Fraser Coast Pistol Club Inc. info@frasercoastpistolclub.org
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APPLYING FOR A FIREARMS LICENCE
To obtain a firearms licence you must first apply at a police station, complete an application form and supply two coloured passport type photos of yourself. A fee is payable on application. The Police will check whether you are a suitable person to possess firearms, and can provide safe storage.
FIREARM LICENCES AND ENDORSEMENTS
Everyone who has or who uses a firearm (except under immediate supervision of a licence holder) needs to have a firearms licence. The minimum age for a licence holder is 16. To own and use some firearms you may need a special endorsement on your licence. There are two types of licences, Firearms Licence and Concealable Firearms Licence. No matter how old you are, if you do not have a licence but want to use a firearm you may do so only under the immediate supervision of someone who has a firearms licence. In other words, the person with the licence must be with the shooter with one firearm and close enough to be able to control the shooter's actions. The supervisor must not be using a firearm at the same time.
Firearms Licence
A firearms licence allows the holder to have and use sporting type shotguns and rifles. Any licence holder may supervise a non-licence holder using rifles, shotguns or airguns.
Immediate supervision is described above. A person with a licence will require an endorsement if that person wishes to become a collector.
Concealable Firearms Licence A member of a pistol club and wishes to own a pistol.
Restricted Firearms Licence
This is required for people to have military style semi-automatic rifles and shotguns
ENDORSEMENTS
Endorsement
This allows the holder to have pistols and/or restricted weapons. These may not be fired, are subject to strict storage security and are registered with the police. Persons who come within this category are in the sub-categories of:
Bona fide collectors.
A person to whom a pistol or restricted weapon has special significance (heirloom or memento).
The director or curator of a bona fide museum.
Employees of theatrical groups or film making organisations.
NOTE: Each of these endorsements is issued under the authority of a different subsection of the Weapons Act and is specific for the purpose it was issued. If you have an Endorsement for one category it does not automatically entitle you to any other category.
REVOCATION
Your firearms licence or endorsements can be revoked by a Commissioned Officer of Police if you act in such a way that indicates you are no longer a fit and proper person to be in possession of a firearm. Police are required to seize firearms and consider revocation of a person's firearms licence if that person is involved in family (domestic) violence. A protection order issued under the Domestic Violence Act has the effect of revoking a firearms licence. This can be varied only by application to the Court.
BUYING OR SELLING
Anyone who sells you a firearm will need to see your licence, and you should carry it with you wherever you take your firearm. If you are questioned by the police and do not have your licence you will be required to produce it within seven days. Whenever you supply a firearm it must be only to a person with a firearms licence.
It is in your own interests to keep a record of the firearms you have bought or sold, because if one should be lost, destroyed or stolen you must inform the police in writing, straight away. Pistols, military style semi-automatic firearms and restricted weapons can be supplied only to a purchaser who has a special permit issued by the police.
RECORDING YOUR FIREARMS
Write down the details (make, model and serial number) of the firearms you own. It is a good idea to keep these records in a safe place, separate from your firearms.
Every licence holder is required to advise the Police in writing within 30 days whenever there is a change of address.
PURCHASE OF AMMUNITION
You must produce your firearms licence when purchasing Ammunition.
CARRYING FIREARMS
Before you obtain your first firearm you will need to think about where you will keep it and how you will carry it home. From the moment you leave a dealer's shop you will be carrying your unloaded firearm in a public place. You may even need to carry it on a bus or train, an aircraft, or ferry. Many people are alarmed at the sight of a firearm. Because of this, and because it will protect the firearm, you are to get a padded cover or case in which to carry it. You must produce your firearms licence when purchasing firearms.
You should be able to keep the vehicle under observation.
If you don't follow these basic security precautions, the Police may revoke your licence if they do not believe that you took the required reasonable steps.
Be careful about putting a firearm in, or taking it out, of a vehicle. Do not point it at yourself, or at anyone else. Do not pull it towards you by the muzzle. You should not leave firearms in an unattended vehicle. On occasions when there is no sensible alternative, the firearm must be out of sight and the vehicle locked. You should not leave firearms in an unattended vehicle. Unattended means no-one is in or near the vehicle, or able to watch it and make sure it's secure. You must have a particular lawful, proper and sufficient purpose to have firearms with you, so you should have firearms unloaded in your vehicle only on the way to or from a hunting trip, or shooting range, or for some other genuine reason. You must plan ahead to avoid situations where you may have to leave any firearm in an unattended vehicle. But occasionally there may be a genuinely unforeseeable occasion when concealing the firearm in a locked vehicle is actually the most reasonable step available. In those cases you should make the firearm inoperable (for instance by taking out the bolt) if that is possible.
SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Every firearms licence is issued subject to certain conditions. They include taking precautions to store firearms safely and securely. The Regulations require these minimum standards:
1) A firearm must not be put in any place where a young child has ready access to it.
2) Ammunition must be stored separately. The firearm made incapable of firing (the bolt should be removed or the firearm fitted with a trigger locking device). It is sound practice to do both.
3) Licence holders must take reasonable steps to secure firearms against theft.
Some of those reasonable steps are spelt out. You must have somewhere to lock away firearms. It could be:
A lockable cabinet, container or receptacle of stout construction (stout construction means strong enough to stop a child or casual opportunist thief getting access); or A display cabinet or rack which locks in and immobilises firearms so they can't be fired; or even A steel and concrete strongroom.
At home, unless your firearms are under the immediate supervision of a licence holder, you must keep them unloaded and locked away. For owners of pistols and for
collectors, there are additional security requirements which they are advised of when they apply for their special endorsements. Before putting the firearm away you should clean the barrel with a rod, clean patches and solvent. Where possible insert the cleaning rod from the chamber end of the bore to avoid damaging the muzzle. When the barrel is clean, push an oily patch through. Clean the action and the outside of the firearm and wipe all metal parts with a lightly oiled rag. On taking the firearm out for use, point it in a safe direction then check that it is not loaded. Push a clean patch through the bore and check that the barrel and action are clean and dry. Grease or any quantity of oil in the action can cause a misfire. If they are in the barrel they could cause even more serious trouble, such as a bulged or burst barrel.
When hunting, take cleaning gear with you; at least a pull-through, patches and oil. At the end of each day clean and oil the barrel, and then clean the barrel again in the morning before setting out on the next days stalk.
CROSSING FENCES
Injuries and deaths have occurred when shooters have tried to get over or through fences and over obstacles with loaded firearms. Use a gate if there is one.
If two or more people are together, one should climb over the fence without a firearm. The unloaded firearms are then passed across with the actions open, and pointed in a safe direction.
If you are on your own, unload the firearm and place it through the fence muzzle first and lay it down before climbing over. Never. climb a fence while carrying a firearm. Lay it on the ground, then climb over the fence.
Take special care when crossing electric fences. An electric shock can cause your muscles to
contract, and your hands to clench. It is important to have your firearm unloaded and the action open before you get near an electric fence.
Don't try to jump ditches and streams, or to cross on slippery rocks. Walk through streams if carrying a firearm. Be careful when going along riverbeds or dry creek-beds as they are often slippery or icy. Don't let all your attention be taken up in trying to sight game. Watch your step. In heavy rain or snow, to prevent water getting into the barrel, keep the muzzle pointed down, but watch that it does not come into contact with the ground as it may become blocked. A small square of insulation tape or masking tape over the muzzle is useful for keeping snow and mud out of the barrel, but never insert a plug of cloth or other material into the barrel.
STUMBLING IN ROUGH COUNTRY
If you fall or stumble when carrying a firearm, your first and most important responsibility is to make sure the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Then make sure the barrel is not blocked.
It is vitally important that the barrel is kept free from any obstruction at all times.
If you fall and the muzzle touches the ground, always stop and check for any signs of blockage. Try to carry your firearm in such a way that you can control the direction of the muzzle should you stumble and fall.
Every time your firearm misfires, check the barrel in case a bullet is stuck in it.
Never plug the barrel with cloth or other material as a way of preventing entry from twigs, dirt, mud or water. A small piece of sticky tape across the barrel is, however, an acceptable way of keeping rubbish out.
When hunting in heavy scrub, make sure twigs and other things do not get into the barrel.
If you have a firearm action with an exposed hammer be especially careful that the hammer is not cocked accidentally by brushing through scrub.
USE OF HALF-OPEN BOLT OR ACTION IN A STATE OF SEMI-READINESS
(Shotguns and rifles except semi-automatic)
The state of semi-readiness can be taken up when you have seen game or expect to flush it at any moment. You should hold the firearm in both hands, with a cartridge pushed partly forward into the chamber. Do not close the action unless you know you will have time to make a safe shot. If you do close the action but then decide not to take a shot, go back to the semi-ready state with a half-open action. A break open shotgun can be carried in the hinged open position with cartridges in the chambers. This is semi-ready with a shotgun. The gun is safe while open and it can be closed and fired quickly and easily if there is the chance of a shot. Only the leader of a hunting party or group should be in a state of semi-readiness. If the chance for a shot does not come remember to open the gun again. Unfortunately the semi-ready condition with half-open bolt is not always practical. Unless the bolt is held with the thumb it may tend to slide backwards and eject the round completely. In such a case the bolt is best left closed on an empty chamber. When you expect to take a shot a round may be loaded into the chamber and the firearm carried firmly in both hands to control muzzle direction. Only the leader may take up the ready-to-fire position and if the opportunity for a shot passes, the firearm should be unloaded again.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING FIREARMS
Before loading a muzzle loading firearm check that it is not already loaded. A simple way to ensure there is nothing already down the barrel is to put a ramrod or wooden dowel down the bore. When it will go no further, mark the dowel at the muzzle. Remove the dowel and position it on the outside of the barrel with the mark at the muzzle. The dowel should almost reach to the flash hole. If the dowel does not, the firearm may be loaded and dangerous. In any case you will not be able to safely load and fire it. Take it to a gunsmith.
This way of checking that the firearm is empty applies to all muzzle loading firearms.
If the barrel is clean and you are sure it is empty and the flash hole clear, a recommended measure of black powder can be poured down the barrel. A suitable bullet or ball and patch can then be pushed down the bore. Note that only black powder or its modern equivalent pyrodex may be used with safety. Powder made for modern firearms must not be used or mixed. Often a short starter rod is used to start the projectile down the bore. After that the ramrod should be used to push the projectile firmly against the charge. There should be no gap between projectile and charge. When loading, you must be careful not to double up the powder charge and not to insert more than one projectile. After priming the flash pan or fitting a percussion cap, the firearm may be fired, taking care to hold your aim until it discharges. Under some conditions, such as a damp atmosphere, there can be a delay before the projectile is fired because the charge may not ignite immediately. This is known as a hang fire and you must hold your aim for several seconds until the discharge takes place. If the firearm fails to discharge, (after ten seconds), taking care to keep the muzzle in a safe direction you can clear the flash hole, re-prime, or cap and attempt again to fire. When reloading, there is a danger that a glowing ember from the recently fired black powder may remain in the barrel. Use a damp patch to clean the bore and hold the muzzle away from the direction of your face and body while pouring a charge down the barrel. Do not pour powder in from a bulk powder container. A suitable separate powder measure should be used, again because of the danger of ignition from a glowing ember in the barrel. Pour from bulk container to measure, then from measure to muzzle. Once such a firearm has been loaded it is important to see that it is fired, or the charge and projectile removed to ensure it is not double loaded later. It is quite easy, and quite dangerous, to double load a muzzle loading firearm. If in doubt seek advice from a Black Powder shooting club, or a gunsmith.
WHERE AND WHEN YOU MAY USE FIREARMS
Anyone who is keen to get a firearm and do some shooting should think about when and where the firearm can be used.
A .22 rimfire rifle has been the traditional first rifle. It was spoken of as a pea rifle and regarded as a safe and inexpensive firearm for a young person. Many young people still choose a .22 rimfire rifle for their first firearm.
A .22 rimfire rifle can be just as deadly as any other firearm. It must be handled with all the respect and care every firearm needs. One place where it can be used is at a rifle range, either indoor or outdoor. The only other place is on private property, with the owner's permission. The .22 rimfire rifle is not generally permitted on any
land managed by the Department of Conservation which includes conservation parks and national parks.
In general, shotguns are also forbidden in State forests. The reason for these restrictions is that while shotguns and .22 rimfire rifles are suitable for some of the game in the forest such as rabbits, hares, they could also be used to kill birds.
A shotgun is the only firearm suitable for shooting at birds on the wing.
Firing a rifle in the air carries the danger of some person or property being struck when the bullet falls back to earth. Shotgun pellets fall back to earth too, but they do not travel so far and are much lighter, so they are less likely to endanger someone when they fall.
Besides being used for fast-moving game on the ground or in the air, the shotgun is also used for competitive shooting at clay targets. Centrefire rifles in various calibres are suitable for a whole range of game and target shooting. There is such a variety of calibre, projectile type and weight, however, that no single firearm or cartridge is suitable for every purpose. It is important, therefore, to think about where you can use your firearm before buying one. If you have any doubt, ask someone who is involved in that sport.
PISTOL SHOOTING
Pistol means any firearm that is designed or adapted to be held and fired with one hand; and includes any firearm that is less than 762 millimetres in length.
If you wish to fire pistols you are required by law to belong to a recognised pistol club and may use the pistols only on an approved range. You will be required to shoot regularly with the club for six months before the club will make a recommendation to the Police that you should receive the a Licence entitling you to have a pistol of your own. You will then need to obtain a special permit, known as a permit to acquire, from the Police so you can buy a pistol, and you will be permitted only to take the pistol from home to the pistol club's range or to a gunsmith or dealer.
To retain your licence you must continue to participate actively in the affairs of the club at least 6 times a year.
COLLECTORS
By obtaining a CB type endorsement to your firearms licence you will be entitled to purchase and keep a wide range of collectable firearms and restricted weapons. You will need a permit to acquire for each of these firearms before it may be purchased.
WHERE TO GET HELP
With all firearms pursuits there is a good case in favour of getting involved with an appropriate club. Whether your interest is in collecting firearms, in target shooting, in hunting or in collecting antique firearms, it will be to your advantage to belong to a club catering for your particular interest. The members of these clubs are enthusiasts who can pass on valuable information. The local firearms dealers, can give you lists of clubs in all the firearms pursuits. Another source of valuable information, advice and practical help is a qualified gunsmith. Even when brand new your firearm may need telescopic sights or other modifications.
MECHANICAL FITNESS OF FIREARMS
It is dangerous to tamper with your firearms. Take your firearm to a competent gunsmith even for what appear to be minor repairs or adjustments. A gunsmith has the equipment and skill to check these important items:
1. Headspace (the distance between the base of chambered cartridge and the face of the bolt).
2. Firing pin protrusion and shape (affecting safe, reliable firing).
3. Tightness of action and stock (affecting accuracy).
4. Condition of barrel and chamber (important for safety as well as accuracy).
5. General condition of firearm, including action and stock.
6. Safety catch (especially important for semi-automatic shotguns and rifles).
7. Trigger pull (vital for both safety and accurate shooting).
It is recommended that the weight of trigger pull should be not less than the following:
Type of firearm Minimum trigger pull
.22 rimfire rifle 1.5kg
Centrefire sporting rifle 1.5kg
Single-trigger shotguns 1.5kg
Double-trigger shotguns 1.5kg first trigger and 1.8kg second trigger
Target rifles as regulated by competition rules Set triggers Follow manufacturers recommendations
Warning: DO NOT exchange bolts, bolt heads or other action parts. These must be fitted by a competent gunsmith.
NEVER WITH ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Firearms should be kept right out of the way when liquor is consumed. It may be your choice to have a few relaxing drinks after a day's shooting, but all firearms should be cleaned and put away safely before taking a single sip. Duck shooting is an occasion when some people will have a drink, often spirits, while shooting. The reason often given for this to keep warm while waiting for the ducks to appear. It is a mistake that has led to several deaths. Alcohol slows reactions and dulls perceptions but makes the drinker feel that his performance is improving. When the weather is cold (as it often is during the duck shooting season) alcohol causes dilating of the blood vessels near the body's surface, making the drinker feel temporarily warmer yet actually chilling the body, a phenomenon which has led even to death by exposure.
DO'S AND DON'TS WITH FIREARMS
Most accidents could have been prevented if the do's and don'ts of firearms use, outlined below, had been observed.
DO'S
Do point the muzzle in a safe direction, whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded.
Do treat every firearm as being loaded. Check every firearm yourself. Pass or accept only open and unloaded firearms.
Do identify your target and check that you have a clear field of fire.
Do protect your hearing with proper muffs or ear plugs and protect your eyes with safety glasses when shooting.
Do make sure there is nothing obstructing the barrel of your firearm before you fire.
Do completely unload before you leave the shooting area.
Do get permission before shooting on any land, be it Crown, local body or privately owned. Someone else may be shooting there at the same time that you are.
Do lock the unloaded firearm, the bolt and the ammunition away separately when
storing the firearm. The ammunition should be kept in a dry place away from children. Lock firearms away out of sight.
Do have your eyesight checked. Shooting requires good vision for target identification and accuracy.
Do have your firearm checked periodically by a gunsmith who knows about the firearm you own.
DON'TS
The ownership or possession of a firearm for the purposes of self-defence is NOT RECOMMENDED. BE WARNED, the use of a firearm to protect yourself from another person will, in most situations, involve the excessive use of force.
Serious injury or death to the other person yourself or is likely to result.
You could be criminally responsible for any excessive use of force and your actions the subject of a police investigation. You may well face serious criminal charges.
Remember that you will also be criminally responsible should you make a mistake and harm the wrong person.
What to do
If you need advice on how to defend yourself contact your local police. They will be able to offer good sensible suggestions as to what you should do. More importantly they will also be able to advise on how to prevent putting yourself in the situation where you may need to defend yourself.
Don't point a firearm at anyone, yourself included.
Don't leave firearms loaded.
Don't load the magazine until you reach your shooting area.
Don't drink alcohol and don't go shooting with anyone who has been drinking. If on medication, be sure the drugs you take do not affect your mental and physical reactions.
Don't shoot when in doubt, and:
- Never at movement only.
- Never at colour only.
- Never at sound only.
- Never at shape only.
- Never at a target on the skyline.
- Never when companions are ahead of you.
Don't lean firearms against a vehicle or wall where they could accidentally fall.
Don't close the action on a live round until ready to make a safe shot.
Don't rely on safety catches. They are subject to wear and tear and may not work properly.
Don't cross a fence without unloading the firearm.
Don't try to jump a stream or cross on slippery rocks when carrying firearms. Walk through the stream.
Don't daydream. Concentrate on what you are doing when you handle firearms.
Don't ignore careless or unsafe behaviour with firearms. Explain what the dangers are and give advice on safety. (Careless use of a firearm is an offence.)
OFFENCES WITH FIREARMS
There are many provisions of the Weapons Act which place obligations on firearms owners and users, and can lead to prosecution if contravened. Most of these provisions are common sense but if you are in any doubt, or require more information, you should contact a solicitor, the Police, or obtain a copy of the
Weapons Act and Regulations.
Listed below in general terms are some of the offences.
Using or possessing a firearm without either being licensed or under the direct supervision of the holder of a firearms licence.
Being in possession of firearm or airgun after revocation of firearms licence.
Being in possession of a pistol, restricted weapon.
Failing to produce a firearms licence when required by Police.
Carrying or possessing a firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.
Carrying an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.
Carrying a pistol or restricted weapon without approval from the Police.
Carrying a firearm, airgun, imitation firearm or ammunition with criminal intent.
Pointing any firearm whether loaded or not at any person.
Careless use of a firearm, airgun, pistol or restricted weapon.
Discharging a firearm, airgun, pistol or restricted weapon in or near a dwelling
house or public place so as to endanger property or to endanger, annoy or frighten any person.
Being in charge of a firearm or airgun while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Carrying a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle in any place to which members of the public have a right of access.
Altering any firearm so that its total length is less than 762 mm.
Using or attempting to use a firearm with criminal intent or in the commission of a crime.
Selling or supplying a firearm to someone without a licence.
Supplying a pistol, restricted weapon to someone who does not have a permit to acquire.
Importing a firearm or parts without first obtaining a permit from the Police.
Not advising the Police when a firearm is lost, stolen or destroyed.
Tampering with or altering the details of any firearms licence.
Failing to surrender firearms if licence revoked.
Failing to notify police of change of address for firearms licence.
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