Hello everyone,
I will be logging the process of my firearm application to benefit others that are after this information. This information can be found on the Police website, but this will make it easier for new comers.
For lack of a better term, I've finally decided to bite the bullet and apply for my firearm license, I live in SA. This is something that I have been putting aside and questioning for a few years. When I'm out camping/shooting, on private property, I'll generally just shoot under the supervision of someone else's license and use their firearms. Obviously, there comes a point in time when want your own of everything - that time being now.
The firearm license that I will be applying for will be class A and B, both for purpose of 2 and 3. WHAT DO THESE APLHABETIC NUMBERS MEAN?
A firearms licence is first broken up into classes (A, B, C, D & H). Each class represents different types of firearms;
Class A: Air rifles, air guns, and paintball firearms; 22 rimfire rifles (not self-loading); single or double barrel shotguns (not self-loading or pump action) and include receivers.
Class B: Muzzle loading firearms (not being handguns); revolving chamber rifles; centrefire (not self-loading); break action shotgun/rifle combinations. All other firearms not class A firearms (not being prescribed firearms, handguns, self-loading or pump action shotguns), including receivers.
Class C: Self loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity no greater than 10 rounds; self loading shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 round; pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 rounds, and includes receivers.
Class D: Self loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds; self loading centrefire rifles; self loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds and a pump action shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds, and including receivers.
Class H: All handguns (including Air pistols)
Each class is then broken up into purpose of use (POU):
POU 1. Club Use (Competition / Practice at a club)
POU 2. Target Shooting (General sighting in)
POU 3. Hunting
POU 4. Paintball
POU 5. Primary Production
POU 6. Security Industry
POU 7. Other as Provided by Registrar (For example dealer / trainer)
The first step is to visit a police station and acquire a firearms license form, PD303. You can also visit the police website and retrieve a PDF version of the form.
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/__data/ass ... _pd303.pdf29/03/2016 - I simply typed in the blanks on the form, printed it out and signed it. I then visited my local police station, Holden Hill, with;
- At least 100 points of original identification (I used my passport and drivers license)
- Photocopies of said at least 100 points identification
- Completed PD303 firearm application form
The officer looked over my form to ensure it had been correctly filled out, accepted my identification + copies and then proceeded to advise me of a wait time of anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on how busy the Firearm Branch are.
This is going to be a long wait, so I will be using this time to research and read reviews at what gun safe and firearms to purchase. Something that I would suggest, so when the license is approved you know exactly what to purchase.
If I have left anything out, please feel free to post below.