it was the way that ALL Forces operated, regarding firearms use. Things had to change and they did, NOT always for the better.
Yep, the very same. Problem is most of the 'vermin' are carrying knives !
Hence educating er...............'Taxi Drivers' in life saving skills ???
I have just applied for mine, also £49. I did the online application for renewal of a "firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate" to Hampshire Constabulary for the first time which, I thought was a great way of doing things, from taking my own photo and uploading it to the application form, referees details, medical questions, Doctor's details etc. online payment and a scanned copy of the existing SGC. All sent at the press of a button, the way it should be these days, now I am awaiting events. Watch this space.
Or you could look at it from a different angle. Don't pay don't get renewed then pay to store your guns at an rfd for an unspecified period which I feel sure would cost a good deal more. Lodge them with a friend then only shoot when they do and where they do. It's a very unfair system we have in the UK but it is all we have until the home office makes clear legally binding rules or a labour government bans private ownership of firearms. Sorry but that's how it is.
A labour government bans private ownership of firearms....... that’s the stuff of nightmares, and I wouldn’t want to contemplate the mearest thought of it
Here's an update - regarding my online SGC renewal application. Yesterday I received a couple of queries by email from the Firearms Licensing Administration officer, she had a query about one of the serial numbers and wanted details regarding the capacity and fixings of my steel cabinets. I answered her queries, attaching photos to the email for clarity. By return of email I received the response that my certificate would be sent out by second class post today.
And today, one day later, it landed on the doormat - I'm very pleased with the service, I had imagined delays, problems, extortion, spending £££££s but not a bit of it.Here's an update - regarding my online SGC renewal application. Yesterday I received a couple of queries by email from the Firearms Licensing Administration officer, she had a query about one of the serial numbers and wanted details regarding the capacity and fixings of my steel cabinets. I answered her queries, attaching photos to the email for clarity. By return of email I received the response that my certificate would be sent out by second class post today.
Note: a.) 6 day turnaround b.) no mention of doctor's certificate c.) the use of emails - the way it should be in this day and age d. = Happy customer
. I left it a couple of weeks and heard nothing from the GP's so had a look at my record online to see that one if the GP's sent a letter dated 20th November stating there were no concerns, I've not had a request for payment up until now. West Mids/Staffs only have the declaration on the front of the application form and don't ask for a separate report.
That's correct, my dad had the same. Sent his online application in before the doctor responded and they returned it and told him to resubmit after the doctor had sent in the forms. Took the doctors over 4 weeks to do it as well.
