.30 cal for deer in the UK

Gerald89 · #1 01-19-2006, 01:24 PM

Hello,

I am just doing my renewal on my firearms certificate in England.

I want to put a .30cal on it for deer probably .308win.

Have any of the brits got experience of this?

The BASC advise that .30cals are acceptable/easy to be granted for Scotland but my .243win is quite enough for UK!

I was advised to show evidence of a scottish booked stalk rather that trying to push for .308 and .243 on my land down here.

What do you think?

thanks Jeza

Brown Dog · #2 01-19-2006, 02:35 PM

Jeza,

Depends -as always- on the mood of your firearms licensing staff.

BASC always seem to take an extraordinarily weak line on this (ie only an idiot can seriously contend that a 308 is 'more dangerous' than a 243...they are both potentially lethal, they both have range danger templates so close as to be considered identical....they are equally 'dangerous').

Personally..and I've only got experience of N Yorks and Wiltshire licensing....I would be stunned if just applying for a 308 for whatever 'good reason' you have at the moment plus the statement 'and for large deer' were not all you need.

..no 'proofs' of Scottish bookings should even enter the equation.

I got 300win mag for the statement 'and the larger deer species' and 9.3mm for the statement 'for african plains game and the larger deer species'.......no 'proofs' required; but 'good reason' established.

..apply for the variation and see what plod say!

Gerald89 · #3 01-20-2006, 03:48 PM

Thanks for that brown dog, that's a bit more encouraging.

I will give it a go.

Jeza

Centre Punch · #4 01-21-2006, 01:39 PM

Jeza,
My mate has got a 308 scout for his stalking and its also down for vermin control, he is with Warks.
I have a 270 down for stalking even though i do not have any access to any land, i think 270 is the most well balanced calibre for all species of dear.
If i were only going for the the larger species i would ask for a 30-06.
You should have no problem getting a 308 for dear.

Ian.

Brown Dog · #5 01-22-2006, 01:28 AM

That reminds me, didn't mention that my 308 is 'deer and fox' ...and tgt shooting!

Gerald89 · #6 01-27-2006, 07:12 PM

Oh no now I have lots of ideas floating around in my head!
New barrel for awp could do all?
Keep 6mm awp for fox and small deer?
New rifle in 300 wsm? for large deer/target (Am going to join the fcsa and have a go a some LR target shooting)

Decisions! decisions!

Thanks for the info

Brown Dog · #7 01-28-2006, 01:33 AM

Jeza,
By coincidence I just applied to join the NRA (the UK one!) in order to have a go at F-Class at Bisley.
...They have an 'NRA club' that meets twice a month...thought I'd give it a go....NRA are running a £30 membership promotion at the moment too!

...and it's easier to get to than Sennybridge....particularly from your location!

(had a quick look at the FCSA UK site ...and the Offa's Dyke lot.....looks good, but I get put off when I see pics of civvies target shooting in full combats ....one individual even has puttees on. ....I find something just not 'right' when I see rotund civvy target shooters dressing-up as soldiers...just my opinion!)