Firearms FAQs
Frequently asked questions about firearms in the ACT.
On this page:
- Is there any legal way of keeping my grandfather's shotgun which is of enormous sentimental value?
- How many firearms can I own?
- Can I use a firearm for a different purpose than the genuine reason stated when I applied for my licence?
- Can I have any spare barrels?
- Are there any restrictions on the possession of ammunition?
- How do I buy or sell my firearm?
- Can I obtain a licence for less than two years?
- My father recently passed away. Can I have his competition firearms added to my firearms licence?
- What are the requirements for purchasing a firearm?
Is there any legal way of keeping my grandfather's shotgun which is of enormous sentimental value?
Yes, as long as you can establish that it is an heirloom and you are prepared to have the firearm rendered permanently inoperable at your expense.
How many firearms can I own?
You can own as many category A firearms as you require.
Category B firearms require proof of special need and therefore their availability and use is restricted to that identified need.
Category C licence holders are authorised to possess or use no more than one registered rifle and one registered shotgun to which the licence applies.
Can I use a firearm for a different purpose than the genuine reason stated when I applied for my licence?
No. A firearm may only be used for the genuine reasons for which you are licensed to use that firearm.
Some genuine reasons also restrict your use of the firearm to a sole reason.
A person must provide evidence in support of each genuine reason at the time of application.
Can I have any spare barrels?
You can possess spare barrels, however possession of spare barrels without the authority of a licence or permit for an associated firearm, or for those barrels, is prohibited.
Spare barrels of the same calibre do not need registration. Barrels of a different calibre must be registered.
Are there any restrictions on the possession of ammunition?
Yes. You can only possess ammunition of a kind that is capable of being discharged from a firearm registered or endorsed on a licence held by you.
You can buy ammunition if you are the holder of a licence or permit for a firearm which takes that ammunition, or if you are authorised by the Registrar of Firearms in writing.
Collectors may not possess ammunition for collection firearms unless authorised by the Registrar.
How do I buy or sell my firearm?
You cannot buy or sell a firearm, or advertise the sale of the firearm unless the proposed sale is arranged through a licensed firearms dealer, or the club armourer of an approved club.
Can I obtain a licence for less than two years?
Yes. You may apply to the Firearms Registrar for a licence for a period of less than two years.
My father recently passed away. Can I have his competition firearms added to my firearms licence?
Yes, but only if you can provide a genuine reason for taking possession of the deceased estate firearms. Keep in mind that for category B,C and H firearms you must satisfy the Firearms Registrar that a special need exists, as well as meeting other stringent requirements for category C.
What are the requirements for purchasing a firearm?
- You must be in possession of a valid firearms licence for the type of firearm you propose to purchase.
- You must obtain from the Firearms Registry a 'permit to acquire' providing the name of the dealer who will be handling the transaction and details of the firearm you wish to purchase.
- You must have a permit for each firearm that is to be purchased.
- The Firearms Registrar will issue the 'permit to acquire a firearm' 28 days after application, provided you have a genuine reason for possession and meet the ‘special need’ conditions for category B, C and H firearms licences.
- You have 30 days after the issue of your 'permit to acquire a firearm' in which to make your purchase.
- You may only arrange your purchase through a licensed firearms dealer or club armourer.
- You are required to notify the Firearms Registry of your purchase (register the firearm) within seven days of the purchase sale, returning your 'permit to acquire'.