There are quite a few similar threads on here, so have a search around as there are other chaps that have commented on other threads that know much more than I do.

Most of them seem to say that the most important thing seems to be having somewhere suitable to shoot(i.e. police approved). Others have also said you should not aim to get a large caliber rifle to start off with, and you should aim to start with something like a .22 then work up with time.

Some have also said that it might be easier to get a shotgun licence then wait a year or two and apply for the FAC. I assume this is meant to show that you have experience with guns.