Hey guys. New to the group here.

I just want to ask..I've bought a property letter around 5 years ago here in WA. I've had a talk to a family friend and he said hes having trouble with some foxes and looking for someone to get rid of them.

He has a property thats only 18 acres. He said he would give me a property letter in exchange for shooting every now and then. I offered to pay for any registrations or costs and i so badly want to keep my weapon. I love this thing and so angry its going to be taken away when I've done nothing but abide by the rules.

I have to read the new legislation here in WA but i thought i would ask here first if any of you know off the top of your head if his property is big enough and what steps he has to do to allow shooting on his property? Is this going to be a viable way for me to keep my rifle? I will be doing a lot more research in coming weeks. Thank you for your time.

First gun and so glad to be part of the hobby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Twb9B3FA1E

by
FHCK Outdoors

Can anyone tell me why crossbows are illegal everywhere but QLD? Spearguns are legal in WA, which are kinda the same thing/function if you glue vanes on the shaft and use an open muzzle gun.

Did someone rob a bank with one or something?

Compound bows are legal (omg rapid fire crossbows!).

Sling 'fishing' bows are legal (half way between bow and speargun),

Repeating compound bows are legal (legit rapid fire but only like 25-40lb) ...

BUT crossbows are too scary???

Yes i know you can get a Cat E licence for one in WA but faaaaaark that.

IMO the age of the knight ended like 500 years ago , the bouge no longer need to fear us commoners having access to medievil weapons.../rant

Hi there, I have a licence and a PTA in, looking for someone in the ACT region to provide one on one shooting lessons at the range for a 22 magnum rimfire. I’ll mostly be using it for vermin control but we don’t have anyone in the family or that I know who can provide lessons. I’m an SSAA member. Advice?

**MEDIA RELEASE**

GUN CONTROL AUSTRALIA REPORT MISSES THE MARK

 A controversial Gun Control Australia report into Australian firearms ownership has been savaged by one of the country’s largest responsible firearm user groups, who have criticised it for being misleading and politically motivated.

The Gun Control in Australia report, commissioned by Gun Control Australia and an organisation calling itself the Australian Gun Safety Alliance, makes alarmist claims about the state of Australia’s gun laws, including suggesting they are somehow deficient because unlicensed people can shoot at an established range under supervision.

Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park said the report was clearly furthering an agenda, and questioned its timing ahead of the upcoming Federal election.

“Everyone – including politicians – knows that 99% of all firearm-related crime is committed by criminals without a gun licence, using illegally obtained firearms that were likely smuggled in from overseas or simply never registered in the first place.

“Criminals do not obey gun laws or restrictions. They never have, and never will. Our firearms legislation and political discourse needs to reflect that, and it doesn’t – partly because of reports like this one.”

He criticised the report of spreading misinformation and fear in the community about the nature of Australia’s incredibly strict gun laws.

“The majority of people outside the shooting community have absolutely no idea what are gun laws are, and entirely too many people seem to think it’s like parts of the US where you can buy whatever you like over the counter, the same as you would a cup of coffee.

“It’s nothing like that. Getting a licence takes months and requires a police background check – which factors in a person’s general character as well as their criminal and even traffic history - and then for every single firearm a licensee wishes to purchase, they need a permit from the police.

“You cannot own a gun for self-defence in Australia, you cannot own a gun just because you think they’re cool, you cannot carry a gun around in public, and guns must be kept locked in a gun cabinet.

“As a result, the number of licensed firearms owners who commit crimes with their guns is absolutely tiny – which is why they get so much media attention,” he said.

“The statistical evidence shows firearms related crime has decreased over the past 20 years – the Australian Institute of Criminology reported last year that only 11% of Australian homicides in 2022-23 involved a firearm – considerably lower than the 17% of homicides involving a firearm between  1989/90 and 2021/22.

“The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) statistics also show the number of murders, attempted murders, assaults and robberies involving firearms or knives have been decreasing over the past two decades.”

He also criticised the report for failing to highlight any of the positive benefits of responsible firearms ownership and use – including the community connections shooters build, the mental health benefits from shooting and hunting, the biosecurity benefits from feral pest control, and the significant economic benefits to rural Australia from hunting activities.

“The Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care says recreational hunting and shooting activities contribute $335m and 3,300 jobs to the national economy, and recreational hunting was worth more than half a billion dollars in Gross State Product for NSW alone in 2021-2022,” he said.

Mr Park said there was entirely too much emotion, fear, and feelings in the discussion around fair firearms legislation, with too much of the narrative being pushed by people who simply didn’t know – and didn’t want to understand – anything about responsible firearms ownership and use.

“1,667 Australians died from alcohol-induced causes in 2023, but no-one is calling for restrictions on how many bottles of wine an adult can purchase from Dan Murphy’s, or saying someone has “too many” golf clubs in their wardrobe,” he said.

“We don’t let people who are terrified of cars and have no idea how to drive write our traffic laws, yet for some reason we let people who are terrified of guns and don’t have any practical understanding of responsible firearms use dictate the gun laws.”

ENDS

Notes for those without Facebook:

• Energy limit restored to 3000ft/lb at 200m
• Shotgun patterning now added to range approval 00 buckshot to 9.5 shot
• Big Game Hunting match added to approval

More info and comments through the link below

https://www.facebook.com/share/15fscfw8Mw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Off the back of WA’s heavy handed approach to anything firearms related, I feel something similar is going to try and be rolled out across the rest of Australia. This article was in the NT News yesterday (30/01/2025). It’s brief and misleading, and aimed at trying to get the public fearful of firearms ownership. As firearms owners, we are constantly the target of those who understand little to nothing of our sport, or firearms collectors, and we really need to make sure we’re not on the receiving end of yet another unwarranted set of restrictions.

The impact that nation wide restriction would have on gun shops, gun smiths, hunting outfitters, importers, clubs, and other industries that relate to the firearms industry will be huge. Not to mention those who may have to hand in collections worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and who will not receive proper compensation. WA can speak to this first hand.

Speak with your local members of government, get people educated and involved, bring new people to the sport, and do our best to represent firearms ownership as nothing to be afraid of. Let’s not see our hobby lost and destroyed.

Asking for a mate he did the course early December and over 7 weeks later still waiting for it in the mail in south Australia should be contact the firearms branch? Or can it take longer the guy at the course said max 5 weeks even with Christmas

Went to police station and had it registered on the 8th still haven't got the certificate does it usually take this long? My other 8 rifles didn't located south Australia

Has anyone submitted their license application early or mid December that has been approved?

When I applied early December the website stated average wait time was 6 weeks. Should I add two weeks given Christmas holiday.

(also can repeating shotguns legally be used for hunting?)

You’d think I’m hunting for a rare Pokémon the way I’m searching for ammo these days. Walk into the shop, and the shelves are emptier than a politician’s promises. Meanwhile, the "rest of the world" is clueless, buying their stocks like it’s a supermarket. Can we just get a break? Maybe a secret ammo map for us locals?

Im a pistol guy so pardon the rookie question. I recently acquired an old Belgium piper sxs 12 gauge shottie with 3 " chambers. Vintage early I know it's safe to shoot 2.75 cartridges but would it soot and wear the forcing cone or is it a non issue ?

I'm thinking it would be similar to constantly firing 38sp in my 357 revolver.

Also what type of shot gauge would be good for target practise at the range say at maximum 30 metres. Cheaper the better. I'm thinking something like a size 4 shot?

9mm ammo seems reasonably cheap, is it any good for target shooting?

Talking to a bloke at the club last night he was in the nah camp, interested in others opinions.

In NSW if it's relevant.

So I’m looking at getting a cat A + B license and have been researching for hours on health checks in NSW on getting a license and it’s so confusing/vague.

For context I’ve been treated for depression years ago (my last appointment was a year ago now) with zero history of self harm or suicide attempts. I was seeing a therapist on the mental health plan and prescribed anti depressants but decided the meds weren’t working so tapered off them in 2024 and have felt fine since so I haven’t renewed the mental health plan either (since 2023).

Am I going to need a letter from my GP/a therapist to support my application or am I good to go?

I did search the sub but the most recent post is 3 years old. I am looking for a long-range precision fundamentals course most preferably in central QLD but anywhere in QLD is fine too. Thanks in advance.

Any point in attempting to obtain a licence in qld if i have a past history of mental health? Been a few years now and off meds even longer.

Went clay shooting on the weekend an was great. Thought maybe I could try getting into it. Upon research it seems it's unlikely I'd obtain one and be wasting alot of money in the process in the attempt to obtain.

A simple yes or no will suffice, thankyou.

Any state

Here are some weapons from the Irish War of Independence, i think the SMLEs would be an issue yeah?

Sorry, I’m new to this. Getting into shooting to cull invasive species, and for fun at the clubs tbh, but also like historic weapons.

https://www.oceaniaprecision.com.au/rifles/renegade/

I am sure it is a quality product. Given two states are now out (NSW and WA), and with the price point, the market is getting smaller and smaller which is a shame.

Perfect for IPSC, not sure how many take the IPSC rifle discipline that seriously (unlike the handgun disciplines).

Had some friends head over for the IPSC SA titles. Said that they aren't allowed to record anything or do any social media stuff while they were there.

Can anybody provide a bit of clarity?

I was hoping to check out the stages on youtube.

Hello everyone

I finally got my license and now I need to answered the big question. What to buy as my first rifle. I am not a big fun of T3x. I am tossing between a new Ruger 2 or a Howa 1500. Main use will be targets but I will eventually go hunting. Regardless of the gun I will be running .308 on a 20” barell stainless muzzled, and I will be happy with a 5-round mag, I am planning on spending big on a good scope so my budget will be a bit limited for the time being.

Which one would you go for if you had to do it all over again? Thank you

I know many have been wondering how the new "laws" will be affecting those wanting a license in WA.

So I submitted my original A/B application a while back. Im new to all this, but I'll let you know first hand what has happened to me.

1. I do the safety awareness test/ acquire firearm (cat A button release .22lr)/ Serviceability forms/ property permission letter (Cost $200). This takes ages but not their fault.

2. I'm finally able to submit my application, I do it online then got to the post office. Pay the $450 fee than start waiting.

3. in the meantime I buy a safe, have it installed, then get a suitable person sign off on the stat dec.

4. Ive heard nothing for over a month (not even an email. Then they release the new legislation that may, or may not come into affect after March 31.

5. I finally get my first email from them. Over 2 months since the application was submitted. They tell me they cannot process any application with a firearm (button release Cat a 22lr) that doesn't comply with the new regulations. They give me two options 1. withdraw application 2. Withdraw the firearm and swap it for one that will comply.

6. I swap out the firearm, give them the serviceability form online. Now they have confirmed my application is "ready for reviewal".

7. So now assuming they feel like approving my application and my safe doesn't need to be upgraded, Ill just wait another 1 or 2 months and Ill be able to pickup my firearm :/

TL;DR:

Good news:

- WAPOL Still seem to be processing applications.

Bad news:

-They're already processing under the new guidelines - Even though its not law yet.

-It costs HEAPS ($450 application, $200 per calibre for property letter unless you know someone)

-They are taking forever (I'm looking AT LEAST 3 months)

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/skull-f-tradie-denied-gun-license-after-vile-emails-to-police/news-story/6961d3a7176de5fafa4d7daaa1f89a4c