Australian gun laws need a serious over-haul.
I'm just starting the long, slow process of purchasing an 1861 Colt Navy revolver. I say long slow process because, currently, I'm being told it could take me a minimum of 30 months before I can actually apply for a permit to acquire this handgun. Yes, thats right. 30 months, and then I gain the privelidge of applying for a permit to acquire it.
Having written to the licencing services division of the state police here in Australia, they tell me I will need a category two collectors licence to own this type of gun.
To get a category two licence, I must first have held a category one licence for two years, and own at least eleven guns manufactured before 1947. To get a category one licence, I must be a paying member of a recognised collecters club or guild for at least six months prior to the application.
If I manage to get the licence, I must then demonstrate how the gun I wish to purchase will increase the historic value of my over-all collection.
Dammit, I don't want to own 12 handguns. I can't afford it! I only want one or two.
And all this hoop jumping is just to buy a black powder cap and ball revolver!
I'm just starting the long, slow process of purchasing an 1861 Colt Navy revolver. I say long slow process because, currently, I'm being told it could take me a minimum of 30 months before I can actually apply for a permit to acquire this handgun. Yes, thats right. 30 months, and then I gain the privelidge of applying for a permit to acquire it.
Having written to the licencing services division of the state police here in Australia, they tell me I will need a category two collectors licence to own this type of gun.
To get a category two licence, I must first have held a category one licence for two years, and own at least eleven guns manufactured before 1947. To get a category one licence, I must be a paying member of a recognised collecters club or guild for at least six months prior to the application.
If I manage to get the licence, I must then demonstrate how the gun I wish to purchase will increase the historic value of my over-all collection.
Dammit, I don't want to own 12 handguns. I can't afford it! I only want one or two.
And all this hoop jumping is just to buy a black powder cap and ball revolver!