This is usually a much-awaited point. Having completed the 6-month probation period, members are keen to acquire their own pistol/s.
There are some WLB rules to follow. Also, experience has shown the following considerations to be helpful before darting off to your local gun shop.
Within the first 12 months of being issued a concealable firearms licence you can only acquire one air pistol; and one of the following:
- A rim-fire pistol
- A centre-fire pistol or
- A black powder pistol.
Visiting the nearest gun shop for advice is most likely not going to be in the best interest of someone looking for a pistol most suited to competing in ISSF matches. Most gun shops are not equipped with knowledgeable staff in this type of shooting and they generally do not carry the sort of pistols most appropriate. Often we see people spending their money on what ever the gun shop recommends.
The best option is to firstly let your trainer/ coach know you are getting ready to purchase. They will provide some tips. Often there are really good second hand pistols around which can be purchased for very reasonable prices. Also during the probationary period it is a good idea to look at what the top shooters in the club are using. If asked they will generally be pleased to allow a few shots to be fired where a judgment can be made about the pistols fit, balance and recoil characteristics.
If there is a desire to purchase a brand new pistol then hunt down specialists ISSF pistol resellers.
In Australia there are very few. Potters Firearms are a good place to start. Hermann’s in Melb also sell FWB brand pistols.
OK, so lets look at the process.
Buying a pistol, either second hand or new has to be brokered through a registered dealer.
The club can issue a document which confirms your membership and pistol details.
This is to accompany a completed Form 28
There is a fee associated with the application to WLB.
Also you will need to have a prescribed storage facility. Details on the WLB website. www.police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing
Sports and Target Shooting (Category H)
You are required to provide the following details to accurately assess your application:
- The make, model, type, calibre, action and barrel length of the intended firearm/weapon;
- A letter/certificate from your shooting club stating:
- That you are a current member of the club;
- The type (calibre, action, make and model) of firearm that is being acquired and is approved for use at their range of the club or an approved shooting club affiliated with the club.
If there are already two Category H firearms of the same calibre and action on the sports shooter licence and you are wanting to acquire more firearms of the same calibre and action, please PROVIDE A DETAILED GENUINE REASON as to why the need cannot be satisfied with the current firearms registered to your sports shooters licence.
Your First Purchase:
The club has a number of loan air muffs, but most people will want a set of their own. Ear protection is very important and over the ear style muffs are preferred to ear plugs which offer little to no protection to the bones of the ear.
