Wanted: 30cal. 1919 or parts to build one non functional

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys

As mentioned earlier I sought legal advice for my .30 Cal via my Lawyer to the SA Firearms Branch. The advice I received in writing, that I am OK in South Australia. However I should add that this is not the same case in every state of Australia as the law varies dramatically from state to state, as restorers will attest too when going to Corowa for the annual get together. The inference being that "If it looks like a gun, then it must be a gun".

A member of our club has decided to purchase a complete Resin .50 Cal from the USA from International Antique Weapons to mount on a pedestal on his Jeep. He sought advice from the SA Firearms Branch and was told they were not interested as it was a toy...!!! and he would not need a permit or register it as a replica. The only time police Firearms Branch would require to see and register a replica was if it had "Any moving parts". He also contacted Australian Customs and was told he could import it into SA without any problems as it was a toy. This was a bit of a surprise. However as I stated earlier, the legislation varies in every state of Australia. I would not dream of taking my .30 Cal outside of my state.

Cheers

Tony

[motto]

Hi Tony.

Has this fellow wanting to import the resin .50 Cal 'toy' actually done so? I hope he has such assurance in writing but I doubt it.

Australian Customs are notorious for giving off the cuff answers to enquiries that are worthless when it comes to the crunch because so much discretion is given to the individual officer. Strike the right bloke and all's well. Strike the wrong bloke and you are in deep, deep do doos because they've got the power.

Also on the topic of 'weapons'. Whilst at Corowa this year I heard a story out of SA that a Jeep owner had been ordered by a member of the police force to remove the axe from his vehicle and not to carry it in future. Is this fact or furphy?

David

[Lynn Eades]

Behind all the "policy" is the "law"

[Little Jo]

Originally Posted by motto

Hi Tony.

Has this fellow wanting to import the resin .50 Cal 'toy' actually done so? I hope he has such assurance in writing but I doubt it.

Australian Customs are notorious for giving off the cuff answers to enquiries that are worthless when it comes to the crunch because so much discretion is given to the individual officer. Strike the right bloke and all's well. Strike the wrong bloke and you are in deep, deep do doos because they've got the power.

Also on the topic of 'weapons'. Whilst at Corowa this year I heard a story out of SA that a Jeep owner had been ordered by a member of the police force to remove the axe from his vehicle and not to carry it in future. Is this fact or furphy?
David

Hi David

No mate he reported to us that he rang the Customs people.. I always like things in writing, that's why I used a solicitor and I keep a copy of the Firearms Branch reply in the Jeep glove box.

As for the axe report, I haven't heard that one, though I would not be surprised as most of the young police officers wouldn't have a clue, I believe we would win that one though as it part of the vehicle kit, hell how many of us country folk carry items that could be miss interpreted, I suppose tradesmen's tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and pinch bars are next. We live in strange times.

Cheers

Tony