New Aussie Gun Laws

[shooter2]

I have just been informed about a new set of Gun Laws that directly affect us cannon makers here in OZ.   

Here in the State of Queensland we have been able to make firing scale replicas of muzzle loading cannon provided the barrel length is less than 1200mm in length, pretty generous really.  That is all about to change.  Any person who makes or possesses a reasonable imitation of a firing muzzle loading cannon, in other words a model or toy cannon shall be forced to register it as a restricted article with the police.  IT does not matter the item is made of plastic or metal and that it could never be made to fire, if it looks like a scale model of a muzzle loading cannon then it is restricted and subject to registration.

The kicker is scale models of breech loading cannons are not covered by the new act as they are not permitted to be made in firing condition under the act.  So you can have a half scale german railway gun 16 feet long and that is alright but a 5 inch barreled model naval gun on your shelf must be registered and locked away.

I am sure my American friends will think I am making this up but I can only ask you to check the Queensland Police Website and look up the new Weapons Act and Regulations.  Scale firing cannons are Categorized under Category A Schedule 4 Section 4(1)(c) the imitation laws are under Section 11 Meaning of Imitation and Section 240 Meaning of Restricted Item.

I have no idea what I am going to do.  I have many model cannons and am in the process of making my first firing cannon from cast Bronze.  Hell, even my letter box looks like a cannon and will probably get me arrested.  Actually now that I think about it, being full sized it is now classed as an imitation of a Category R (Prohibited) artillery piece and makes me liable to 7 years jail for possession.  Any imitation of Category R is considered as if it real.

You guys should appreciate the freedoms you have, we are losing ours very quickly.

Shooter2

[gulfcoastblackpowder]

Is there any grandfathering clause that allows those who had them before they were illegal to keep them?  You probably should contact a lawyer or the police and ask for more clarity on the law and the enforcement of it.

[gulfcoastblackpowder]

I think these 2 categories are the pertinent ones, and it does appear that there are allowances even for type R, but again, I'd recommend contacting the appropriate people for legal advise:

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/weaponsLicensing/licence/collectors/
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/weaponsLicensing/licence/misc/militaryReEnactHistorlDemon.htm

[Meche_03]

You all having alot of crimes carried out with muzzle loading cannons?  What's the push for the law?  If worse comes to worse you could see if you could export them legally to a country friendly with cannons.  I've heard of several Ozzys shipping their long guns out of country to vacation spots that allow guns and they store them at friends or gun clubs the rest of the year.

[briarpatch]

Get involved politicaly. Try to change government. If you say you cant, dont have time or money, just to many whores to chase and to much beer to drink. Come on over here and join us because that is our attitude.

[Cannoneer]

I remember viewing a documentary video that was sponsored by the NRA about the disarming of Autralia's citizens, and some scenes really stick in the mind like the ones showing the physical destruction of fine rifles that had been turned in; what a misguided waste of human energy.

[GGaskill]

Sounds like you need a Tea Party over there too.

[shooter2]

Thanks for the offers of support.  I have contacted the Weapons Licensing Unit and been told they do not interpret the law the courts do and if I am charged the courts will sort it out.  The Sporting Shooters Association the nearest thing we have to the NRA over here is completely silent on this aspect and the whole new Weapons Act.  They are turning out to be weaker than water and not making any representations and have ignored my and others letters/emails/phone calls seeking support. 
GulfCoastBlackPowder - Thanks for pointing out the possible loopholes but there are problems with that aspect as well.  First to be a recognised collector I have to belong to the Arms Collectors Guild and there is a waiting period before I am allowed to collect certain things (like Real cannon) and there are onerous security provisions as well.  I must have a strong room made of concrete or brick that my safe is kept in and I cannot shoot collector items except under very limited conditions.  Actually anyone in Qld with more than 30 weapons of a type that needs to be registered must have that type of security.  I already own nearly 30 regular firearms without having to account for my model cannon collection which are about to be classed as Restricted Items that must be serial numbered and secured in a safe. 
The Military Re-enactment route is even more difficult, the only recognised re-enactors that use cannon are based at Fort Lytton which is a long way from where I am in the bush.  As usual in a restricted society that Australia has become we are not free to form a group just because we like something and want to do it.

Just know that I am fighting as are many other individuals.  The problem is we are disorganized and have never really had a group that fights parliament this way.  The current government is left wing and very anti-gun.  This new act will serve as a nice distraction for them whilst they hide the other failures of their term of office.

Shooter 2

[shooter2]

Further update - I have joined an organisation called Law Abiding Firearms Owners (LAFO) they have a website and are organising letter campaigns etc.  They are not really into cannons but they hate the new Weapons Act and that is enough for me.  My letter campaign has begun but it is all a bit late, the horse has bolted.

Shooter 2

[Double D]

You might drop over to www.nitroexpress.com and share you concerns there.  Thos folks are very active in Australian gun politics.