About 7 years ago, when I first applied for my FAC, I was advised to put in for a BP pistol but to leave the calibre as ".30-.45". This was accepted by Derbyshire, as was common practise and stood me in good stead some years later when the opportunity to purchase a cheap BP revolver came up.

Said revolver has suffered a major failure, namely the top-strap of the frame has split, seemingly due to stress or the brass hardening

So I went to Derbyshire Police HQ this afternoon for a 1-for-1 to replace it and they no longer accept ranges, due to the national firearms databse, which will no longer let them. A shame, as it worked well for me.

As it happens, I have a .44 revolver lined-up to replace it, so I knew what calibre I'd need.