Firearm law changes & prohibited firearms

 

The Arms Act has been amended,- banning most semi-automatic firearms, some pump action shotguns, some tubular magazine firearms and certain large capacity magazines. There are limited exemptions. There are also controls around who may possess parts of prohibited firearms.

There is no longer a category of firearm known as a military style semi-automatic firearm (or MSSA) and the old "E" endorsement is obsolete.

The newly banned items are called prohibited firearms, prohibited magazines, and prohibited parts. New offences involving prohibited items carry tougher penalties.

An amnesty and buy-back scheme ran until 20 December 2019. Those who are still in possession of prohibited items must hand these items in immediately to Police.

 

 

Prohibited firearms, parts and magazines

Prohibited firearms are:

• All semi-automatic firearms (including semi-automatic shotguns), but:
  • excluding rimfire rifles .22 calibre or less as long as they have a magazine (whether detachable or not) that holds 10 rounds or less; and
  • excluding semi-automatic shotguns that have a non-detachable, tubular magazine that holds 5 rounds or less.
• Pump action shotguns that:
  • Are capable of being used with a detachable magazine; or
  • Have a non-detachable tubular magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds.

Only those who meet one of the exemption categories and who have applied for and obtained a new endorsement and permit to possess may lawfully possess a prohibited firearm.

Prohibited magazines are:

• Shotgun magazines (whether detachable or not) capable of holding more than 5 rounds.
• Magazines for other firearms (excluding pistols) that are:

  Only those who meet one of the exemption categories and who has applied for and obtained a new endorsement and permit to possess may lawfully possess a prohibited magazine.

  • Detachable magazines bigger than 10 rounds that are capable of holding 0.22 calibre or lower rimfire cartridges
  • Detachable magazines bigger than 10 rounds that are capable of being used with a semi-automatic or fully automatic firearm
  • Other magazines, detachable or not, that are capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

Prohibited parts are:

• Any part designed or intended to be an integral part of a prohibited firearm.
  • Examples include: butt, stock, silencer, sight
• Any component that can be applied to enable a firearm to fire with (or near to) semi-automatic or automatic action.
  • Examples include: gas block, gas tube, sub-calibre conversion kit.

Only those who have an endorsement permitting them to possess a prohibited firearm may lawfully possess a prohibited part.

 

 

Firearm type	Action	Prohibited firearm
.22 rimfire or smaller	Bolt	No - but note that a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is prohibited.
.22 rimfire or smaller	Lever	No - but note that a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is prohibited.
.22 rimfire or smaller	Semi-auto	No - if it has magazine holding 10 rounds or less. Yes - if it has a magazine holding more than 10 rounds.
Shotgun	Pump	Yes - if it is capable of being used with a detachable magazine; or if it has a non-detachable tubular magazine capable of holding more than 5 cartridges. No - if it is not capable of being used with a detachable magazine and it has a non-detachable tubular magazine that is not capable of holding more than 5 cartridges. Yes - unless below applies
Shotgun	Semi-auto	Yes - unless below applies No - if it has a non-detachable tubular magazine that is capable of holding no more than 5 cartridges.
Shotgun	Under & over	No.
Shotgun	Side-by-side	No.
Centre fire	Bolt	No - but note that a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is prohibited.
Centre fire	Pump	No - but note that a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is prohibited.
Centre fire	Lever	No - but note that a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is prohibited.
Centre fire	Semi-auto	Yes

 

 

The amnesty and buy-back programme for prohibited firearms, parts and magazines ended on 20 December 2019.

An amendment to the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Regulations (No 2) 2019 came into effect in November 2019 - this extends the amnesty period for select groups who possess prohibited items.

People who have made certain types of applications before 20 December 2019 - and have received notification from Police that their applications have been received - will continue to have amnesty from prosecution for possession of their prohibited items while their applications are processed:

• Modification of a prohibited firearm
• Unique Prohibited Item assessment
• P endorsement (and permit to possess) for prohibited items
• Dealer compensation
• Other applicants whose items are subject to a pre-planned arrangement for collection by Police.

It also legally protects valuers, gunsmiths and dealers who may be involved in the above processes after 20 December 2019 (for example, valuers preparing valuations for unique prohibited item assessments, and gunsmiths conducting modifications).

Unique Prohibited Items applicants

Police will be in touch with those firearm holders who have applied for Unique Prohibited Items (UPI). Please continue to keep your unique firearm, part or magazine safely stored while applications are assessed.

If you have any queries about the UPI process please call 0800 311 311.

Modification applicants

If you have been informed by your gunsmith that your firearm is not suitable for modification, then you have 30 days from 20 December 2019 to apply for compensation. Phone 0800 311 311 for more information.

If you are still waiting for a gunsmith to modify your firearm/s, you must continue to keep your firearm safely stored until modification can take place. You must not use your firearm.

Once modified, the gunsmith will provide you with a certificate of completion to verify the modification has been completed. Police may follow up with you to check what arrangements you have made for the modification to be done.

If you have any queries about the modification process please call 0800 311 311.

Endorsement applicants

You must continue to store your firearm/s securely and not use them.

You will be notified of the results and the endorsement application once it has been fully considered. If your application is unsuccessful, we will explain the process for the hand in of your firearms (including buyback options).

If you have any queries, please call 0800 311 311 or visit endorsement process