substitution issues
just read Glensmans story , same crap different area .
I put in for a substitution .308 for a .308, you would think there would be no bother .
weeks passed nothing in the post, called and asked to speak to super, got fobbed off for about 3 weeks, saying it would be next week , called firearms policy unit - they say they cant do anything till I speak to the super. Tried the super again , was told he's in his office but wont take the call, this is now 6 weeks gone and one week before the new season. so I told the secretary to tell him if he wont chat to me I'll have no choice but to go through the firearms policy unit. she put me on hold, then he came on the phone like a raging bull saying that there is no way I'll get a substitution unless he agrees firearms policy unit or not!!, he wasnt telling me anything I didn't know. when he stopped ranting I told him that my issue was that I was waiting 6+ weeks for a process that was 2 weeks in the commissioners guidelines , His next response, "they are only guidelines".
I've only had this landed on my desk today he said. I replied maybe so but I got a letter 4 weeks ago saying it was in process, and have been told weekly from your firearms officers that its on your desk but not signed , his tone came down to a dull roar, I have a problem with one part of your application he said, what's that I said, I don't want to talk about it over the phone he said, "you know what it's like anybody could be listening" I said i don't mind tell me what's up. No you'll have to make an appointment, so we did , went to see him. He said I have an issue with the moderator you want, I said I didn't apply for a moderator, he said it says here you do , - he was looking at a previous application that was turned down by the previous Super!! 2 years ago, he had every piece of paperwork laid out on the table for the last 20 years.
I said do we still have an impasse, he said it says here you wanted the moderator to lower the noise when you are shooting targets on your own land, I said yes , he said you are not allowed to shoot targets except at a licensed range. couldn't argue with him there ( wasnt going to go into the fact that it was only zeroing). I said this current gun is a deer gun , for stalking only and I am not requiring a moderator or shooting targets. he said ok then I'll grant you your license, DUH!!!
on the way out he said by the way both firearms officers recommended the substution to me ....
Anyway the point of this story that you might not think about when going for a subs is , it's not automatic , you are giving them an opportunity to take your firearm away. and give your self plenty of time ...