Semi Automatic Firearm Ownership and Licensing in Australia: Regulations for Sport Shooting

Historically, the gun laws in Australia have been stringent, especially after the tragic Port Arthur massacre in 1996. While these measures have contributed significantly to lower gun-related violence, they also pose challenges for individuals interested in sports shooting. This article explores the legal framework for owning and using semi-automatic firearms for sport shooting in Australia, with a focus on handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

Regulations for Handguns

In Australia, owning a semi-automatic handgun, like a Glock or M1911, for sport shooting is legally permissible but comes with stringent conditions. For example, you can own and transport a semi-automatic handgun only to and from a shooting range for practice or to and from an event. Concealed or open carry, even as a sports shooter, is not allowed under these regulations.

To join a pistol club, you must obtain a Statement of Eligibility to Join an Approved Pistol Shooting Club (QP151 form). This requires several steps, including:

No criminal priors in the last 5 years No mental health orders in the last 5 years A sworn statutory declaration from two non-family members endorsing you

Once you have provided this documentation to your club, you must wait for a period of 6 months and participate in at least three matches.

After the 6-month waiting period and proof of participation, you can proceed to apply for a license. Concurrently, you can start the permit to acquire procedure, which authorizes the purchase of your chosen firearm from a registered dealer.

Acquisition of a firearm is subject to further scrutiny. You must now participate in at least six matches per year, or four for each caliber you own, as a condition of your license.

Pistols that are classified as 'large' (anything above .40SW) must participate in registered metal silhouette matches, which are more formal and stricter than traditional sports shooting events.

Regulations for Rifles and Shotguns

Manual actioned rifles and shotguns can be owned for sports shooting or hunting with a landowner permit. However, these firearms are generally only allowed for transportation to and from specific, valid reasons. Specifically, legitimate reasons for use must be clearly established and verified.

For those with a demonstrated disability, a semi-automatic rifle can be owned. The process for obtaining these firearms is simpler than for handguns and involves:

Joining a club Completing a safety course Waiting a specific period (usually 6 months) Applying for a license and permit to acquire

A noteworthy difference between semi-automatic rifles and handguns is the lack of ongoing match participation requirements for rifles and shotguns.

Special Exceptions for Primary Producers and Occupations

Individuals involved in the primary production sector or who require a semi-automatic rifle for their occupation are allowed to own such firearms. However, these firearms cannot be openly or concealed carried on one's person.

For transportation, these firearms must be in a locked case and only removed when the act of hunting is taking place. Similarly, when transporting handguns, revolvers, or semi-automatics, they must also be locked in a case while being transported to and from the specific location where the firearms are needed.

Personal Reflection and Perspective

As a shooter myself, I support these laws. These stringent measures have contributed to a lower incidence of gun-related violence in Australia. Compared to the United States, Australia has fewer socioeconomic issues related to guns and significantly lower levels of gun violence. However, there is one notable exception—wild animals, which can be unpredictable and pose a significant threat to personal safety.

These regulations are designed to ensure that firearms are used safely and responsibly, contributing to a more secure and harmonious society.