As a New Member, you will need to plan and prepare to get your FAC. It is a document that’s not easily obtained – the process can be lengthy, and there are procedures and rules to follow and apply.
Firstly you must be ready to apply – for this, you must log in every visit with the RCO on the visiting card provided to you as a new member package (little yellow/orange Attendance card) with about 18 entries on it. This records the date, the RCO present, the caliber used. The below link contains the application form and instructions. Print off the application form and read through it – make sure you can answer every section. To get the form – the South Wales Police for the region of Bridgend has it here.
License Application – South Wales Police
(see the links on the page)
EU citizens: You must fill out a Criminal Background check consent form by UKCA-ECR ACPO for the Firearms Department. Not doing this will delay your application up to 2 months.
UKCA-ECR ACPO Criminal Background Check
Q: Preparing for the FAC? And how soon should I send it in?
A: There are 2 forms to submit. Your firearms department will depend on your home location and its Police jurisdiction. As an example, using the local South Wales Police in Bridgend (if you live in that jurisdiction), the first form can be found by downloading it from their website (see above). The second form is supplied by the club secretary.
When you join you have a small attendance card that records date, who signed for you, and what caliber you were shooting. If this isn’t filled beyond the minimum visits, it can’t be moved forward. If you are eager to get your FAC – then attend every opening day, and get to learn the sport, the rifles, the terms of their components, and all the safety protocols to ensure safety.
Once your attendance card is reaching completion, start filling out the FAC application form. Make sure you get the doctor’s surgeries and all your personal details in, as well as any history of convictions or cautions, even if spent – remember that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does NOT apply to FAC applications.
Once your form is filled in getting with the club officers for your FAC to be reviewed, and see where any holes are. Don’t be too specific on rifles – keep things generic to give you choice on what you will want to get (just .22 rifle, no semi-auto or bolt action for example). Once the club secretary can review your application as being ready (or close to it) and your attendance card is fully filled up, your other form will be prepared and filled out (Club sponsorship for your right to shoot on the grounds) – this gives you a good reason to own a firearm.
Q: What type of Rifles and items should I be requesting?
A: Make sure you apply to have a reasonable range without being greedy. Like 22LR, .223 and .308 – AND don’t forget to add Moderators as well, since they are needing licensing as well.
Q: Can I plan on my purchases while waiting for my FAC?
A: NO! until you possess (in hand) an FAC you cannot legally purchase or have any pecuniary interest in a firearm. It does not mean you can’t prepare for what you will be getting. Anything that you know you will be needing can be checked out.
Additionally, you will need a Rifle Safe at home, properly installed for inspection during your FAC application inspection (where an FAC Officer will visit you at your home) – make sure it is big enough (and properly mounted)!
The first thing is to understand as clearly as possible what type of firearm you are planning to have, the more detailed it is, the better. Items like a rifle bag, scope, scope mounts, rifle cleaning kit, and the above mentioned kit bag and even tools are all fair game. Also note that the club offers the facility for safe keeping of firearms.
Q: What happens when I get my FAC?
A: Celebrate! Check that everything on it is correct, then sign it immediately. You can now legally engage in purchasing your rifle(s). Hopefully by then, you have learned loads, and you can apply that knowledge to further enjoy the sport in its activities. Keep being safe at all times, no matter at home, transportation or any facility you have permission to shoot at. Good luck and have FUN!
For the full membership process, costs, and 2026 application requirements, see our Membership & Firearms Licencing page, or browse our New Membership FAQs for general club questions.