.308/7.62 calibre question

[RichT]

Hello, I am new to this site, but have put my intro in the newbie section.

I have been reading the site for a while in the background, but now my FAC is on its way I have a question.
I have a .308/7.62 slot, and on speaking to firearms dept (Avon and Somerset), about whether this would cover 7.62x39 or 7.62x54, they have told me it would, as the slot is for the calibre and not cartridge size, so I either go for a .308 or 7.62 and cartridge size doesnt matter as long as it one or the other calibre.
The thing that confuses me is I have seen rifles for sale that say must have 7.62x39 slot or 7.62x54 slot???but if I have 7.62 I take I could buy one??? I hope that makes sense?
.

[hitchphil]

1. Ensure you have '.308Win / 7.62mm' as your primary size designation for both firearm & ammo & not one or other as some RFDs may not sell you .308 ammo if you have 7.62mm only & it has been said that some FEOs / licensing depts have got stroppy about having an allocation for one & a holding for the other (despite one being a metric version of the other) . But that may just be rumor central?

2. Think your right about 308/7.62 covering different equiv cals as I buy 7.62x51 or Win 308 but I dont buy 7.62x54 as I don't have a rifle for (but a mate does so? Hm) but I would check & am sure some experienced folk (& animals) here can advise. & I would be interested in that too smile2

[Mr_Logic]

308 is 7.62x51, just to be sure. Either of the others you mention = a bit niche! What do you want to shoot?

[paxtond]

My feo was happy to give me a slot for .30cal rifle.

As above some RFDs can get funny if you don't have a word for word slot

[zzr1100]

I was told by my local FLO that if the slot says .308/7.62 then it's only valid for .308 Winchester or 7.62x51 NATO ... I know different forces treat this differently tho !!

[Mezzer]

In Lancashire .308 / 7.62 means 7.62 x 51.

FEO explained that very clearly to me during my house visit quite a few moons ago. While it might be considered advantageous to consider 7.62x39 as .308, I feel that you will likely meet some resistance from RFD's due to the lack of clarity, in which case you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot buy the ammo you need.

Just the way I see it.

Mezzer

[HALODIN]

Northants see it differently. This was the reply I received.

Where your FAC has authorisations stating ".308/7.62mm" this refers solely to 7.62mmx51 NATO as this is equivalent to .308 Winchester. 7.62mmx54R or 7.62mmx39 would have to be stated implicitly on your certificate for you to acquire a rifle in these calibres as neither is equivalent to .308 Winchester.

[Mr_Logic]

They mean 'explicitly',don't they?

[HALODIN]

Yes.

[RichT]

Thanks for the replies guys,
Had it from licensing dept today that .308/7.62 is for .308 or 7.62 equivalent, which is the 7.62x51NATO