Thread: FAL application interviews

Originally Posted by DavidGunn

They have actually changed tack about the keys since my last inquisition.

Oh, that reminds me - have a think about who will take possession of your firearms if you pass away suddenly - you will probably be asked about this at the interview.

Originally Posted by No.3

That's quite funny. 6mm safe wall thickness, 4mm thick washer not big enough! Gold!

I think it's the diameter of the washer that's the main issue. I have the big-arse square ones in my safe (40-50mm?), way harder to tear out than small ones, even if they get a towrope around the safe (but my safe isn't 6mm).

Originally Posted by No.3

That's quite funny. 6mm safe wall thickness, 4mm thick washer not big enough! Gold!

If replacing with a bigger washer especially if thicker will mean the threads (wood) will not line up exactly and would weaken the integrity of what they are supposed to do, so will probably mean new bolt holes....been good for ten years.

6 inch thick walls here - bugger the washers.

Originally Posted by No.3

That's quite funny. 6mm safe wall thickness, 4mm thick washer not big enough! Gold!

Most FAL holders don't have a 6mm steel gun cabinet. The normal commercial A Cat gun cabinet has 2mm sides and back. It's only soft steel made in the PRC which small bolt heads could rip through. As far as I know there is no legal requirement to use large steel washers behind the bolt heads. It's a suggestion which makes sense.

Make sure you have all the up to date security procedures in place for storing ammo seperate etc. Must be in a lockable metal box and so on will make the process smoother.
I failed on having a milspec pelican case for my ammo even though he argued it would be stronger, however he was nice enough to follow me to mitre10 to purchase a metal one and sign me off.

Don’t have any other plans that day, as interviews can take hours

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

Most FAL holders don't have a 6mm steel gun cabinet. The normal commercial A Cat gun cabinet has 2mm sides and back. It's only soft steel made in the PRC which small bolt heads could rip through. As far as I know there is no legal requirement to use large steel washers behind the bolt heads. It's a suggestion which makes sense.

Having the larger washers may not be a legal requirement but without them you wont get a FAL renewed.

Originally Posted by MCCPRO

Make sure you have all the up to date security procedures in place for storing ammo seperate etc. Must be in a lockable metal box and so on will make the process smoother.
I failed on having a milspec pelican case for my ammo even though he argued it would be stronger, however he was nice enough to follow me to mitre10 to purchase a metal one and sign me off.

"lockable metal box" must be secured to floor....in our case.

Originally Posted by EmpireSafaris

Don’t have any other plans that day, as interviews can take hours

3 hours, 1 for each referee on site and 1 for applicant.

Originally Posted by MCCPRO

Make sure you have all the up to date security procedures in place for storing ammo seperate etc. Must be in a lockable metal box and so on will make the process smoother.
I failed on having a milspec pelican case for my ammo even though he argued it would be stronger, however he was nice enough to follow me to mitre10 to purchase a metal one and sign me off.

I've gone over the updated firearms and ammo storage pamphlet that was uploaded a few months ago and I am confident that I have the correct storage

Have done one recently.for a friend. The vetter did there boss reviews everything and gets them to ask q based on the application form amd q they answered while applying. Be honest. The vetter qas here about 30...45mins.they said gee you are quiet relaxed
Answering questions.i said I have nothing to hide and I know my mate well so can speak without thinking about what answer you want to hear.

Originally Posted by small_caliber

My interview took less than 15min when my wife renewed her license, the interview was done by a member of the unit setup to clear the backlog and was only approx 3 months ago.
I queried him at the end why it didn't take an hour or more and was told the police times were inaccurate.

Most of that 15min was identifying who I was.

That does seem strange because no way could the number of questions required be rattled off in that time frame.

Yup interview could take hours

My vetter asked me where I get the safes (digital) from
I said HF and showed him the receipt
then he took a quick look at the safes and shook it a few times and that was it.

However thou, he recommended to

- install a lockable box (with pin/digital) for the keys at a separate location
so I don't have to carry the key around or misplace the keys.
and no, can't put the gun safes key in ammo safes or vice versa.
- lockable hard case and lockable ammo box for transporting.

The whole FAL process seems daunting but surprisingly easy and super quick.

My wife's interview was yesterday. They're down to 5 months go to woah in the Wairarapa.
Of interest was when it was time to inspect the storage, the interviewer noticed the ammo box I have for transportation and commented on it favorably. ( It was a funny pro forma thing as I already have a licence.)

Know your code, brush up on what you said you wanted a licence for in your application, deflect questions about politics!

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.