How would you like our gun laws to change?

[vexesus]

An open ended question here for everyone.

Obviously there is a lot of divided opinion on gun laws. Between the public and gun owners, and to a lesser extend I guess there is the same within the firearms community. e.g. Some LAFO want rights to own full-auto rifles while others think they should still be restricted.

So the question is, how would you like to see our gun laws change?

The changes can be significant, but I'd like to keep the conversation within the realm of possibility. e.g. Just saying 'legalise everything, no licensing' isn't helpful because there is 0% chance of that ever happening.

Or as another example, if you'd like automatic weapons to be available to the public, what conditions/requirements that a government could accept would you suggest in union with them.

What are peoples thoughts? Can be broad reaching changes for national laws, or just a change here or there to one specific part.

[marksmanVIC]

Ok, like you say there is a division between the LAFO community but we all have one thing in common and that is want to keep a rights own firearms. Personally I would like to see a reform in the outdated gun laws regarding registration and categorization of firearms. In particular the process in which a firearm is purchased needs to made more uniform across Australia and waiting periods, fees and permits need to be revised to cut out red tape from the process. Semi autos need be be available for Cat A+ B licence holders as well.

[saucy]

I travel interstate quite a bit, 7 or 8 times a yeard, and would like to travel with my rifle to try new places. All too much effort though.

Licensing needs to be national IMO. I'm trusted with a rifle in NSW, I don't see why it would be any different when I step across the line on some map.

As long as everything's transported correctly, locked up ammo, and you're in the right areas like state forests or whatever is appropriate, I reckon you should be able go around wherever you like on the same license.

[pmomd]

IMO semi-auto should be brought back.

Fair enough to have magazine restrictions on that though I think, 15 shots or something practical.

I know others will disagree, but I don't think people should have a 100 round magazine like some of the yanks are fond of for their AR-15's.

State wide licensing would be good. A single interstate registry would be good too. Get a permit anywhere, buy anywhere, would make interstate sales easier and all that.

[Lorgar]

I can't speak for other states, but the pistol laws in Victoria are a bit crook IMO.

I might have this a little off, but this is the gist of it.

For 1 category of pistol, you have to attend 4 practice and 6 competition shoots a year. Mandatory, or you lose your license.

If you have 2 categories it goes up to 12 mandatory shoots, 3 = 14 shoots, 4+ = 16 shoots. Something along those lines.

Too rigid for me at this point.

The bit that really irritates me though is you can't just go up and have a practice shoot whenever you want. It has to be recorded/official practice or whatever.

Can just go set up on the range and bust off a few boxes of ammo like you can with your rifle. They put this mandatory usage requirements on you then stop you using it when you'd like to

Why you can't just go have a casual shoot I have no idea. How is it different to a rifle in that respect, what additional risk is there? No idea...

[Lorgar]

Oh, and the same as above but being able to shoot your pistol on private property.

If you've got a big property, with sensible back drop and all the rest. What's the harm in setting up a paper box and spending half an hour pistol shooting of an afternoon.

[JC102]

I'm not sure what the current Cat C mag restrictions are, but I think Cat C firearms should be available to Cat B holders. I don't see why you can have a pump rifle but not a pump shotgun As others have said, 15 rounds for semi-automatic rifles sounds reasonable.

As Lorgar said above me, I think the restrictions on handguns should be eased up a little bit. I was looking into getting a pistol license but all the nonsense you have to go through to get one is too much. And what's with not being able to shoot a handgun on private property? You can shoot rifles and shotguns to your hearts content but not a .38 pistol?

I might be alone here, but I think you should be allowed to own firearms (within reason) for self-defence. I'm not talking about open carry or anything. I think it should be a genuine reason to own one at home to defend yourself.

[disco2]

I'm sorry, but I won't give in to any one.

I'm an old fart and I remember when I could buy whatever I liked at K-Mart. I want that back.

Just because some d**kheads by the name of Julian Knight or Martin Bryant did what they did, Why should the WHOLE nation of Australia have to suffer the consequences?

It's just nonsense.

Cheers,
Richard

[Rocker]

I'm pretty on board with disco (Richard).

Fair enough to have licensing system to show whose honest and who's prohibited. But beyond that I reckon you should be able to pretty much walk into a shop and buy something on the day, semi auto or whatever you want.

Decent mag limits, 15 like JC says would suit me fine.

[Norton]

I might be alone here, but I think you should be allowed to own firearms (within reason) for self-defence. I'm not talking about open carry or anything. I think it should be a genuine reason to own one at home to defend yourself.

I've said in other threads that I'm not so keen on no questions asked concealed carry like the US.

I'm totally on board for home defence though.

I think we should be able to buy a pistol for home defence - you must keep it at home - if you get caught carrying it around outside then you get charged appropriately.

Home defence though, 100% on board. Not being able to defend yourself in your own home against an assailant is complete BS.

My 2c.

[Deco]

A definite for home self defence.
National licensing/permits.
Return of semi-auto.
Removal of the all the stupid bans on things because they have a "military appearance"

That would do me.

[JC102]

I've said in other threads that I'm not so keen on no questions asked concealed carry like the US.

I'm totally on board for home defence though.

I think we should be able to buy a pistol for home defence - you must keep it at home - if you get caught carrying it around outside then you get charged appropriately.

Home defence though, 100% on board. Not being able to defend yourself in your own home against an assailant is complete BS.

My 2c.

Agreed.

Considering all the home invasions that you hear about you'd think there would be some sort of push. Sadly, that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

Somewhat related question. Do you guys believe that the buyback did much to curb gun crime?

[Derek from Texas]

I'd like you guys to be able to do what you like without expressing a need for anything that doesn't harm anyone else.
This isn't a matter of what you should or shouldn't be able to have but what you're going to do with it.

Can you still buy cars out there?
Last I checked those killed more folk than privately owned firearms, some might say that I suggested you shouldn't be to drive a car with that statement. Instead, what was meant is that you can and are permitted to because you accept the personal responsibility of owning and operating this otherwise dangerous machine.
Consider the other forms of transportation out there, why use a car when you could ride a bike, take the bus, or walk?
Because by and large it makes more sense, because you're a law abiding citizen, and because you're bright, brave and logical enough to maintain your right.

Switch that mindset to alcohol, there's no need to discuss the 'dangers', you've seen the outcome of drinking first hand, its extremely dangerous to some people, far more dangerous than firearms or cars, how many restrictions are placed on alcohol?
I'd contend that those restrictions are likely above and beyond the restrictions that you should consider for firearms for responsible adults.

I signed up for this forum because I'm also a legal firearms owner, I've never been to your country and I have no right or reason to tell you how to run it, take that to heart, I won't. Conversely I would like to see a country of free people be freer, and from the few of your folk I've met, I have to say you folk seem to be a good and decent sort with sense of pride and ruggedness. Made me want to visit.

On a point of honor though I have a favor to ask:
Please don't call us yanks, some of us aren't, I'm no reb but I sure as hell am a southerner, and a Texan at that.
Calling us yanks is akin to calling y'all Yobbo's or something.

[VICHunter]

On a point of honor though I have a favor to ask:
Please don't call us yanks, some of us aren't, I'm no reb but I sure as hell am a southerner, and a Texan at that.
Calling us yanks is akin to calling y'all Yobbo's or something.

No offence intended I'm sure.

Here "yank" is just a nickname for Americans, the same as calling us "Aussies" really.

It doesn't imply anything derogatory about Americans when we use it.

[pmomd]

No offence intended I'm sure.

Here "yank" is just a nickname for Americans, the same as calling us "Aussies" really.

It doesn't imply anything derogatory about Americans when we use it.

Yeah Derek, no harm intended.

[Don10]

I'm no reb but I sure as hell am a southerner, and a Texan at that

Derek

Texans are northern hemisphere Queenslanders or is it that us Queenslanders are southern hemisphere Texans. Any way you look at it we are cousin brothers. If I ever visit the USA it will be to Texas that's for sure. We even have a town in Queensland called Texas.

On a note of how we both speak English but are easily misinterpreted. I was serving overseas in our military alongside a US female Army officer. She told me that she was going over the border to the neighboring country for a weekend of R&R. Is said "that's great luv book us a hotel room I will be over later in the day" So she went on to tell me how she wanted a great room near the pool and I said I only wanted a cheap room as I was going to not spend much time in it. She look crest fallen about the room and sudden realised that what I had meant was that I just wanted her to book "ME" a room not the two of us. She was so embarrassed but hey war is hell.

All the best to our Northern cousins.

[Derek from Texas]

Yeah Derek, no harm intended.

Alright, I'll just imagine there's a smile along with saying it, not bent out of shape, just an odd thing to read.

I modified the question for the thread, on that the initial bit I'd like to see my state legalize open carry so that those folk that do freak out over things like biting a pop-tart in to the shape of a gun will calm down. They suspended a kid in Oklahoma for that...of course they are open carry so who know if it'll help.

There's an initiative to allow teachers to carry concealed in the classroom in east Texas, removing the 'gun free zone' signs might make the idiots that shoot em up think twice and having the teachers patrol the halls during a crisis might stop the one that don't. People are always talking about giving change and progress a chance, I think that this might be just the progress we need. Or we could go the other way, put all the kids in helmets and body armor, convince them to be afraid of everything and everyone, been taken serious on that one before. Even told it was a good idea.

I watched Steve Irwin enough to know that every other animal in your country has fangs, tusks or venom. That puts y'all in position of authority when it comes to co-existing with hardy, invasive wildlife. We can't get the feral hog situation under control here with semi's and hi-cap mags, how do you guys keep your pests and varmints in check?

[fordj]

I'd like to see my state legalize open carry so that those folk that do freak out over things like biting a pop-tart in to the shape of a gun will calm down. They suspended a kid in Oklahoma for that...

I can't remember if it was here or in the US, but some school suspended a kid who was 6 or 7 for pointing his finger and going *bang*.

What a joke...

[Lorgar]

I watched Steve Irwin enough to know that every other animal in your country has fangs, tusks or venom. That puts y'all in position of authority when it comes to co-existing with hardy, invasive wildlife. We can't get the feral hog situation under control here with semi's and hi-cap mags, how do you guys keep your pests and varmints in check?

All the spiders, snakes and other toothed/clawed critters here are our native stuff though, not pests

[5Tom]

1. National Wide licensing.
2. Cat C firearms on Cat B.
OR
An Experience system. Everyone starts with a Cat A for X time. If you do X time with good behaviour, you can upgrade to Cat B. Complete X time plus good behaviour and you can upgrade to Cat C. If you do X time plus good behaviour, you can upgrade to Cat D.
Caught doing anything illegal (including storage) and the penalties get more tougher depending on the license you hold.

One gripe I got about Cat C vs Cat A shotguns.. A Pump-action shotgun, shoots as fast as you can pump it, can hold up to 5-6 shells +1 in chamber, single barrel and is on a Cat C with strict criteria to own, YET I can buy a 1887 Chiappa Lever action, can shoot as fast as I can lever it, holds 5 shells + 1 in chamber, single barrel and is on a Cat A??

[VICHunter]

I'd agree that the category A/B situation at the moment is a bit of a dogs breakfast.

I reckon they could do to combine all current cat A/B and semi-auto 22 into Cat A. Have semi-auto centre-fire Cat B. And full-auto Cat C.

Return of semi-auto with mag limits and national licenses/permits for me.

[pajamatime]

Less red tape across all firearms cats (semi autos should be allowed for A'B.) a healthy Gun culture is built on a good education so education! education and more education! castle law for home only so that we can properly protect our firearms if required from getting into criminal hands. Self defense as a genuine reason, firearms education on self defense.

I put allot of enthuses on good education because to many people are to lazy to educate themselves lol and their are more then enough people out there more then willing to educate people in the wrong way ^_^

violent video games and action movies are a good example of bad education? for example

[Kelix]

+1 for education on it.

I seriously reckon the yanks would cut a tonne of their gun problems if they had a basic safety and intro course like we do in Aus.

Letting a novice walk in off the street and out with a trunk full of guns is gunna cause some accidents.

[pajamatime]

+1 for education on it.

I seriously reckon the yanks would cut a tonne of their gun problems if they had a basic safety and intro course like we do in Aus.

Letting a novice walk in off the street and out with a trunk full of guns is gunna cause some accidents.

I completely agree, lets compare Switzerland to America

even before 1996 gun laws in Australia below would have strongly held true...
Switzerland = proud gun nation with tons of firearms education and prac and has less gun crime and crime in general then Australia
America = proud Gun nation with poor firearms education and prac and has more gun crime & more crime in general then Switzerland and Australia put together.

Plenty of other things to compare and poke a stick at but those are generally the most important ones and probably have the most impact on whether or not a gun culture develops in a positive manner or a negative one.

[sooey]

Switzerland do mandatory military service don't they?

Hope I'm thinking of the correct place... Not sure exactly of the details but I believe between being 18 and 20 you have to do one year in the army there.

[jeretilda]

For the NSW crew.

PTA to be online for a rifle purchase.

If the police can scan my car's number plates and find out my history then surely the NSW Firearms Registry can do the same based on my firearms licence number.

Nothing worse than having to wait for the PTA and something better/cheaper/different comes along and the feet turn cold or the funds get burnt up in general housekeeping or worse...at IKEA

I suppose having the paperwork generated keeps them gainfully employed up in Murwillumbah.

[inventurkey]

The whole PTA process thing could go as far as I'm concerned.

Let us buy want we wan't and type it into the computer when we buy it.

If we're licensed LAFO why have to apply over and over and over...

[pajamatime]

1. National Wide licensing.
2. Cat C firearms on Cat B.
OR
An Experience system. Everyone starts with a Cat A for X time. If you do X time with good behaviour, you can upgrade to Cat B. Complete X time plus good behaviour and you can upgrade to Cat C. If you do X time plus good behaviour, you can upgrade to Cat D.
Caught doing anything illegal (including storage) and the penalties get more tougher depending on the license you hold.

One gripe I got about Cat C vs Cat A shotguns.. A Pump-action shotgun, shoots as fast as you can pump it, can hold up to 5-6 shells +1 in chamber, single barrel and is on a Cat C with strict criteria to own, YET I can buy a 1887 Chiappa Lever action, can shoot as fast as I can lever it, holds 5 shells + 1 in chamber, single barrel and is on a Cat A??

in reality the same argument could be used for a bolt action...some people can really work that bolt like a porno star lol

[pajamatime]

Switzerland do mandatory military service don't they?

Hope I'm thinking of the correct place... Not sure exactly of the details but I believe between being 18 and 20 you have to do one year in the army there.

I know what your talking about trying to remember what it is....if my memory serves me right its a civilian based militia type thing that has compulsory training and upkeepy type of stuff. might be something to do with conscription there as well. Every mentally sane fellar gets a assault rifle or something i think.

with the tiny size of the Australian Military and the limited abilities across all technologies we could use a few million well trained civilian militia to deter invaders because America is starting to weaken especially the US dollar...they cant wipe our arses for ever lol

[horter]

Yep, everyone does some time there. I have a mate from that neck of the woods who did the same when he was younger.

The idea is that while they don't have a standing army, the country can defend itself if needed instead of being a drain on itself while a minority try to protect the useless majority.

A good system really.