Possible to get L1a1 or FAL?

Bagpipe · 01-11-2020 9:38pm #1

Hello,

Just wondering is there anyone selling L1a1s or FALs in Ireland or are they even legal here?

I did some googling and i couldn't find anyone selling them but then again I could be blind.

Thanks.

Feisar · 01-11-2020 9:51pm

When I was in the FCA as it was at the time we were some of the last to be trained up on the FN. God it is some rifle.

Grizzly 45 · 01-11-2020 10:11pm

Yes they are legal here, a couple of lads have them.
Just be aware that even though you might get one licensed, there is a good chance that you could lose it under the SI of 2017 that makes any new licenses issued post-2017 null and void. Which would be a bummer if you had invested a couple of grand in one in semi auto... Y
You would also want to make sure it isn't a former metric pattern FAL which was converted from a former genuine "assault rifle" to semi-auto only,as that is under the EU legislation a CAT A prohibited firearm these days. So you could get a UK surplus "inch pattern"

Now,a smart lad, not wishing that to happen, might consider getting a FAL in a "Straight Pull" version, which makes it an odd-looking repeater, and possibly less of a hassle to license. Not withstanding "looks like"guidelines [Now removed from the most recent AGS guidelines,but some diehards might still try it on] and "Idontlikedelookodatnow!" attitudes from Supersand Cheifs.:P:rolleyes:

tudderone · 01-11-2020 10:39pm

Yes i've seen one licenced here, i did handle it, bloody heavy thing. Someone in the north is selling the straight-pulls.

Bagpipe · 01-11-2020 10:51pm

Feisar wrote: »

When I was in the FCA as it was at the time we were some of the last to be trained up on the FN. God it is some rifle.

Are they fairly accurate? I was told by some DF lads that they are woeful after 300m.

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Yes they are legal here, a couple of lads have them.
Just be aware that even though you might get one licensed, there is a good chance that you could lose it under the SI of 2017 that makes any new licenses issued post-2017 null and void. Which would be a bummer if you had invested a couple of grand in one in semi auto... Y
You would also want to make sure it isn't a former metric pattern FAL which was converted from a former genuine "assault rifle" to semi-auto only,as that is under the EU legislation a CAT A prohibited firearm these days. So you could get a UK surplus "inch pattern"

Now,a smart lad, not wishing that to happen, might consider getting a FAL in a "Straight Pull" version, which makes it an odd-looking repeater, and possibly less of a hassle to license. Not withstanding "looks like"guidelines [Now removed from the most recent AGS guidelines,but some diehards might still try it on] and "Idontlikedelookodatnow!" attitudes from Supersand Cheifs.:P:rolleyes:

I'm guessing it would only be feasible to get a semi one licensed for target shooting? Not sure i like the idea of the straight pull one but sure look.

tudderone wrote: »

Yes i've seen one licenced here, i did handle it, bloody heavy thing. Someone in the north is selling the straight-pulls.

I've held a couple of the army's spotter versions and i'd have to agree with you there!

Cass · 01-11-2020 11:12pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

........ there is a good chance that you could lose it under the SI of 2017 that makes any new licenses issued post-2017 null and void.:

Say what? Did i miss that or am i forgetting it?

Feisar · 01-11-2020 11:15pm

I thought it was accurate enough, remember yer using iron sights and not precision ones at that. I'd say it was beer mat accurate at 100, maybe a bit worse than that.

cookimonster · 01-11-2020 11:56pm

Bagpipe wrote: »

Are they fairly accurate? I was told by some DF lads that they are woeful after 300m.

I'm guessing it would only be feasible to get a semi one licensed for target shooting? Not sure i like the idea of the straight pull one but sure look.

I've held a couple of the army's spotter versions and i'd have to agree with you there!

Don't get confused with the 'new' or up dated spotter rifles, they have had a lot of money spent on them to make make them look that trashy....ahem... good.

The FN was my secound service rifle to be trained on (Enfield 303 in the RDF) and it remains my favourite over the Styer AUG. Although they could be very accurate in proper hands many of those rifles were unofficially modified in various ways in order to up the edge during various competitions.
On the range they were grand to fire, once kissed by one you tended not to let it happen again. I never had an issue with one failing or miss fireing unlike its successor. They are about as accurate as any other good military rifle out there, but remember they are designed to put holes or the fear of God in people not bullets into neat little clover shapes on paper.
I'm not up on the current legislation but all our issued FNs were select fire and that AFAIK is now a big issue.
If it's not a complete infatuation that you have with the old 'Right Arm of the Free World' I can personly recommend the good old 303 Enfield or (but not from experienc) K31
straight pull.

Bagpipe · 02-11-2020 12:19am

Feisar wrote: »

I thought it was accurate enough, remember yer using iron sights and not precision ones at that. I'd say it was beer mat accurate at 100, maybe a bit worse than that.

Thats not too bad i wouldnt say. Thanks for your replies

cookimonster wrote: »

Don't get confused with the 'new' or up dated spotter rifles, they have had a lot of money spent on them to make make them look that trashy....ahem... good.

The FN was my secound service rifle to be trained on (Enfield 303 in the RDF) and it remains my favourite over the Styer AUG. Although they could be very accurate in proper hands many of those rifles were unofficially modified in various ways in order to up the edge during various competitions.
On the range they were grand to fire, once kissed by one you tended not to let it happen again. I never had an issue with one failing or miss fireing unlike its successor. They are about as accurate as any other good military rifle out there, but remember they are designed to put holes or the fear of God in people not bullets into neat little clover shapes on paper.
I'm not up on the current legislation but all our issued FNs were select fire and that AFAIK is now a big issue.
If it's not a complete infatuation that you have with the old 'Right Arm of the Free World' I can personly recommend the good old 303 Enfield or (but not from experienc) K31
straight pull.

In the future I definitely look into get a MkIII or maybe even an M1 Garand. Ever since I was young I've wanted a FAL just because of how iconic they are. I guess i have a thing for old firearms

I wonder is it possible get the likes of an AR-10 or is it too associated with the IRA for a license to be granted?

cookimonster · 02-11-2020 1:08am

Bagpipe wrote: »

Thats not too bad i wouldnt say. Thanks for your replies

In the future I definitely look into get a MkIII or maybe even an M1 Garand. Ever since I was young I've wanted a FAL just because of how iconic they are. I guess i have a thing for old firearms

I wonder is it possible get the likes of an AR-10 or is it too associated with the IRA for a license to be granted?

Your main issues will be with any firearm that is or was select fire . The lesser issue is to convince the powers to be to license a semi automatic centre fire rifle, it's not impossible and many have them here, but it's a little more convoluted then applying for say a bolt action such as the Enfield or K31.

The EU Firearms Directive- revised 2017/853/EC.

The 2017 revision brings substantial improvements to security by making it harder to legally acquire certain high capacity weapons, such as automatic firearms transformed into semi-automatics.

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 3:12am

Cass wrote: »

Say what? Did i miss that or am i forgetting it?

Might have forgotten it,or I may have the date wrong.But it is there,any new lics issued are deemed revoked,but this has never been signed into the statue books...Yet.Was a statement by Frannie Fitzgerald .

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 3:15am

I wonder is it possible get the likes of an AR-10 or is it too associated with the IRA for a license to be granted?

The AR10 is a modern sporting rifle in 308 that has nothing to do with the IRA or Eugene Stoners original design The RA had the AR18 or the M16 mostly.And yes the AR10 is liscenseable ,I have one.

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 3:19am

Bagpipe wrote: »

Are they fairly accurate? I was told by some DF lads that they are woeful after 300m.

I'm guessing it would only be feasible to get a semi one licensed for target shooting? Not sure i like the idea of the straight pull one but sure look.

I've held a couple of the army's spotter versions and i'd have to agree with you there!

Whole story about the spotter here and its another utter cluster fuk.
You can liscense it for both hunting and target shooting.Contary to much misinformation, there is nothing stopping you using a SA for hunting here.

meathstevie · 02-11-2020 3:56am

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Whole story about the spotter here and its another utter cluster fuk.
You can liscense it for both hunting and target shooting.Contary to much misinformation, there is nothing stopping you using a SA for hunting here.

Are they subject to the three round limit like semi auto shotguns for hunting purposes ? L1A1 with a soft point bullet it likes with a 4 or 5 times fixed magnification scope would be a grand deer rifle.

Are they really going a few grand ? Cousin of mine bought one a few years back in Belgium for under a grand, British pattern in great condition. Mainly fires it at an indoor range at 25m, a bit daft if you ask me but his choice and money.

BattleCorp · 02-11-2020 12:21pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Just be aware that even though you might get one licensed, there is a good chance that you could lose it under the SI of 2017 that makes any new licenses issued post-2017 null and void. Which would be a bummer if you had :

What SI are you talking about because as far as I was aware the Minister mentioned it in the Dail but didn't write any legislation on the matter?

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 12:30pm

meathstevie wrote: »

Are they subject to the three round limit like semi auto shotguns for hunting purposes ? L1A1 with a soft point bullet it likes with a 4 or 5 times fixed magnification scope would be a grand deer rifle.

Are they really going a few grand ? Cousin of mine bought one a few years back in Belgium for under a grand, British pattern in great condition. Mainly fires it at an indoor range at 25m, a bit daft if you ask me but his choice and money.

Nope,you can hang a 10 round on it no bother for hunting.Thats the EU max these days.Most BAs have the same capacity ,and the wildlife act makes no mention of SA rifles mag capacity.
It depends on what you buy,and what version in the cost.Im sure you can find an old lunker for 500 with a smooth bore barrel from god knows how many rounds thru it.Or a NIB Para FAL for 3k

Cass · 02-11-2020 12:57pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Might have forgotten it,or I may have the date wrong.But it is there,any new lics issued are deemed revoked,but this has never been signed into the statue books...Yet.Was a statement by Frannie Fitzgerald .

You're referring to her statement in 2015 and the Commissioner's comments on that statement in his updated guidelines in Sept 2018, but it has never been an SI or an amendment to any Act.

Not nit picking but an SI means they are "banned" but her statement, while very doom and gloom, is still only a statement until some legislation is written to enforce it.

There is another issue that i'd love to get a professional opinion on. WHen this was done for centrefire pistols in 2008 (November) and enforced in the new Act in 2009 there was only 7 months which would be the amount of time to get through an entire Act. However its been over 5 years since the then Minister's statement in 2015 and still no legislation so i'm wondering if the retrospective nature of future legislation back to the statement has a time limit.

IOW, as we discussed many times before, you cannot use the threat of legislation as legislation.

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 2:56pm

^THIS^^^
Apologies for any alarm caused, tiredness and some of Mr J Daniels Sunday company at a late hour got me messed with the dates. That's my excuse ....;):D

Cass · 02-11-2020 9:23pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

That's my excuse ....;):D

You stick to it bud.

Bagpipe · 02-11-2020 9:25pm

Unless im misreading or misunderstanding, I CAN get a converted one but it may be a bit dodgy to license?

meathstevie · 02-11-2020 9:53pm

Bagpipe wrote: »

Unless im misreading or misunderstanding, I CAN get a converted one but it may be a bit dodgy to license?

L1A1 SLR, yes since it was never a full auto capable rifle. FAL, select fire converted to semi-auto only, no.

“Dodgy” to licence ? Not really if you can convince your local Chief Super that you have sufficient good reason to own it and a non-restricted firearm can’t reasonably be used for the same purpose.

The caliber, 7.62x51 is not a restricted caliber. It’s the semi-auto aspect you’ll have more of a job convincing the issuing CS to grant you the certificate.

cookimonster · 02-11-2020 9:57pm

Bagpipe wrote: »

Unless im misreading or misunderstanding, I CAN get a converted one but it may be a bit dodgy to license?

What converted to what?

A select fire to semi auto/ straight pull - I belive that mouse hole has been closed.

A semi to a straight pull, yep I think that's ok, but a terrible bastardisation. There are plenty of orginal semi auto military firearms to look at before going that root.

tudderone · 02-11-2020 10:48pm

meathstevie wrote: »

L1A1 SLR, yes since it was never a full auto capable rifle. FAL, select fire converted to semi-auto only, no.

“Dodgy” to licence ? Not really if you can convince your local Chief Super that you have sufficient good reason to own it and a non-restricted firearm can’t reasonably be used for the same purpose.

The caliber, 7.62x51 is not a restricted caliber. It’s the semi-auto aspect you’ll have more of a job convincing the issuing CS to grant you the certificate.

This boils my piss, why cannot owning a restricted firearm be enough in its self ? So i want a slr, but have to give reasons like a child why its an slr i want rather than a lee enfield or something similar ? The calibre thing is another stupid way of "Restricting" firearms. Under the eyes of the ptb, a .38spl lever action is more "dangerous" than a .300 winchester magnum. I was explaining this to a super previously and he simply couldn't get his head around it. Bigger is more dangerous and thats it, was his attitude. Licence the man and not the gun.

Grizzly 45 · 02-11-2020 10:52pm

DSA arms in the US is probably your best call for FN modern sporting type rifles.
But it will be fun trying to get it out of the US.

Former FN FAL type rifles [SLR,FAL,G1]aren't as common anymore in Europe. They've been either junked or sold to 3rd world countries for kids to kill people with despite UN embargoes.:rolleyes: Or to the US in kit gun format.

OTOH I still believe it is possible to get a former assault rifle reconverted to a modern sporting rifle. Neidermeyer gunsmiths in Munich are still doing genuine Vietnam era M16s in either straight pull or semi-auto.

Basically they "destroy" the gun dump out all the select-fire parts like fire group, barrel, bolt selector, mag and whats left can be rebuilt on a modern sporting rifle, including a much modified lower receiver with a blocked select fire control group well. They have a BKA clearence to be sold to the public.

So it might be possible to get a FAL converted too by them? But they arent cheap!! Looking at around 3.5k All in for this.And thats putting you in a decent Oberland arms AR10 in 308 ....I know what I'd rather have in that case.

tudderone · 02-11-2020 11:36pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

DSA arms in the US is probably your best call for FN modern sporting type rifles.
But it will be fun trying to get it out of the US.

Wait and see how much more difficult it will be if old hair sniffer Joe gets in.

Bagpipe · 04-11-2020 11:29am

Very helpful as always guys thanks very much! I guess ill try my hand at the L1A1 and ill share my success or failure.

Munsterlad102 · 08-11-2020 10:57pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Nope,you can hang a 10 round on it no bother for hunting.Thats the EU max these days.Most BAs have the same capacity ,and the wildlife act makes no mention of SA rifles mag capacity.
It depends on what you buy,and what version in the cost.Im sure you can find an old lunker for 500 with a smooth bore barrel from god knows how many rounds thru it.Or a NIB Para FAL for 3k

Yeah, what’s the story with magazine capacity for centrefire rifles? Were all magazines over 10 rounds banned recently or am I imagining things?

Grizzly 45 · 08-11-2020 11:34pm

Munsterlad102 wrote: »

Yeah, what’s the story with magazine capacity for centrefire rifles? Were all magazines over 10 rounds banned recently or am I imagining things?

Yup,under the EU directive .It varies from country to country as to how it is enforced.

BattleCorp · 09-11-2020 12:13pm

Munsterlad102 wrote: »

Yeah, what’s the story with magazine capacity for centrefire rifles? Were all magazines over 10 rounds banned recently or am I imagining things?

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Yup,under the EU directive .It varies from country to country as to how it is enforced.

Our Government had the option of allowing mag size exemptions for sporting reasons but they didn't take up that option.

tudderone · 09-11-2020 3:10pm

BattleCorp wrote: »

Our Government had the option of allowing mag size exemptions for sporting reasons but they didn't take up that option.

Quelle surprise :rolleyes:

Munsterlad102 · 09-11-2020 8:54pm

BattleCorp wrote: »

Our Government had the option of allowing mag size exemptions for sporting reasons but they didn't take up that option.

Fecking EU making laws for the sake of them. What does limiting magazine capacity actually achieve? Last time I checked mass shooters don't follow the law. You'd almost want to be leaving like Britain:D

Brontosaurus · 17-11-2020 2:01am

What would be considered a "good reason" for a SA CF that your typical super would accept? What competitions available in the ROI for such a rifle? As bad as the legislation and licensing process is, it doesn't help that the shooting community doesn't do more to have more competitions using a wider variety of firearms and to try to actually grow such competitions and get new blood into the sport in general...

Munsterlad102 · 17-11-2020 8:23pm

Brontosaurus wrote: »

What would be considered a "good reason" for a SA CF that your typical super would accept? What competitions available in the ROI for such a rifle? As bad as the legislation and licensing process is, it doesn't help that the shooting community doesn't do more to have more competitions using a wider variety of firearms and to try to actually grow such competitions and get new blood into the sport in general...

The midlands range hold a “bullseye 360” competition for SA CF. I’m pretty sure you can only get a SA CF if it’s to do with target shooting, whether that’s solely targets or as a dual purpose, ie targts and foxing etc. If you’re interested, JB88 is the man to talk to.

Grizzly 45 · 17-11-2020 8:32pm

Put it down for Bullseye 360,F Class has a section for CF SA rifles as well, although I dunno how many shoot it here.

An Riocht in Kerry run an Irish version of service rifle, and there is no problem putting it down for foxing and deer hunting. Although you won't have much fox left if it gets hit by a .308

meathstevie · 17-11-2020 9:03pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Put it down for Bullseye 360,F Class has a section for CF SA rifles as well, although I dunno how many shoot it here.

An Riocht in Kerry run an Irish version of service rifle, and there is no problem putting it down for foxing and deer hunting. Although you won't have much fox left if it gets hit by a .308

You can’t kill a fox deader than dead and if it’s a person’s only rifle which is used for target shooting and two different forms of hunting you could even argue that one gun now does the job of potentially two guns. A win for the applicant and the CS, one can be happy with the L1A1 they wanted and the other can turn around and say they only had to authorize one rifle where there wouldn’t have been many grounds to not grant two.

Munsterlad102 · 17-11-2020 11:03pm

meathstevie wrote: »

You can’t kill a fox deader than dead and if it’s a person’s only rifle which is used for target shooting and two different forms of hunting you could even argue that one gun now does the job of potentially two guns. A win for the applicant and the CS, one can be happy with the L1A1 they wanted and the other can turn around and say they only had to authorize one rifle where there wouldn’t have been many grounds to not grant two.

Would there be much shooting in foxing? What I mean is are there many foxes around on farms to be shot? Is foxing just done on farms or what? Sorry I’m not familiar with hunting or foxing in general.

Bagpipe · 18-11-2020 1:10am

Munsterlad102 wrote: »

Would there be much shooting in foxing? What I mean is are there many foxes around on farms to be shot? Is foxing just done on farms or what? Sorry I’m not familiar with hunting or foxing in general.

It depends where you live really as i think the fox populations would differ? Most of mine are during the lambing season and the occasional one when we're making silage as they seem to be fond of sleeping in the middle of a meadow

Bagpipe · 18-11-2020 1:15am

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Put it down for Bullseye 360,F Class has a section for CF SA rifles as well, although I dunno how many shoot it here.

An Riocht in Kerry run an Irish version of service rifle, and there is no problem putting it down for foxing and deer hunting. Although you won't have much fox left if it gets hit by a .308

Is it a thing where you could visit a range to get a feel for these types of firearms before committing to the whole process?

tudderone · 18-11-2020 1:26am

Bagpipe wrote: »

Is it a thing where you could visit a range to get a feel for these types of firearms before committing to the whole process?

Join the FCA

meathstevie · 18-11-2020 4:18am

Bagpipe wrote: »

Is it a thing where you could visit a range to get a feel for these types of firearms before committing to the whole process?

Not really since they’re individually licenced to a person on a restricted firearm licence. Ranges who cater for public access including the use of firearms specialise in shotguns for clay shooting and small bore rim fire bolt action rifles for target shooting.

The chances of a Chief Superintendent ever signing off on a half a dozen AR-10’s or L1A1’s for use on a range by a corporate Christmas party or stag party is pretty non existent.

The closest you’ll come to handling one without a licence will be a deactivated one in a hands on museum.

Grizzly 45 · 18-11-2020 6:30pm

Munsterlad102 wrote: »

Would there be much shooting in foxing? What I mean is are there many foxes around on farms to be shot? Is foxing just done on farms or what? Sorry I’m not familiar with hunting or foxing in general.

There are some lads on FB working overtime every nite shooting foxes in different parts of the country, bringing in anything from 6 to 2.So it depends on where you are and how dedicated and how big a population there is in an area.

Bagpipe · 19-11-2020 1:05pm

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

There are some lads on FB working overtime every nite shooting foxes in different parts of the country, bringing in anything from 6 to 2.So it depends on where you are and how dedicated and how big a population there is in an area.

What are the going rates, if you wanted to make a small bit of money on the side?;)

meathstevie wrote: »

Not really since they’re individually licenced to a person on a restricted firearm licence. Ranges who cater for public access including the use of firearms specialise in shotguns for clay shooting and small bore rim fire bolt action rifles for target shooting.

The chances of a Chief Superintendent ever signing off on a half a dozen AR-10’s or L1A1’s for use on a range by a corporate Christmas party or stag party is pretty non existent.

The closest you’ll come to handling one without a licence will be a deactivated one in a hands on museum.

Oh thats fair enough. So theres really no way to try before you buy?

Grizzly 45 · 19-11-2020 3:12pm

Bagpipe wrote: »

What are the going rates, if you wanted to make a small bit of money on the side?;)

Less than Zero TBH.:(:(
No one wants wild fox fur anymore, as the markets are flooded with farmed Russian and Canadian furs, and its easier to match a pattern from farmed fur than wild furs. There is a lad in Germany buying wild pelts off hunters over there and I looked into exporting our furs. But it's a bureaucratic nightmare in paperwork and facilities to do so.:(

A pity , because there are some lads here who put themselves thru college in the 80s lamping foxes for the pelt and bounty on the brushes. So much so that there was a point foxes were becoming a really scarse animal in the countryside.

Yet IMO you should learn to skin and cure any pelts you get off a fox or mink
You could make a very nice throw or blanket from the wild and unfarmed pelts of a years harvest for half the price of what they are being sold for in a furrier, and keep a local endangered industry of furrier, one left in Dublin[Barnardos] in business. Thus keeping jobs going, a tradition alive, and make the antis cry. https://www.master-furrier.com/

Munsterlad102 · 19-11-2020 7:33pm

Oh thats fair enough. So theres really no way to try before you buy?

Realistically no, to fire a restricted firearm you don’t have licensed you have to be in the presence/supervivio of an RFD. I’m pretty sure that’s the rule, but if I’m wrong please correct me. You could always go abroad to Germany or the States if you really want to fire a semi auto one. You could always go up North and find one of those straightpull ones just as a reference, but those would be your two options, unless of course you know an RFD and someone who owns a FN FAL.

Grizzly 45 · 19-11-2020 10:35pm

In that case call a couple of ranges.Or call a few RFDs and see if you could meet on a range for you to try one out pending you parting with your cash?
Two of them are also restricted RFD's, so they might have one in stock that you could testfire on the range pending a sale. Worth a couple of phone calls.

jb88 · 20-11-2020 12:00pm

Brontosaurus wrote: »

What would be considered a "good reason" for a SA CF that your typical super would accept? What competitions available in the ROI for such a rifle? As bad as the legislation and licensing process is, it doesn't help that the shooting community doesn't do more to have more competitions using a wider variety of firearms and to try to actually grow such competitions and get new blood into the sport in general...

I would suggest you start shooting the 4 or 5 Service Rifle competitions in Kerry (An Riocht) every year, there were 3 when restrictions were relaxed between lock downs. You will get all the advice you need there. A great day out and you learn a lot.

But be reminded that Service Rifle competitions are generally great fun and for bolt action shooting its challenging.

Its not enough to just say you want a semi auto rifle. You need to participate regularly in competition if you really want these, otherwise its a pipedream and you are wasting your time.

Make sure you are wanting one for the right reasons, and I think in your case you have the right reasons, Competitions.

PM me and we can have a chat

jb88 · 20-11-2020 12:14pm

meathstevie wrote: »

Not really since they’re individually licenced to a person on a restricted firearm licence. Ranges who cater for public access including the use of firearms specialise in shotguns for clay shooting and small bore rim fire bolt action rifles for target shooting.

The chances of a Chief Superintendent ever signing off on a half a dozen AR-10’s or L1A1’s for use on a range by a corporate Christmas party or stag party is pretty non existent.

The closest you’ll come to handling one without a licence will be a deactivated one in a hands on museum.

In this case its a Service rifle, and I would recommend the prospective new member, get a bolt action and compete in these competitions in Kerry first, to build up knowledge and information and then in the future opt for something more applicable to whats required for service rifle competitions.

A Semi auto service rifle with any accuracy is a 16 to 17lb rifle which you have to use standing,sitting and prone with a sling, using a 4x powered scope, the skills have to be learned and it takes practice and time.

Oh if its a .308 that weight goes up to 25 to 26lbs. Ever held a rifle that weight before its interesting.

tudderone · 20-11-2020 12:53pm

I don't think you can beat the No.4 Lee Enfield for value, ease of getting spares and fast fun. You can shoot a cock on close Enfield nearly as fast (accurately) as anything else. Plus you don't have to go through the rigmarole of getting a restricted licence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH5wWkdi0rY

jb88 · 20-11-2020 1:24pm

tudderone wrote: »

I don't think you can beat the No.4 Lee Enfield for value, ease of getting spares and fast fun. You can shoot a cock on close Enfield nearly as fast (accurately) as anything else. Plus you don't have to go through the rigmarole of getting a restricted licence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH5wWkdi0rY

Look dont believe everything you see on youtube, BOTR is great, some really insightful information there from a very experienced guy at shooting bolt action service rifle. But there are different types, remember he grew up mainly in a Post BAN.
Check out the CMP and USMC Service Rifle Introduction on youtube. Thats what its for.
The rigmarole, its like anything else, state your case and usage and show competition entry and participation. But start off. Ive said this many times before, get out from behind the keyboard and get to the range, ask the questions to people who participate. Dont rely on your interpretation of a similar youtube video on the subject.

jb88 · 20-11-2020 1:31pm

This is what you need to be watching if your interested in Semi Automatic Service Rifle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk-mCGO9ES4

tudderone · 20-11-2020 2:35pm

jb88 wrote: »

Look dont believe everything you see on youtube, BOTR is great, some really insightful information there from a very experienced guy at shooting bolt action service rifle. But there are different types, remember he grew up mainly in a Post BAN.
Check out the CMP and USMC Service Rifle Introduction on youtube. Thats what its for.
The rigmarole, its like anything else, state your case and usage and show competition entry and participation. But start off. Ive said this many times before, get out from behind the keyboard and get to the range, ask the questions to people who participate. Dont rely on your interpretation of a similar youtube video on the subject.

I don't know what you are blathering on about, i suggested it might just as much fun, easier and cost a lot less to start off shooting service rifle with a Lee Enfield No.4. I've been through the restricted thing three times, and never again, it was a nightmare. I wouldn't bother dealing with the guards again unless i had a solicitor with me.

Shooting Forum - Firearms licencing information

Possible to get L1a1 or FAL?

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Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County

Forum Charter - Useful Information - Photo thread: Hardware - Ranges by County - Hunting Laws/Important threads - Upcoming Events - RFDs by County