Serious threat to hobby

[Tony Smith]

Yes, and those same links were in the Hemmings article, if anyone had bothered to read them.

Hence my comments regarding Europe falling into line with Australia. Any de-activated firearm (of any type) is treated in exactly the same way for licencing, storage and registration as it's fully-functioning brother. They must have identifying marks (ie a unique serial number) and you may have to pay for a licence or permit to buy, keep or sell them. There are exemptions for "Cannons" (ie field, naval and AFV ordnance) that vary for age, calibre and purpose, but even these can be subject some restrictions, however generally there is no limitations to ownership if they have been appropriately de-milled.

But, Lynn did you know that these laws also already apply in NZ? But NZ doesn't have the exemptions for large calibres, so for example the prospective buyer of the South Island Centurion that has been for sale now for a couple of years must have a licence for the "Single shot rifle" that is the deactivated main gun !

This has apparently been a stumbling block for a couple of prospective purchasers! Despite it remaining a relatively straight forward process for most people in NZ, it still requires the applicant to prove to Police they are a "fit and Proper" person and undergo several interviews and training courses. Is this a threat to our hobby? Or does it weed out the undesirables? I personally think the asking prices for Armoured Vehicles is a much bigger threat to people entering the hobby!