How to Obtain your Firearms Licence in South Australia

Step One: Understanding the licensing System: The first step is to understand the types of licensing available, that way depending on the type of firearm and use you have for it, will then determine what training you will require. A firearms licence is broken up into classes (A, B, C, D & H). Each class represents different types of firearms. Class A: Air rifles, air guns, and paintball firearms; 22 rimfire rifles (not self-loading); single or double barrel shotguns (not self-loading or pump action) including receivers. Class B: Muzzle loading firearms (not being handguns) revolving chamber rifles, centrefire (not self-loading), break action shotgun/rifle combinations. All other firearms not class A firearms (not being prescribed firearms, handguns, self-loading or pump action shotguns), including receivers. Class C: Self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity no greater than 10 rounds, self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 rounds, pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 rounds, and includes receivers. Class D: Self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds, selfloading centrefire rifles, self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds and pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds, and including receivers. Class H: All handguns (including Air pistols). Each class is then broken up into purpose of use (POU): POU 1. POU 2. POU 3. POU 4. POU 5. POU 6. POU 7. Club Use (Competition / Practice at a club) Target Shooting (General sighting in) Hunting Paintball Primary Production Security Industry Other as Provided by Registrar (For example Safety/Licence Trainer)

When filling out the PD 303 form, it is important to tick the correct firearms classes and the Purpose of use. Ticking the wrong boxes may result in further training requirements or further trips back to the Police Station to apply for a licence variation. Please refer back to Step 1 for the different classes and Purposes of uses available. You will also need to pass a 100 point check when applying.

Step Two: Police Background Check The Police station will then forward the application to Firearms Branch through the internal mail system. Firearms Branch will then undertake a background check to consider if you are a suitable person to hold a firearms licence. If you are considered a suitable person, Firearms Branch will send you a training letter advising you of the training you will be required to undertake. The training locations will differ depending on the POU. For Example: For POU 1 The applicant is to join a shooting club to undertake the training requirements within the club. The club's training officer will provide you with the relevant information for what is required at that club. For POU 2, 3 & 4 - A T.A.F.E. course is required information of venues of courses is supplied with the 'training letter'. For POU 6 - a list of authorised security training instructors will be supplied with the 'training letter'. Justification will also include proof of employment with a licensed security company.

Step Three: Training The next step for the applicant is to undertake the training. The training varies depending on the class of firearm involved and its purpose of use. POU 1 Club Use Training for POU 1 (Club use) is done through your club Please note, a club can only train for the classes of firearm it shoots. For example, A Rimfire and or air rifle club can only train for A1; A pistol club can only train for H1; Please make sure that the club shoots the types of matches you are interested in prior to undertaking the training. Most clubs shoot A, B and H but it is best to check prior to commencing. Training consists of both practical and theory sessions. These requirements will vary depending on the class of firearm and local club by-laws. Please check with your club for details. Once the applicant has completed the training, the club will sign off the licence application for the appropriate classes (A, B and or H).

POU 2, 3 & 4 Target Use, Hunting and Paintball Training for POU 2, 3 and or 4 is done through TAFE SA. These courses are one full day and have a theory and practical component. The courses are held at a number of areas across the state.

Step Four: Completition of Training When justifications and training certificates are received from either the Club, TAFE, employer etc, Firearms Branch will send you a 'data card', with which you attend at a photo point. You will again have to provide your 100 points of identification and pay the prescribed licence fee. Upon payment, an 'interim licence' will be issued. You should receive your photographic licence within 28 days.

Graduated Access section 15A (4b) Class H Please note for handguns ONLY. Legislation now prohibits the purchase handguns within the first 6 months from the granting of a Class H firearms licence for club use. For the second 6 months of a new Class H licence for club use, purchase is restricted to the following; 1 air or gas operated pistol or a .22 calibre pistol or 1 centre-fire pistol or, 1 air or gas operated pistol and 1 .22 calibre pistol or, 1 air or gas operated pistol and 1 centre-fire pistol