Western Australia Gun Laws...

[Sim G]

A mate emigrated to Western Australia a couple of weeks back. Out of curiosity, what guns can you own in WA?

I know the first answer will probably be, "ask Sandgroper". Well, it might seem obvious, but remember he's a Brit now!! :55:

Saddler and I talked about this and he found some links, but there were anomolies that I can't find answers to. Restriction on pistol calibers (which I had heard)? Barrel length and overall lengths of rifles/shotguns? And stuff such like that.....

Anyone know?

And really, are they in any better a position than us?

[saddler]

Ya should get your designated carer to read out some of the info from the links I sent - seemed quite straight forward

OR

Do what I'd do - send a few e-mails to some of the club secretary chaps on the WASA link or suchlike...or even the pold there (they cannot be as dense as some of the "Kent Speshuls" that I do know of :55: )

[Sandgroper]

A mate emigrated to Western Australia a couple of weeks back. Out of curiosity, what guns can you own in WA?

I know the first answer will probably be, "ask Sandgroper". Well, it might seem obvious, but remember he's a Brit now!! :55:

Saddler and I talked about this and he found some links, but there were anomolies that I can't find answers to. Restriction on pistol calibers (which I had heard)? Barrel length and overall lengths of rifles/shotguns? And stuff such like that.....

Anyone know?

And really, are they in any better a position than us?

:lol:


It's swings and roundabouts. I don't think shooters in WA are any better off than here. Deacts, crossbows, airguns (inc airsoft are all classed as firearms). Unless it's changed bolts must be stored separately. Semi Auto rifles are a no no! OK pistols are allowed and the licencing system is based around the S2 system here, but you might only be allowed single shot rifles! (I forget which class that is). That's not mentioning how difficult WA cops can be - I can say that because my cousin was one before she crossed over to the feds!

The bottom line is I'd probably have to leave my firearms behind if I returned to WA.

PS - I've got another 10 years to go before I'm a Brit, but I'll be learning Canadian or Kiwi before that happens! :55:

[Sandgroper]

Should have said "based around the S1 system" like here in the UK :cool2:

The big difference is WA requires you to provide a reason and need for all classes except Class A firearms, which is reason only.

Reason for having a firearm. Need - why you need that particular class of firearm.

[Sim G]

I tell you what......... we are not so bad off, you know? I was always led to believe that Australia sat in between us and the US in regards to what was availble to own and shoot. I would go as far to say, we are better off!

You may be able to have a pistol, but 10 round mag capacities. You may be able to have a semi full bore, if employed in professional pest control, but 5 round capacities. Rimfire semis, 10 round maximum. Semi and pump shotguns, 5 round max.

Each category of firearm requires a different licence. WA police actually state, as per regulations, they will "hinder as much as possible" people owning guns and particularly, "high powered bolt action repeaters"! A single shot bolt action is even in a different category to a bolt gun with a magazine! And don't look for two rifles of the same caliber!!

And, you will only be granted a licence for a higher category firearm if you have proved the need, not good reason, why you should be authorised to possess, you also have to prove why a firearm in a lower category would not be suitable!

Looks like moderators are outlawed full stop. You can collect guns, but those you collect you can't shoot. And, get this it's brilliant, if you have a licence issued in another state, they are generally not reciprocal! Travelling to a comp in another state will see you have to apply and pay for, a temp permit of the state visiting.

And, it looks like all firearms licenses are administered by uniform police officers, not civilian/support staff.....

One Australian on an American forum does not believe the amount and type of guns held by me or others in my club!

[saddler]

Never mind all that - how many 25/20 have ya cast today??

[Sandgroper]

Yes, it's not all doom and gloom here.

You're right, in theory, owning a semi-auto (CF) is possible but I would bet they are few and far between, even the rimfire ones. :cool2:

Prior to the Port Arthur shooting (1996), Australia was fairly relaxed (WA and NT excepted) but now it's a very different story.

[Blackstuff]

Am right in thinking New Zealand still has very permissive gun laws?

[Sandgroper]

Am right in thinking New Zealand still has very permissive gun laws?

In a word, Yes!

NZ Firearms Code
http://www.police.govt.nz/services/fire ... troduction

They do have some issues with MSAA (Military Semi Automatic Arms - I think that's the term they use) but you can still have them in NZ.

Regarding Air rifles etc, this is from the NZ firearms code -

Special message to parents
Some parents worry when their child expresses an interest in airguns. But owning an airgun and using it under your supervision can be a positive step in developing safe firearm routines. An air rifle is preferable to an air pistol. It is an ideal first gun which a young person can learn to handle responsibly and safely. The NZMSC offers a free firearm safety lecture. Contact your local Police Arms Officer for details.

For a beginner a .177 calibre air rifle is inexpensive and will provide plenty of cheap, safe practice. The Police have published a free pamphlet on this called Beginning with air guns. Other types of airgun are available, including ‘soft’ airguns that fire a plastic pellet at fairly low velocity. Soft airguns are usually made to look like real pistols or military firearms – they are not toys and like all airguns are controlled by the Arms Act. You should never use an airgun in situations where it might be mistaken for a real firearm.