Firearms categories
There are a number of minimum requirements applicants must meet to commence their application for a firearms licence. Once these requirements are met, applicants must then provide at least one ‘genuine reason’ for possessing or using a firearm. This genuine reason determines the category of licence for which they apply.
For more information see:
Listed below are the five categories of firearms licences. It is possible to apply for a licence under more than one category if a ‘genuine reason’ can be demonstrated for each category.
Category A firearms
This category applies to:
- air rifles
- rimfire rifles other than self loading
- shotguns other than pump action or self loading
- shotgun and rimfire rifle combinations.
You may apply for a Category A licence if you are able to provide the Firearms Registrar with the necessary documentation to support your genuine reason for using or possessing a firearm of that category.
For example, if your genuine reason is sport or target shooting, you must produce evidence of current membership of an approved shooting organisation that conducts competitions or activities involving the use of this type of firearm.
Category B firearms
This category applies to:
- muzzle loading firearms
- centrefire rifles other than self loading
- shotgun and centrefire rifle combinations.
As well as establishing a genuine reason for holding the licence, you must produce evidence to the Firearms Registrar’s satisfaction that there is a need to possess or use a firearm of this category.
Category C firearms
This category is only available to primary producers, people employed or engaged in primary production, or bona fide firearms collectors (subject to certain conditions).
Category D firearms
This category is only available to professional shooters whose principal occupation is the controlling of vertebrate pest animals, or bona fide firearms collectors (subject to certain conditions).
Category H firearms
Pistols are only available to members of pistol clubs, persons employed as firearms dealers, security guards and security agents, or a bona fide firearms collector (subject to certain conditions).