+1 to what Graeme said plus the stuff below I was writing while he posted
sandman7925 said:
Didn't realize this site was so global. Not trying to be disrespectful to you guys nation but would it be possible to explain to me the laws over there when trying to obtain a rifle like a Marlin 1895. Just curious is all, I wiki'ed it and it sounded like a pain in the ass. Allot of paperwork or what?
G'day Sandman
Compared to the US, yes firearms ownership is a PITA. The thing is ownershiop of firearms in Australia is not a right it is a privilege. Up until Martin Bryant went spastic and shot 35 people and wounded another 21, ownership of firearms was considered fairly mainstream and access to them was straightforward. Each state had its own laws and there was a fair amount of variation between states. After this the them Prime Minister John Howard pushed his own political agenda and bought in unified regulations.
He also ensured that semi automatic centerfires were so heavily restricted that very few Aussies can justify owning them.
Banned and restricted firearms had to be handed in for destruction and financial compensation was paid. I had to hand in a very nice Winchester Pump Action Shotgun and a 7 month old Ruger 10/22. Many others faired much worse than me.
How it stands now is that you must have a valid firearms licence to own firearms, firearms parts and ammunition. All firearms must be registered. The licences have the following classes,
A Single shot, bolt action, lever action or Pump action Rimfires Break action Shotguns (single or double) Lever action shotguns and Air Rifles
B Bolt action, lever action or Pump Action Centerfires
C Semi Auto rimfires, Pump action and semi auto shotguns
D Semi automatic centrefires (Max mag capacity 10 rnds)
H Handguns
Everything else is banned and only available to Govt or Military. You can see that the regulations were written by people who watch movies and have no idea about firearms. All I can say is lucky for us Terminator 2 hadn’t been made at that time as Lever action shotties would be Class C as well.
Class A&B are relatively easy to get, you need to undertake a Government run training course and demonstrate competency. You also have several demonstrate your storage of these firearms are up to standard. Police firearms branch can inspect your firearms at any time and if the storage is inadequate they can confiscate them, fine you or even suspend your licence. Class C fire arms can be owned if you can demonstrate a valid need (ie primary production, Commercial pest control etc). I qualify to get a C class licence but I really can’t be stuffed as the storage requirements and more frequent inspections by firearms branch make it not worthwhile. D class is stricter again and mainly only used by government departments for pest control.
The Marlin is Class B so not that difficult to obtain though SA is currently reviewing the classifications and have proposed making lever action guns Class C which will suck bigtime. A big problem for us is that the majority of people live in cities and have no idea what is involved in living in the bush or what is needed in conservation management of feral species.
Hope that answers your question
Dr G