Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)

Shooting Forum - Firearms licencing information


Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Shooting on your own property

  • 20-08-2015 5:05pm
    #1
    HQ2011
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭


    Hey all

    I live in the country side on 1 acre of land. I am just wondering if it is legal for me to set up a small target range at the end of my garden and shoot a .17 HMR with silencer.

    Is there any laws against this as long as I set up an effective backstop?

    Thanks for reading
    Tagged:


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Sparks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    HQ2011 wrote: »
    Is there any laws against this as long as I set up an effective backstop?

    Yes. Target shooting outside an authorised range is illegal under the firearms act.


  • #3
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Aren't silencers illegal too?


  • #4
    HQ2011
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭HQ2011


    Thanks for the advise, I haven't applied for a gun licence yet so i need to do a course and join a club, It was just a question i wanted answered quickly.

    @Qualitymark I don't know if a silencer is legal or not, I guess all that will be explained to me when I do the gun safety course.


  • #5
    Sparks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    Aren't silencers illegal too?

    No, (licenced) silencers are perfectly legal here.


  • #6
    HQ2011
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭HQ2011


    Thanks for the help guys! Its much appreciated!


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    adrian5765
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 114 ✭✭adrian5765


    yes silencers are legal but u must apply to have an S stamp on your license for any gun you wish to use a silencer on


  • #8
    arrowloopboy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,154 ✭✭✭arrowloopboy


    Sparks wrote: »
    Yes. Target shooting outside an authorised range is illegal under the firearms act.

    Technically correct,but continues zeroing isn't illegal !
    This so,is an uninforcable law,and hence shouldn't be a law at all,everything in this little country of ours seems to be illegal:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:.


  • #9
    Sparks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    arrowloopboy wrote: »
    Technically correct,but continues zeroing isn't illegal !
    Sorry, no, it doesn't continue that way. Zeroing outside of a range is illegal under the Act. Even if it was as an oversight and even though the Minister when asked later said (I'm paraphrasing here) "Whoops", it's still the law.
    This so,is an uninforcable law
    I know of several cases where it's very much been enforced...
    shouldn't be a law at all
    Correct, but unfortunately it is. As such, please remember Rule 8 from the charter...


  • #10
    Snake_Doctor
    Registered Users Posts: 206 ✭✭Snake_Doctor


    Just as a matter of interest, would chronograph testing of ammo come under the same umbrella?
    Ta S'Doc


  • #11
    Sparks
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,038 ✭✭✭✭Sparks


    I'm not sure, but the definitions in the act are so wide that if it ever went so far as to go to a court, I wouldn't bet so much as a toenail clipping on the outcome of any case where that was the defence.


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    Aren't silencers illegal too?


    If you want a moderator (silencer), you must apply to the Gardai for one. They will either grant you permission for it or they won't. You usually have to write a letter to go with the application form stating why you need to have a moderator.

    If you are granted permission, you will receive your gun licence with a letter "S" on it.

    Without the letter "S" on your licence, you aren't allowed to possess a moderator and you will be prosecuted for illegal possession of one should you be caught.

    If you apply for the moderator when you are applying for your firearm licence, you pay €80 total for the moderator and the firearm licence should they both be granted.

    If you apply for the moderator separately to your firearm licence, you have to pay €80 for the moderator and €80 for the firearm licence should they both be granted.


  • #13
    tac foley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,500 ✭✭✭tac foley


    Snake_Doctor wrote: »
    Just as a matter of interest, would chronograph testing of ammo come under the same umbrella?
    Ta S'Doc

    You are actually testing ammunition by shooting it. To do that, you need to be on a range. All the previous comments about where and how you can do this apply.

    tac


  • #14
    deerhunter1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,712 ✭✭✭deerhunter1


    Sparks wrote: »
    No, (licenced) silencers are perfectly legal here.

    Suppressors:rolleyes:


  • #15
    Vegeta
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,393 ✭✭✭✭Vegeta


    deerhunter1 wrote: »
    Suppressors:rolleyes:

    Legislation and application forms call them silencers, so is it incorrect to use that term when discussing their legality and how to apply for one?


  • #16
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    It also refers to firearms as weapons. Doesn't make it right either.

    I never call them a silencer. If for no other reason than its not an appropriate description of it's function. It does not silence the shot, it reduces or suppresses the heard report of the shot. You cannot suppress or silence a supersonic round. Even subsonic rounds make a noise and while it's possible to reduce to a level that you believe is silent, it never is. Plus have you seen a subsonic version of a supersonic round. Take the .308 in 150gr. Usually has a MV of 2700 or more. Drop between 100 and 200 yards can be from 0.5" to 2". In subsonic form that drop goes to as high as 30" over the same 100 yard increase in distance.

    So what good is a suppressor or silencer when you need a degree in advanced ballistics to work out your drop.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #17
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    Cass wrote: »
    It also refers to firearms as weapons. Doesn't make it right either.

    The section on the form referring to sights is also incorrect. It should be renamed "nightvision/thermal sights".


  • #18
    Grizzly 45
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,075 ✭✭✭✭Grizzly 45


    Unfortuneatly,technically and historically the term "silencer" is actually correct when talking about any device that reduces shot noise. Hiriam Maxim's original patent describes them as a "silencer"
    "Suppressors" and the like is/was just a US military thing to possibly rename everything in the army as somthing different to cause or prevent more confusion in the supply depot.The trem then drifted off into common day usage to describe silencers along with" sound modifiers".

    "If you want to keep someone away from your house, Just fire the shotgun through the door."

    Vice President [and former lawyer] Joe Biden Field& Stream Magazine interview Feb 2013 "



  • #19
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    • Silencer - Device used to reduce noise.
    • Silence or To Silence - Means the absence of sound, silent, without noise.

    The meaning of the word silencer does not keep with the meaning of the word silence or to silence something. A suppressor does not silence a firearm, and just because something has been used for a long time does not mean it's right it just means it's been wrong for longer. :D
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #20
    ligertigon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 556 ✭✭✭ligertigon


    Just to add more confusion.

    What about a rifle where the model contains a built in suppressor from the factory.

    Does one need an additional licence for this?


  • #21
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    If it has a suppressor at all you need authorisation. Doesn't matter about how it's fitted or whether it's factory fitted or not. Which rifle are you thinking of that has it built in?
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • #22
    ligertigon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 556 ✭✭✭ligertigon


    Many air rifles come with factory fitted suppressors.
    In fact, the manufacturers state NOT to fire with these removed.
    While others are fused to the barrel

    What then?


  • #23
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    AS above.

    If it has a suppressor it needs authorisation
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #24
    bravestar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭bravestar


    ligertigon wrote: »
    Many air rifles come with factory fitted suppressors.
    In fact, the manufacturers state NOT to fire with these removed.
    While others are fused to the barrel

    What then?

    Then you apply for the "s" outlining your reasons and make sure you get it. Otherwise you don't take possession of the firearm.


  • #25
    robertpatterson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 930 ✭✭✭robertpatterson


    If the problem is youre not allowed to shoot at a target, if you took a dead rabbit and started taking shots at it at say 100 yards would that be illegal in itself cos you wouldn't be shooting at a 'target'


  • #26
    tac foley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,500 ✭✭✭tac foley


    Sir, you are splitting 'hares' here. If you are shooting at an object, no matter what is is, then it is a target.

    tac


  • #27
    HQ2011
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭HQ2011


    If it is illegal to shoot outside a target range then how come as part of a gun club you are allowed to shoot on farm land with permission?


  • #28
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    robertpatterson wrote: »
    If the problem is youre not allowed to shoot at a target, if you took a dead rabbit and started taking shots at it at say 100 yards would that be illegal in itself cos you wouldn't be shooting at a 'target'
    Seriously?

    /sigh

    If you shoot a rabbit then you're hunting. if you shoot it repeatedly then you either have anger issues or are now using the rabbit carcass as a target and hence are target shooting. The word target has an unbelievably long list of items which are classed as targets. The definition of target shooting is purposely vague to non existent to allow any person dealing with a situation the ability to enforce it or give leeway.
    HQ2011 wrote: »
    If it is illegal to shoot outside a target range then how come as part of a gun club you are allowed to shoot on farm land with permission?
    Target shoot outside a range. NOT shoot.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #29
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    HQ2011 wrote: »
    If it is illegal to shoot outside a target range then how come as part of a gun club you are allowed to shoot on farm land with permission?

    It's only illegal to do target shooting outside of an official range, not hunting or vermin control.

    So, just to be clear, if you have permission then it's ok to hunt or to shoot vermin on farm land.

    But if you stick up a target, bottle, stick, balloon, or whatever, outside of an official range, pop off a shot at it, then you are target shooting and breaking the law.


  • #30
    cheapskate
    Registered Users Posts: 173 ✭✭cheapskate


    Hi, Im also interested in this topic albeit slightly different!

    I also live in the country surrounded by fields with only one road boundary, I live on a 6 acre holding which I own.
    My question is, as a first time licence applicant am I likely to get approved for licence for vermin shooting on my own land, I dont at present want to join a club and my local club is not accepting new members anyway!
    Also I was planning on buying a double barrell shotgun for rabbits but the gun shop recommended me to purchase a rifle instead actually suggested both!! Am I better to get a rifle, .17 or .22 Or a barking iron?

    Thanks for your views...
    Cheapskate


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    cheapskate wrote: »
    I also live in the country surrounded by fields with only one road boundary, I live on a 6 acre holding which I own.
    My question is, as a first time licence applicant am I likely to get approved for licence for vermin shooting on my own land, I dont at present want to join a club and my local club is not accepting new members anyway!
    Also I was planning on buying a double barrell shotgun for rabbits but the gun shop recommended me to purchase a rifle instead actually suggested both!! Am I better to get a rifle, .17 or .22 Or a barking iron?

    Thanks for your views...
    Cheapskate

    You don't have to own land or join a club to get a licence for vermin control or hunting. You just need permission from two landowners. Local farmers that you get on well with would probably give you permission. That said, I suppose shooting on your own land probably would count as an acceptable reason to the Gardai. I'd get other permissions too before submitting my application.

    I'd recommend a .22lr for shooting rabbits. Much greater range than a shotgun. Another reason to go for a .22lr as it's cheaper to run than a shotgun or a .17. The .17 ammo is a good bit more expensive than .22lr although it is better for the long range shots.

    Personally, I'd go for the .22lr.


  • #32
    cheapskate
    Registered Users Posts: 173 ✭✭cheapskate


    Thanks Battlecorp,
    Yes you are probably right about getting permission from neighbouring farmers from the perspective of applying for a licence. Its crazy though that this would be a pre-condition to shooting vermin on your own land. I got approval for a 22 magnum years ago from the gardai but didnt follow up on it because by the time the guards gave me approval (15 months) the gun was sold to someone else and I wouldve had to reapply!
    I had thought of the 22lr but thought a 17 would be more favourable to the garda as its a lower caliber and maybe they would be less inclined to refuse. Also i might want to drop the odd fox harrassing my chucks. But its mainly for the rabbits, fekin millions of them eating me out of it!
    Thanks guys!
    CS


  • #33
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    cheapskate wrote: »
    Its crazy though that this would be a pre-condition to shooting vermin on your own land.

    There is one option open to you. A limited certificate.

    It's for a shotgun ONLY and you may only shoot the shotgun on YOUR land (nowhere else). For any other firearm you need individual permissions, club membership, range membership, etc.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #34
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    Cass wrote: »
    There is one option open to you. A limited certificate.

    It's for a shotgun ONLY and you may only shoot the shotgun on YOUR land (nowhere else). For any other firearm you need individual permissions, club membership, range membership, etc.

    That wording might be slighty confusing there Cass.

    I would have worded it like " There is one another option open to you. A limited certificate".

    That said, if you were able to get permissions from two farmers, that would obviously give you much more flexibility.


  • #35
    Big Bangstick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43 ✭Big Bangstick


    The old limited cert didn't cover you to shoot game either. Not sure that's been changed? Maybe something to consider?


  • #36
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    BattleCorp wrote: »
    That wording might be slighty confusing there Cass.

    I would have worded it like " There is one another option open to you. A limited certificate".
    Meant to say one other option. Thinking faster than i'm typing.
    That said, if you were able to get permissions from two farmers, that would obviously give you much more flexibility.
    Absolutely, but with his own land being a factor the limitedcertificate may be an option, other option. :D
    Big Bangstick wrote: »
    The old limited cert didn't cover you to shoot game either. Not sure that's been changed? Maybe something to consider?
    Nope, still the same. Hence the limited aspect, and by feck how much more limited can you get. Shotgun only, no game, your own land/land you're nominated on, etc. Really still aimed at farmers.

    As Battlecorp said get permissions from others and open up your options.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • Advertisement
  • #37
    Big Bangstick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43 ✭Big Bangstick


    Limited had a 25 cartridge allowance too IIRC :(


  • #38
    tac foley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,500 ✭✭✭tac foley


    cheapskate wrote: »
    I had thought of the 22lr but thought a 17 would be more favourable to the garda as its a lower caliber CS

    Smaller calibre but twice as fast and noisier as well as more costy.

    tac


  • #39
    Grizzly 45
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,075 ✭✭✭✭Grizzly 45


    Does the limited or "farmers cert" even exist anymore??:confused:

    "If you want to keep someone away from your house, Just fire the shotgun through the door."

    Vice President [and former lawyer] Joe Biden Field& Stream Magazine interview Feb 2013 "



  • #40
    Cass
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,625 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cass


    It's still an option on the FCA1. How many use it though is another question. Plus as it's not £6 anymore (iirc it's €40) many might just go for the full monty.
    Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

    If you see a problem post use the report post function. Click on the three dots on the post, select "FLAG" & let a Moderator deal with it.

    Moderators - Cass otmmyboy2 , CatMod - Shamboc , Admins - Beasty , mickeroo



  • #41
    hexosan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,740 ✭✭✭hexosan


    It's not €40. Both the limited & unlimited are the same price €80


  • Advertisement
  • #42
    damanloox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭damanloox


    I know this is pretty old thread but I think I've similar question..
    I have a small property (1 acre), a friendly neighbour who doesn't mind me shooting and a few trees that apparently became home for very loud crows ;)) - can I shoot crows on my property (shotgun)...?


  • #43
    ligertigon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 556 ✭✭✭ligertigon


    damanloox wrote: »
    I know this is pretty old thread but I think I've similar question..
    I have a small property (1 acre), a friendly neighbour who doesn't mind me shooting and a few trees that apparently became home for very loud crows ;)) - can I shoot crows on my property (shotgun)...?

    My view, would be that you are responsible for where the shot lands, and comply with other factors such as roads and buildings.

    On another note, its coming into winter and they roost in groups this time of year.
    You are not allowed to shoot crows/corvids just because they are loud and annoying you. They are just doing what they do and are quiet at night.

    There are conditions laid out in the NPWS derogations for the reasons you CAN shoot corvids.


  • #44
    rsole1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 601 ✭✭✭rsole1


    ligertigon wrote: »
    My view, would be that you are responsible for where the shot lands, and comply with other factors such as roads and buildings.

    On another note, its coming into winter and they roost in groups this time of year.
    You are not allowed to shoot crows/corvids just because they are loud and annoying you. They are just doing what they do and are quiet at night.

    There are conditions laid out in the NPWS derogations for the reasons you CAN shoot corvids.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055315625


  • #45
    Gravelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,119 ✭✭✭Gravelly


    Hi Guys, could somebody answer a (possibly stupid) question related to the above. I am about to apply for a shotgun licence. I want to do the following:
    Some game shooting
    Some clay shooting
    Some vermin control on my own >1 acre property
    Some vermin control for a neighbouring farmer
    Some pigeon shooting

    A friend who hunts has arranged for me to get permissions from some farmers (I've already gotten it from the farmer who wants me to shoot vermin for him).

    My question is, do farmer permissions allow me to do all the above, or do I have to join a club too? I find the licence form a little confusing. If I am granted a licence based on farmer permissions can I shoot outside of those permissions (legally obviously) such as at a pheasant shoot, clay range etc?


  • #46
    ezra_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭ezra_


    Gravelly wrote: »
    Hi Guys, could somebody answer a (possibly stupid) question related to the above. I am about to apply for a shotgun licence. I want to do the following:
    Some game shooting
    Some clay shooting
    Some vermin control on my own >1 acre property
    Some vermin control for a neighbouring farmer
    Some pigeon shooting

    A friend who hunts has arranged for me to get permissions from some farmers (I've already gotten it from the farmer who wants me to shoot vermin for him).

    My question is, do farmer permissions allow me to do all the above, or do I have to join a club too? I find the licence form a little confusing. If I am granted a licence based on farmer permissions can I shoot outside of those permissions (legally obviously) such as at a pheasant shoot, clay range etc?

    I was sort of in the same boat as I was applying for a shotgun for both clays, vermin and some game shooting.

    When applying, I was advised by the local guard to tick both hunting and target shooting (as I would be using the gun in both the range and in the field).

    I then had a to write a letter to the local super that explained why I wanted it, what I would be using it for and giving the permissions (including the size of them).

    No problem getting the licence and no problem using the gun for both range and field work, once I'd told them and had ticked both options on the licence.


  • #47
    Gravelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,119 ✭✭✭Gravelly


    Thanks for that - I was wondering if I was the only one who was puzzled by this! So tick both and supply permissions. What worried me was the line:

    (Complete this section if a Limited Certificate is applied for)

    That's after permissions on the form because it seems to imply that permissions only allows you to shoot on that land. I presume i don't need to be a member of a club to shoot clays - I understand my local club allows you to shoot clays for a small fee if you are not a member.

    The only other thing I was wondering about is the bit about "proof of competence" - reading other threads on here there seems to be no agreement as to what this consists of. I grew up on a farm and used my fathers shotgun in my teens, but I'm guessing that won't count! Does doing a couple of hours clay shooting at the local range count I wonder?


  • #48
    ezra_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭ezra_


    Gravelly wrote: »
    Thanks for that - I was wondering if I was the only one who was puzzled by this! So tick both and supply permissions. What worried me was the line:

    (Complete this section if a Limited Certificate is applied for)

    That's after permissions on the form because it seems to imply that permissions only allows you to shoot on that land. I presume i don't need to be a member of a club to shoot clays - I understand my local club allows you to shoot clays for a small fee if you are not a member.

    The only other thing I was wondering about is the bit about "proof of competence" - reading other threads on here there seems to be no agreement as to what this consists of. I grew up on a farm and used my fathers shotgun in my teens, but I'm guessing that won't count! Does doing a couple of hours clay shooting at the local range count I wonder?

    I've always just filled that out - and I wasn't applying for a limited licence.
    Are you applying for a 'full' licence or a limited one?

    Bit of a hornet's nest that one - probably not best to write down that you used a gun without a licence. If you've done a course, put it down. If you want to do courses, I think the NARGC and other bodies do them from time to time. Cass is the man to ask - there isn't much he doesn't know about this process!


  • #49
    Gravelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,119 ✭✭✭Gravelly


    I wanted a full one - I presume a limited one won't allow me to hunt outside my permissions, or clay shoot will it?

    Yeah thought it might be best not to mention that! Though I suppose it's the same on every farm.

    I rang my local station to ask to speak to the firearms officer (they seemed to be very confused when I used that term, so maybe that's not what he's called) but they just sort of put me off and told me to drop in the form. Was hoping a chat with the guard that does the licenses would answer these questions. My friend who hunts has had a licence for years and knows very little about the process of applying for a new one.


  • #50
    BattleCorp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,789 ✭✭✭✭BattleCorp


    Gravelly wrote: »
    Thanks for that - I was wondering if I was the only one who was puzzled by this! So tick both and supply permissions. What worried me was the line:

    (Complete this section if a Limited Certificate is applied for)

    That's after permissions on the form because it seems to imply that permissions only allows you to shoot on that land. I presume i don't need to be a member of a club to shoot clays - I understand my local club allows you to shoot clays for a small fee if you are not a member.

    The only other thing I was wondering about is the bit about "proof of competence" - reading other threads on here there seems to be no agreement as to what this consists of. I grew up on a farm and used my fathers shotgun in my teens, but I'm guessing that won't count! Does doing a couple of hours clay shooting at the local range count I wonder?

    Don't apply for the limited certificate. I'm open to correction but I believe that it won't allow you to do target shooting or to shoot on land that isn't your own.

    Tick both hunting and target shooting and you should be fine.

    Strange as this may sound but there are plenty of Gardaí who know feckall about the laws when it comes to shooting and many of them give incorrect advice. I've learned from past experiences that you can't always rely on their advice regarding firearms.


  • #51
    Gravelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,119 ✭✭✭Gravelly


    That's what I thought alright.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement