It’s good to know disarray, and, left and right not speaking/not aware each other exist is at least one thing we have in common.
Nothing heard through the ATC yet…
Actually:
Sirs
38Gp A4 ArmSE Plans have confirmed that the No8 rifle OSD will be extended until 30 Sep 2017. This will be confirmed by publication of a revised DIN. Once the DIN has been published servicing will resume on a waste out basis. Since we have a DHAN in place use of the rifle may continue in the interim. Rifles past their due date for servicing are not to be used until they have been serviced however this has always been the case.
Parent station armouries were informed at 0844 this morning that use of the No8 may continue so any problems drawing weapons or ammunition should be referred to me.
I would be most grateful if this message could be cascaded to Wgs and SATTs as quickly as possible
Regards
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Where did you get that from?
Email from TG5 sent 27/9
and the Regional Commandants have accepted the risk in continuing to use the No8s as they are the DDH. The ACF are no doubt different! (for No8 anyway!)
How is an OSD defined?
A best before date is defined as period beyond which by a significant deteororation in taste, appearace or microbiologically unsafe.
Is it scientific or because they’ve run out of parts, no one knows how to fix it, it’s been superceded a bit like some tech/white goods where they are repairable etc but because this means people won’t go out and spend their £££s on something new, spares are discontinued or made prohibitively expensive. Has there ever been a significant failure with a N°8 ie barrel splits, breech ‘explodes’ etc. I’ve not mentioned the bolt as someone could have taken it apart and ‘created’ a fault.
i presume it is defined as “permission to use”
much like access to a building or an airframe (gliders). someone upstairs has stopped us using it. the OSD is simply a date we’re not to use it after to offer (in recent times) an annual review to ensure the kit is still valid.
Interesting - I will pass to RC and CCFA the info that the ATC are taking the rifle on risk. I’ve already suggested that as the solution.
We have just been informed all No8 shooting has been suspended and the email shown above has been superseded, also no .22" to be used on a RAF range either.
This has been checked with and confirmed by 2 RAF station armouries.
HAPPY DAYS!!! 
By whom? and some more characters
By whom, I take it you mean who gave the word
Apparently it was the MOD outwith the RAF at a safety meeting this morning
The best bit is how this forum is the only source of information I have on the matter!
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I’d guess a bit like an MoT - someone was probably supposed to review whether the weapon was still safe (though on a general scale, rather than like an MoT on an individual vehicle).
I suppose it’s much the same as someone who’s first aid qualification is out of date - they don’t suddenly become incompetent, but you have to draw the line somewhere.
First of all gliding is vandalised to the point where it can no longer be delivered in a meaningful form and now it would appear that the same is happening to shooting. Both activities are safely and successfully carried out in civilian clubs all over the country. If this continues it will only be a matter of time before smallbore ranges cease to be supported and maintained due to “lack of use”. Even the Scouts now hold their National Scout Rifle Championships annually; the next one is at Bisley on 16 October. Just for the record includes:
Air Rifle 6yd and 10m
Air Pistol
Field Target
Target Sprint
Biathlon
3 Position
Smallbore Rifle
Fullbore Rifle
Just remind me, what was the USP of the ACO?
exmpa
ALL FIRING OR TRAINING WITH THE NO8 RIFLE IS TO CEASE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. THIS ALSO COVERS SERVICE .22 AMMUNITION. USING THE WEAPON WILL PUT YOU OUTSIDE THE SAFE SYSTEM OF TRAINING.
Got this late today. Cant use the ammo too
My No8s have just been taken.
That ammunition bit is a bit confusing. Fortunately no one has said we can’t use the ammo. Time to crack out the conversion kits.
We’ve been told to carry on.
I lied, they’ve taken out ammo and will come back within a week to take the rifles.