Amnesty, gunsafes and inspections

[Woftam]

NSW is currently enjoying a firearms amnesty. Register (if you have the appropriate licence) or hand in (if you don't have the appropriate licence) anything you like, no questions asked.

A mate managed to score a '42 Lithgow No1 MkIII* (all matching except for the heavy barrel) for $100 AUD. I haven't been lucky at all although I've spread the word.

After the amnesty ends on 31 May comes the big stick. Safe storage inspection
As soon as the amnesty ends the cops will be out and about (supposedly) inspecting everyones storage arrangements. As the letter politely points out "no leniency will be given should your safe storage facility be non compliant or should unregistered firearms be found in your possession following the conclusion of the amnesty".

I don't know what it means for anyone else but I've taken the better safe than sorry approach and have ordered a 14 gun safe that meets Category C requirements. Much more than I need but the extra capacity will come in handy and if they change the laws I should still be covered. My current safe is 1500cm x 750 cm x 400cm and packed to the rafters.

[TaosBob101]

My Uncle on the wifes side has to deal w/ this up in Ft Frances,ONT. No inspection yet, but he better have to proof he had the time to open and close his safe. No "fast deployment " of his "Bear riffle".

[Niner]

As soon as the amnesty ends the cops will be out and about (supposedly) inspecting everyones storage arrangements

Glad I don't live in Australia. Do they even need a search warrant to inspect? What happens if they find a shotgun for home defense in a closet?

[Woftam]

No search warrant required, they are only there to inspect the safe storage arrangements. By the Firearms Act it must be a mutually arranged time. The police are required to phone and arrange a time, they cannot just arrive on the doorstep and demand to do the inspection. Also they are there only to inspect your safe nothing else.

In theory then if a firearm is out of the safe, as long as it's not easily visible, then it shouldn't be noticed as they are not able to check the firearms in the safe against a listing of your firearms. In theory.

However if a firearm is routinely out of the safe and this fact is discovered, then kiss your licence goodbye. While I don't have to like it I do have to comply. Which is why I have purchased a safe with a keypad lock. Don't have to find the key and then unlock the safe - just walk up and tap the pad a couple of times and your in business.

[DuncaninFrance]

In a lot of French houses ( NOT MINE!) the guns are hung on the walls! I remember when we were looking for a house in 2002 we went round one that must have had at least 20 rifles and shotguns hanging on hooks, no locks or anything That is normal here

[Niner]

Hard to believe Duncan. How could they ever get insurance?

[DuncaninFrance]

They probably don't tell the insurance company about it

[Niner]

Just kidding, Duncan. If they had insurance they wouldn't need a safe....unless the authorities made them lock them up. And if they locked them in a safe what would they need insurance for anyway?

[Woftam]

A mate managed to score a '42 Lithgow No1 MkIII* (all matching except for the heavy barrel) for $100 AUD. I haven't been lucky at all although I've spread the word.

Well my luck changed. Got given 7 firearms by a mate who was going to hand them in during the amnesty -

12g SxS Hammergun. No manufacturers markings. Very loose action. Handed in to police.

12g SxS Hammergun. Bentley & Playfair. Barrels badly pitted. Handed in to Police.

12g SxS Hammerless. Good barrels, tight action. Poor finish. Kept this one as I don't have a shotgun.

BSA single shot .22.Good condition. Kept this one also.

.177 Calibre air rifle. Polish Manufacture. Average condition. Didn't have an air rifle so kept it as well.

.22 Lithgow 1B. Pitted barrel, rusted action, no bolt. Kept the stock and handed in the rest.

.22 Lithgow 1B. Pitted barrel, rusted action. Kept the stock and handed in the rest.

So for $75AUD (cost of registration) got three firearms. Fairly satisfied with that.

Have now also received my new gunsafe courtesy of the Feral Gubmint stimulus package ($900 tax free dollars ). Only cost $250AUD of my money. 14 gun Buffalo River with keypad entry (plus key over ride).

[oneshooter]

I keep my arms in 4- 650lb (empty) fire resestent safes. They are bolted to the floor with 4ea 1/2" x 4" bolts.

I obtained a very nice No1 MkIII* at a local pawn shop several years ago. Only $75US and was still in the cosmoline!!! Dated 1918 Lithgow. When I pulled the stock off the barrel it showed that a NEW BARREL was installd at the armoury in 1955. Shoots great with some 1945 ammo.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas