Hi MRF, I have just come back to the sight after a few months and have read with interest your post.

It is always interesting to see the variation in local approaches to firearms licensing and to hear others opinion.

That said the best advice I have seen in your thread is from Norfolk poacher advising you to contact your enquiry officer directly. What applies in Aberdeenshire will not necessarily be true in Huddersfield.

I find it fascinating that many of you seem to be faced with such heavy handed controls over the approval of calibres for specific use. I too have heard of forces insisting upon various deer qualifications to hold heavier calibres but there is currently no legislation to support these requirements. Undoubtedly the courses will benefit the shooter but I am certain that if pushed the Police would find it a difficult condition to enforce.

The Norfolk Poacher has already recommended the rifles from CZ that I use and would recommend to all. The HMR is a fantastic round but is very susceptible to wind drift due to the small size of the head. The other option for Foxes, if full bore is not available, is a tightly choked shotgun with a heavy shell. Obviously a much closer range solution but effective none the less.

With regard to your rifle club questions there are no restrictions on the number of clubs you can join. It is worth remembering that membership fees will need to be paid. Our range is Ł120 a year for a 50m NDA and 100m SDA range.

As previously indicated in the thread you should apply for several calibres during your application to avoid the Ł26 variation cost later. Initially i applied for 2 x .22, a .38 under lever, a .243 and a .303. Since then i have only needed one variation.

Please also be aware that in addition to the rifle and moderator you will need to add expanding ammunition if you intend to shoot live quarry. Locally Police will grant 600 possess and 500 purchase PER .22 owned and 200/150 full bore although these will be increased with proof of high usage.

Again be warned that a good rifle club can be a little like a sweet shop window. From Long barrel pistols, black powder, rimfire, full bore and all of the other variations of firearms it is VERY easy to become hooked on a discipline that you had previously never encountered. I own a lovely under lever Marlin .38 having fallen victim to exactly this syndrome!!! Members are generally delighted to offer the chance to try their firearms and this is one of the beauties of club membership.

Once approved as a full member of your chosen club this is certainly sufficient reason to apply for a calibre approved for use by the club. Please remember that this does not give you authority to use the firearm out with the club however as the usage will be very deliberatly stated on your certificate.

Your last comment is slightly confusing with regard to a shotgun license. You cannot posses a shotgun WITHOUT a certificate and there is certainly nothing preventing you from owning both Section one firearms AND shotguns. What does make sense if you plan to own both is to apply for a coterminous certificate negating the need for 2 renewals as they will expire at the same time and save you 50 or 60 quid.

I hope this ramble proves some help to you and wish you well in your shooting career,

Belmont