Guidance please for completing FAC Application

[nfarmer]

Hi

I'm just in the process of returning to shooting after many years away and have just joined a local club. I have been looking at the current requirements, so much different to my experience in the '60's. I am very slightly concerned with the medical question as I have had issues with my heart (heart disease specifically mentioned on the guidance notes). I dont want to waste my time or money (not to say potential disappointment) so can anyone suggest the likely outcome of Cardiac By-pass surgery 25 years ago, with current diagnoses of Atrial Fibrillation (erratic heart beat) which only requires blood thinning drugs, Left Ventricular Dysfunction treated with diuretics/blood pressure etc. Is any on this a no no for the grant of a FAC.

Second question is the location of a gun cabinet, garages are shown as not acceptable, would that include an integral garage with obscured windows and alarms on the main and access door from the house.

Guidance of those in the know appreciated

Norman

[bowji John]

I am not a doctor and have very limited experience with FOC applications, however have worked alongside occupational physicians (in industry) for many years.

They are frequently making such assessments

I suspect:

1. No copper is able to make such a judgement
2. Although home office guidance will deal with 'contra indicated' medical conditions in a general way - they will not be so specific as to address every medical ailment
3. The only person who can make such a judgement is your GP (though it is probably outside his experience also). He will be contacted in due course by the police
4. I suggest you have a word with your GP ahead of the application-if he doesn't know perhaps he can make enquiries on your behalf.

Hope this helps a little

J

[phaedra1106]

Hi Norman and welcome to FB-UK :)

Simplest answer would be to phone your firearms department and ask for a word with the FEO. The answers you get will vary depending on which force area you come under, some are exceptionally good while others are extremely bad.

[nfarmer]

Thanks will follow both suggestions, I'm only just starting the probationary process but I will eventually let you know the outcome

Norman

[SevenSixTwo]

Can you drive? If you can drive you can shoot.

[Andy632]

Integral garage, with adequate security, can be acceptable.

[ozone]

.

A friend of mine had a pace maker fitted and when he applied
it was not even a consideration and I think it has been said
above, but if you are allowed to drive, I think you will have no
problems with the FAC.

When you consider that you could do far more damage in a car
than you could with a gun (accidental obviously), just look at
that poor bin driver in Glasgow last Christmas................

As for the garage, external are frowned on but an internal one
that is secured from inside and alarmed should be ok. I think
it would be better if the cabinate was out of sight from an open door
and I think it would be better secured to the internal solid wall.

As said above though the FEO would be the person to speak to.

Regards

ozone

.

[nfarmer]

Thanks again this seems a very helpful and supportive forum

Norman

[daman]

Hi Norman
My recent FAC application (on which I mentioned some medication I take) resulted in a request for a GP letter regarding my health. Basically I just took it to my GP who laughed and wrote a reply saying he could see no reason why I should not given a certificate.

When the FEO came to visit he apologised for the inconvenience, but said (as J suggested) that the Police are not able to make the decision so defer to the GP.

So basically, as long as your GP does not expect you to have a sudden issue, you will probably be ok.

D