Thread: Hi chaps

Hi everyone,

I'm a late bloomer in the firearms space, in my 30's. I have used air rifles and crossbows since I was 16. Just moved to a property in the middle of 10 acres of original native bush. Currently using a Benjamin 800 fps .22 air rifle with Barracuda Hunter pellets for pest control.

I've just filled out my application form for a FAL - I hear there are delays on this, anyone have intel on how long they are taking currently?

Interested in pest control and wild meat.

Cheers, 89scandi

Welcome mate

Yeap you heard correct. Mine took just over a year from initial sign up to receiving it. I'm also a Police officer myself and there were no shortcuts (I tried to speed it up haha!) but no such luck. They're under the pump at the moment and well under staffed across the country with a focus on renewals, so I'd say expect to wait at least 12 months. But hey, the sooner you start it, the sooner you'll have it.

Cheers
Scottie

Welcome in mate.

welcome, mate has now been waiting 14 months and counting for a new FAL.
bloody ridiculous

Bloody hell. Ok, air rifle and bow for the foreseeable future then! I get they're busy, seems things could be organized better though.

At least we have the ability to have a half decent air gun. In the UK it's a max of 12 FPE... what are they hunting? Sparrows? 😅

Originally Posted by hamsav

yeah , seems a bit rich , the plods insisting on all the firearms bureaucracy and them dont have the man power to do it ........either that or they are deliberately dragging the chain. .....which I suspect . However my last mail order form was done in 3 days so I guess that aint bad . Is this new process actually law ? We used to rock up to the plod shop, hand over the form , flash your FAL and the non sworn person behind the counter signed it and Im off. Just seems like they have made it harder for everyone Id be pretty fucked off waiting a year or more for a FAL........its still a right isnt it ?

12,000 Police so I doubt they are short staffed for want. Far more likely they are short staffed on purpose
And not what younwant to hear hamsav, they specifically excluded it being a right to have a FAL (if you were deemed fit and proper). They have the words "it is a privilege" in there in black and white.

Originally Posted by XR500

12,000 Police so I doubt they are short staffed for want. Far more likely they are short staffed on purpose
And not what younwant to hear hamsav, they specifically excluded it being a right to have a FAL (if you were deemed fit and proper). They have the words "it is a privilege" in there in black and white.

Unfortunately for us, not only when labour pushed through the gun reform after the terror attacks, but also with COVID, it has slowed everything down in every aspect of society. It's also not as clear cut as "12,000 Police", licensing officers for the most part are non sworn staff and in that area, they are incredibly understaffed and are at the will of the labour government.

Most licensing officers are hunting/shooting enthusiasts as well and although most wont tell you due to work requirements, are and have been opposed to this new change from the inception as it was a knee jerk reaction. I can tell you as a front line officer, I have not seen a decline in firearms in the hands of criminals since the reform, infact the total opposite and I see it on a near daily basis including having been on the receiving end of a firearm in the hands of a gang member. However I can tell you that the vetting should be better as you would be surprised at the amount of people who have been revoked due to high level gang association previously not known about or the on selling of firearms to gangs (which is actually a massive issue.. If anything we need the register and to hold those account and not punish the good people for a bad egg.

I see both sides very clearly but unfortunately most will only see theirs and not take the time to see the whole picture.

My two cents anyhow but hey, opinions are like ass holes, everyone has them.

Welcome

Hi guys, so, an update. I filled out my application form for a FAL on the day of the first post in this thread - 18/10/21. I have just today received the shiny new license card in the post. Close enough to 18 months.

Congrats on getting it but shit 18 months is pathetic.

Ditto

Thats outrageous. A year and a half for a firearms licence!

What a joke.

FFS! Thats beyond a joke, it's absolutely pathetic. Police expect us to believe that they can administer licencing in a timely and efficient manner, hard to believe that.

new fees will fix that

I'd have to say, the guy that gave the in-person course was great. And the firearms vetter that came to see me and the wifey was awesome also. But shit, I'd literally almost forgotten that I'd applied by the time I got the call for the appt. Well, not forgotten but given up anyway. Just FYI, I'm a middle aged married guy, 3 kids, no criminal convictions or contacts, and a legitimate need for a gun... doesn't seem to matter who you are.