Buying "straight pull" converted rifles?

[Rocker]

Hi All,

I have my B licence for by bolt action, and obviously have a bolt action rifle like everyone else.

I see on the net that some gun makers are making some of the US allowed firearms like AR15's, FAL, EBR's etc. in "straight pull" which if I understand correctly makes them basically a bolt action in that you have to pull the handle back for each shot?

What's the story with getting one of these on a B license?

Thanks.

[Harper]

I see on the net that some gun makers are making some of the US allowed firearms like AR15's, FAL, EBR's etc. in "straight pull" which if I understand correctly makes them basically a bolt action in that you have to pull the handle back for each shot?

What's the story with getting one of these on a B license?

You do understand correctly, and they are the equivalent of a bolt action, but you won't get one here in Australia

[Rocker]

What's the problem if they're more or less the same as a bolt action rifle?

[Aussier]

Probably that you'll scare people with your "army weapons"

[Brute]

Probably that you'll scare people with your "army weapons"

Seriously?

If you don't like guns stay the f away from the range.

[Aster]

Probably that you'll scare people with your "army weapons"

Sadly that's about the sum of it.

I forget the wording exactly, but the firearms act prohibits firearms which have been 'designed or adapted' for military purposes, or are 'similar in appearance or function' to military firearms.

It doesn't actually have to be automatic, semi-automatic, or select fire... just the appearance of a military firearm is enough to make it prohibited.

The M14 is a good example of this. This was previously allow with a Cat D license in NSW, but earlier this year their Firearms Registry made it a prohibited firearm because it was originally designed and used by the military. It was designed and used in 1959 - 1970 so no idea why they got in a huff about it 43 years later but there you go.

If you're a Government contract shooter in NSW you're required to shoot with a .308 or higher. You can have a semi-auto .308 with a Cat D license, you just can't have this particular semi-auto .308 because of it's military origins.

A bullet is a bullet if you ask me, doesn't much matter what rifle it's fired out of.

Good shooting.

[Monty]

If you don't like guns stay the f away from the range.

That would be common sense... something the anti's seem to have in short supply.

[Rocker]

A bullet is a bullet if you ask me, doesn't much matter what rifle it's fired out of.

Any excuse to ban something hey

[Beau Nottage]

Unless things have changed in the last few months an australian company was making something of the sort, they were up to the prototype stage, I don't remember all the details but they released how much they were gonna but I won't say as I can't remember, this was on another shooting page and they kept regular posts up with photos, prices, blue prints ect and alot of guys were interested, I can't for the life of me remember the company's name either.

[Blackened]

I know the ones you're talking about. I'm wracking my brain but I can't remember who it is either...

I actually thought they ran into some problems a few months ago though?

Like you said, they got a working prototype out, and pricing too I think. From memory they were going to be about 8k.

Then there was a "temporary" issue, and that was the last I ever heard or anything...

[Blackened]

Bah.

I tried Googling for them and this page is what comes up

[Kaine]

There were two companies working on a straight pull bolt action rifle, the forum that I learned about them from has been permanently closed so I don't know where to get new info from, or to fact check.
Warwick Firearms, and KG Custom. Price I am not sure of but there was a big difference between them, and one of them was $4000-ish, it was $8750 for the semi/full auto Warwick Firearms WFM4, not the straight pull models.
The difference between them from memory, was that the WF SP did not offer spring assist and had limited calibers, whereas the KG SP did offer spring assist and the promise of a myriad of calibers. KG was also working on other straight pull firearms and some pump actions as well.
Unfortunately that is all I can remember. :/

[butiwanna]

There were two companies working on a straight pull bolt action rifle...

Unfortunately that is all I can remember. :/

I was following that too but the project seems to have dried up.

Guess they ran into licensing or legal issues maybe?

[Blackened]

Warwick Firearms, and KG Custom. Price I am not sure of but there was a big difference between them, and one of them was $4000-ish, it was $8750 for the semi/full auto Warwick Firearms WFM4, not the straight pull models.

Warwick Firearms was who I was trying to think off, ta.

[Kaine]

I was following that too but the project seems to have dried up.

Guess they ran into licensing or legal issues maybe?

I do remember that KG Custom was having issues with some states in regards to allowing sale and licencing, some were not returning his e-mail/phone calls or something like that. Warwick Firearms just went silent.

Warwick Firearms was who I was trying to think off, ta.

You are most certainly welcome.

[threeoh]

Warwick Firearms, and KG Custom. Price I am not sure of but there was a big difference between them, and one of them was $4000-ish, it was $8750 for the semi/full auto Warwick Firearms WFM4, not the straight pull models.

Caw, $8700.

That will have to stay on the fantasy only list

[Sakoh]

I do remember that KG Custom was having issues with some states in regards to allowing sale and licencing, some were not returning his e-mail/phone calls or something like that. Warwick Firearms just went silent.

I wrote to them once to just get a reply confirming something that was written in the firearms act (Just to be 110% safe so I had a record from someone and hadn't mis interpreted anything).

Took 6 weeks and a second follow up email for someone to come back with "That's correct".

[Kaine]

Caw, $8700.

That will have to stay on the fantasy only list

Considering that is the budget (ish ) for my first custom rifle, I would have to agree.

I wrote to them once to just get a reply confirming something that was written in the firearms act (Just to be 110% safe so I had a record from someone and hadn't mis interpreted anything).

Took 6 weeks and a second follow up email for someone to come back with "That's correct".

I am not surprised, imagine how many people would be sending e-mails wanting info, updates, inane questions, reasonable questions.
The guy is situated down in Brisbane, so when I am looking at one I may go down to his place of business and have a face to face.

[ebr love]

This is the Warwick Firearms WFM4 one.

Bit of a write up here - http://www.sportingshootermag.com.au/ne ... -to-follow

6 months old now though...

[bear foot bowhunter]

Does this mob produce an M26 shotgun ?

[Carter]

They don't make a huge variety of this kind of stuff. Only 1-2 projects like this AFAIK.

The rest is 'regular' Aus-legal firearms dealer stuff.

You could always give them a call though - http://www.warwicks.com.au/

[Warrigul]

Probably that you'll scare people with your "army weapons"

Sadly that's about the sum of it.

I forget the wording exactly, but the firearms act prohibits firearms which have been 'designed or adapted' for military purposes, or are 'similar in appearance or function' to military firearms.

It doesn't actually have to be automatic, semi-automatic, or select fire... just the appearance of a military firearm is enough to make it prohibited.

The M14 is a good example of this. This was previously allow with a Cat D license in NSW, but earlier this year their Firearms Registry made it a prohibited firearm because it was originally designed and used by the military. It was designed and used in 1959 - 1970 so no idea why they got in a huff about it 43 years later but there you go.

If you're a Government contract shooter in NSW you're required to shoot with a .308 or higher. You can have a semi-auto .308 with a Cat D license, you just can't have this particular semi-auto .308 because of it's military origins.

A bullet is a bullet if you ask me, doesn't much matter what rifle it's fired out of.

Good shooting.

It's on a state by state basis I suppose but kicking around there are a couple of converted to straight pull M1 Carbines and a Garand on B licences. But maybe they are under the radar. Think on the basis of the SLR target rifle, there is a precedent.

There was a crowd in the eighties in the US who used to "manufacture" straight pull conversions by basically stripping down the original arm and reassembling with a couple of newly made components, in essence over there they are considered a new and different firearm even though externally they hold true to their origins. I suppose that is how they came to be here in the first place, I doubt they would be allowed in nowadays. They also did semi auto versions of MP40's, grease guns etc.

Laws applied on the basis of what something looks like, I think I did mention somewhere else on this forum that our government is going to the pack.

[beerd]

It's on a state by state basis I suppose but kicking around there are a couple of converted to straight pull M1 Carbines and a Garand on B licences.

Steve Lee talks about the prohibition of the M14 is one of his videos when he has to give one up, because it's still actively used by some division of the US military. I can't remember exactly what for, but apparently they use it for something.

M1s and Garands have long since stopped being used by any active military is the difference I suppose?

[Westy]

Being a old fart and owning a ship load of Semi-Auto back in the day. I'd reckon using a Ar-15 or a SKS as a single shot would be nothing more than a huge pain the ass!!!!Why anyone would want a single shot Semi Auto is beyond me,but on the up side they wouldn't tend to jam from lack of Maintance!!!!!

[Ade]

Why then do they allow .303's, moison nah ants and other military rifles

[Norton]

Why then do they allow .303's, moison nah ants and other military rifles

Exactly, it's rubbish.

Two things can function exactly the same in every way and one is allowed because it's viewed as a collectable or historical.

The other is banned because it's black or has picatinny rails on it.

[Gregg]

Yep, laws based on irrational fear, not rational thinking.

[12gatrap]

The US still used the M14 or M1ANM rifle for sniping roles after they found out how useful it is to have a 20rd semi auto sniper rifle for opportunistic targets. Why do Militarys have to learn the hard way by doing it all over again. I bet the older soldiers get sick of saying "I told you so"

[padaro]

Why do Militarys have to learn the hard way by doing it all over again. I bet the older soldiers get sick of saying "I told you so"

Probably the same as business.

Every time some middle management tosser comes in they have to change everything so they've done something. Next guy changes it back. Rinse and repeat.

[grizzly]

Interesting thread. I'm in the UK (where semi centrefires are restricted) so assembled my own AR15 from importing parts from the states. I was thinking of bringing it to Australia as I'm emigrating next year and thought the action was legal but sadly won't be able to because it looks like a military rifle. It is a milspec AR15, I just built it as a straight pull. Strange law you have there regarding appearance over function.

Pics and build process below for anyone who is interested:

http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=18885