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Rules on air rifles/improvised weapons in Australia
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:35 am
by inonickname
Specifically, Western Australia.
I'd like to know about some of these laws to see if I'll have to register my next project.
-It's been noted somewhere here before that spudguns are not criminal, but they may be confiscated and destroyed as they are not in the public's interest. You could of course get in trouble for assault, vandalism, disturbing the peace and such things.
True?
-Under Australian firearms laws air rifles must be registered, but you can hold a basic license for things like that at 12 so it's not much of a problem. Apparently if the energy is under 12 ft/lbs there's no registration required.
True? Some clarification would be appreciated.
It's not really where I live, country town and everything's fairly lax. It's just that dad is getting paranoid about me getting in trouble for these things I build (hence why I put more time into mini's). If someone could tell me the laws and regulations it would be greatly appreciated, mainly about the 12 ft/lbs thing.
I'd rather not have to get a license and register a homemade gun that will be used for shooting cans..
Edit: btw, it's full automatic capable but it will have a full, semi and breech loading options so if anyone asks..it's single shot.
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:19 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
I don't think you'll have any luck registering it, according to Australian law the following are prohibited:
1 Any machine gun, sub-machine gun or other firearm capable of propelling projectiles in rapid succession during one pressure of the trigger.
2 Any self-loading rimfire rifle (including any such firearm described elsewhere in this Schedule).
3 Any self-loading centre-fire rifle (including any such firearm described elsewhere in this Schedule).
4 Any self-loading or pump action shotgun (including any such firearm described elsewhere in this Schedule).
5 Any self-loading centre-fire rifle of a kind that is designed or adapted for military purposes.
6 Any self-loading shotgun of a kind that is designed or adapted for military purposes.
7 Any firearm that substantially duplicates in appearance (regardless of calibre or manner of operation) a firearm referred to in item 1, 5 or 6.
8 A firearm, not being a pistol, of the Uberti or Armi-Jager brands, or any similar firearm fitted with a revolving ammunition cylinder (other than a firearm manufactured before 1920).
9 A shotgun fitted with or designed to be fitted with a drum magazine of the “Striker 12” assault shotgun type or any similar weapon.
10 Any firearm to which there is attached any article or device capable of muffling, reducing or stopping the noise created by firing the firearm.
11 A firearm, not being a pistol, fitted with a stock that is specially designed so as to be readily detachable, or to operate on a swivel, folding or telescopic basis.
12 A firearm made up in the form of a stylographic or propelling pen or pencil, capable of being used for the discharge of gas, bullets, shot, dye or pyrotechnic flares.
13 A firearm capable of discharging by any means:
(a) any irritant matter in liquid, powder, gas or chemical form, or
(b) any pyrotechnic flare or dye, or
(c) any article known as a “paint-ball”.
14 A firearm that:
(a) substantially duplicates in appearance some other article (such as a walking stick, walking cane or key ring), and
(b) disguises or conceals the fact that it is a firearm.
15 A cannon or other weapon by whatever name known of a type which will expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has a barrel with a bore in excess of 10 gauge, not being a firearm of the Very or rocket type designed and intended for use for life saving or distress signalling purposes, an antique muzzle loading firearm, or a rifle or shotgun manufactured before 1920.
16 Any firearm which, or part of which, has a dimension less than the minimum dimension prescribed for the firearm or part by the regulations.
17 Any imitation or replica of any firearm (including any imitation or replica pistol, blank fire pistol, shortened firearm, machine gun or sub-machine gun) unless it is of a type approved by the Commissioner.
18 Any device known as a “powerhead” that can be attached to the end of a spear gun and that is designed to propel a projectile by means of an explosive
More details
here (or you can go straight to the latest
Firearms Act), I'm quite sure though that your best bet is to go ahead and make it but keep it quiet.
Also, I'm not aware of there being any 12 ft/lbs restriction in Oz, as far as I know it's a UK thing.
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:34 am
by inonickname
Well I'm barely in breach of a couple things there - that can probably be remedied.
Problem is, dad isn't going to allow me to complete it until I go and speak to the local police guys- which shouldn't be a problem seen as they're pro gun. Parents can be pains...
Another way of getting through registration is the endless loopholes..pneumatic nail gun for example.
Thanks JSR 8)
Edit: Moar: (a) at a shooting range approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations and while under the direct supervision of a person who is authorised by a licence to possess or use a firearm of that kind, or
Well, dad has his firearms license and there's a range nearby..I'd rather shoot at tin cans in the comfort of my own home
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:14 am
by Carlman
Waaaaaiiiiiiitttttt??? Your in WA?? Never knew that.
I emailed the weapons branch about a year ago concerning pnuematic spudguns ill find the topic soon
EDIT:
here we go
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:57 am
by inonickname
Thanks Carl, I'll relay that information on and if I still get resistance about it I'll then go and see local police to ask them about it, shouldn't be an issue.
Thanks guys