Help needed from any Australians

[WANTASHOOT]

Is there any Australian Shooters on here. I am currently living in the USA and have an opportunity to go work in Australia. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the shooting seen in Australia. I would be going to the Perth area. I have herd the gun control laws are pretty tight over there and I am concerned as a visitor/emigrant could I become a gun owner. Could I bring guns with me when I come over. Any other non gun related info would be cool also as I am still unsure about my decision. Help Please :-\

 

[RDavies]

There are quite a few Ozzies regularly on this forum. You will have to leave your semi autos at home but can bring over as many single shot, bolt action, lever and pump action rifles as you like. Pistols are limited to somewhere around 40 cal, no 45s I think. Shotgun sports are popular here but you cant use a semi auto unless you have medical reasons, eg bad back,shoulder problems. What sort of shooting are you into?
If you are into target shooting, you will be able to do pretty much anything you do at home. As for hunting, until you get to know some land owners, you would probably have to go on guided hunts.
Any West Australians here can fill him in on the local scene?

 

[WANTASHOOT]

Thanks CR500. Great to hear as I was concerned that I was going to have to find another hobby. Still not sure about moving. I have some friends that just went over. They had great things to say about Australia. I don't think they intend to come back to the states.

 

[Gadget]

Hi
Please find link to the West Aust. Firearms Page.
This may help with your questions, Good luck and come over you will not regret it, it's a nice place to live and work.
Gadget

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Ourservices/Firearms/tabid/1616/Default.aspx

 

[aubrey]

I migrated from South Africa to Australia 10 years ago. As I recall you need to be a permanent resident before you can apply for a firearms licence here. So your employment visa is really important as to whether it's temporary or permanent. It may be convertible. Once that is cleared up you can apply for a firearms licence via the state police, having joined a shooting peak body - eg WARA or SSAA depending on the type of shooting you intend to do. You can only get a licence for target shooting, hunting or collecting - apparently we are all so safe that self protection is no longer a right here.....your local SSAA branch office will help.

 

[RDavies]

Depending on what sort of shooting you want to do, but some websites to try are
SSAA (for dozens of sorts of shooting, silhuoette, benchrest, cowboy/western action
NRAA (National rifle association of Australia, for long range, F class,Fullbore)
WARA (Western Australian rifle association, for F class and Fullbore)
ausvarmint.com General hunting and target forum
ozfclass F class forum
Hunt Australia (hunting forum
Nitroexpress Hunting and large caliber forum
Dozens of other websites and forums

What sort of shooting are you into?