Applying for my FAC

[HALODIN]

Hello,

Right I've passed ORPC probation and still loving it... so with my membership fees all paid up, it's time to buy the safe and apply for my FAC. I have a few questions about safes and calibre/rifle choices first though if I may...

1) How `safe` are the electronic entry ammo safes? I've seen videos on youtube where you only need to bang the door down to bump the solenoid and turn the handle at the same time and it opens. Is this a common feature across all electronic safes even if they are BS7558/92 compliant? Has anyone tried it?



An explanation is at the end of this video.



2) Is it critical my ammo safe is mounted to both a wall and the floor or will just one or the other suffice? Obviously the gun safe will be secured against a wall and the floor, but I was hoping to put the ammo safe somewhere else.

3) Is it critical the gun safe cannot be seen through a window or by visitors?

4) Is carpet all over the inside of the gun safe important? Can I do this myself with accoustic cloth or something similar?

5) I'm considering the "Sentry 10 Gun Executive G1055C" or possibly the "Burton GS5 Gun Safe". Any thoughts or suggestions?

6) Does everyone use rechargeable silica gel dehumidifier packs in their gun safes?

7) Below are the calibres/ammo I hope will be granted on my FAC. Are there any obvious errors or recommendations?

.22 Rifle - semi auto (TS) + moderator (RC/EP); Buy 500/keep 600
.22 Rifle - bolt action (TS) + moderator (RC/EP); Buy 500/keep 600
.223/5.56 Rifle - straight pull (TS) + moderator (RC/EP); Buy 500/keep 600
.303 Rifle - bolt action (TS) ; Buy 500/keep 600
.308 Rifle - bolt action (TS) + moderator (RC/EP); Buy 500/keep 600
7.62 Rifle - straight pull (TS) ; Buy 500/keep 600
.44 Rifle - Under lever (TS) ; Buy 500/keep 600

(RC/EP) = "Reduced recoil / Ear Protection"
(TS) = "Target Shooting"

8) These are the guns I'd like to fill the slots with, any thoughts?

.22 - AR-15
.22 - Ruger 10/22?
.223/5.56 - ?
.303 - Lee Enfield No. 1 Mk VI
.308 - Remington 700 PSS + 26 inch barrel
7.62 - AK74M/AK103
.44 - Marlin under lever

Sorry for so many questions again, but thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Craig.

[Watcher]

This will help you with regard to security: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publicatio ... book-2005/ It also does no harm to ring your local Firearms Liaison Officer to get his advice on particular points.

As far as having your box visible I would suggest not; its common sense to hide it away. It even helps to have it at the back of a cupboard behind a pile of coats (like mine!).

As far as silica gel is concerned it depends on how damp your home is! Mine is normally dry but I rely on frequent maintenance rather than moisture control. Every rifle gets a pull through and oiling once a month whether its been used or not.

Your list looks very comprehensive; wish I could afford that many firearms!

[Andy632]

Thoughts?
Yes, both the .22 rifles you've selected are normally semi-autos. Not that that's a problem. On my applications/variations I never put the action type, just the calibre required. (Eg. two .22 rimfire rifles, one .223/5.56 rifle, one .303 rifle, one .44Magnum rifle) and Ammo if dual I put down as .223/5.56, .44 magnum/.44 special or 7.62mm/.308 just to cover all bases.

I use an electric light bulb (with ceramic holder) in one of my safe's as a dehumidifier.

Two or more smaller safes are generally preferred to one large safe.

If you're concerned about the 'el-cheapo' safe's being 'Bounced' open; mount it upside down.

[HALODIN]

Thanks for the reply. It will take me a while to fill the safe, but with a little forethought it would save me a bit of money on additions to my FAC further down the road.

I'm glad you posted that link, as it directly answered Q3. I know it's common sense, but I'm having a running battle about where in the house is acceptable!

"The cabinet should be fixed to the structure and located to frustrate attack or identification by persons visiting the premises."

"Any firearm security cabinet etc should be sited out of view from people both inside and outside the building."

"The cabinet should be obscured from open view, preferably by enclosure in an unobtrusive screening device (eg a chest, locker etc)."

I also took your advice and spoke with the Northants firearms liaison officer and we've agreed I won't mount the safe until he makes a visit. He thinks it would only save a couple of weeks, which in the grand scheme of things isn't long. I'd rather get it right with less heartache and it take longer....

We have damp problems as the first 2 feet of the front of the house is below the road level and with all the rain, it's slowly leaking in to the house. Just something I need to be mindful of.

Thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Craig.

This will help you with regard to security: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publicatio ... book-2005/ It also does no harm to ring your local Firearms Liaison Officer to get his advice on particular points.

As far as having your box visible I would suggest not; its common sense to hide it away. It even helps to have it at the back of a cupboard behind a pile of coats (like mine!).

As far as silica gel is concerned it depends on how damp your home is! Mine is normally dry but I rely on frequent maintenance rather than moisture control. Every rifle gets a pull through and oiling once a month whether its been used or not.

Your list looks very comprehensive; wish I could afford that many firearms!

[HALODIN]

Well spotted, it was getting late when I was trying to put my list together. OK that's a good tip though, if I avoid being too specific about the type of rifle then it offers me some flexibility. I just checked the form and it just says - "Type (eg rifle, muzzle-loading, pistol etc)" so that's cool.

Is your light in the case connected to the mains light switch?

I don't think you can mount them upside down because of the way the solenoid works, it partially relies on gravity, but not to worry I'll speak with the liaison officer about it when he comes out to see me.

Thanks for the reply and help.

Cheers,

Craig.

Thoughts?
Yes, both the .22 rifles you've selected are normally semi-autos. Not that that's a problem. On my applications/variations I never put the action type, just the calibre required. (Eg. two .22 rimfire rifles, one .223/5.56 rifle, one .303 rifle, one .44Magnum rifle) and Ammo if dual I put down as .223/5.56, .44 magnum/.44 special or 7.62mm/.308 just to cover all bases.

I use an electric light bulb (with ceramic holder) in one of my safe's as a dehumidifier.

Two or more smaller safes are generally preferred to one large safe.

If you're concerned about the 'el-cheapo' safe's being 'Bounced' open; mount it upside down.

[HALODIN]

Do people carpet the inside of their gun cabinets?

[ovenpaa]

Some people do, and some cabinets come carpeted as well. It minimises potential damage from knocks and bumps to the cabinet.... it does not mean you will not bash rifles together once you have tried to cram 5 rifles into a 7 gun cabinet.

[HALODIN]

Yeh I know, but I quite like the look of the carpeted safes as well and some companies want to charge you an extra £150... I don't like it that much! Any idea where you can buy the felt?

[TJC]

I would go for 1,000 rounds for the .22

[ovenpaa]

Use carpet tiles and spray mount or similar, they are cheap, robust, easily cut to size and it is easy to glue them into place individually.