Thread: Is registration number of any relevance to A-cat rifles?

Originally Posted by gundoc

It is a legal requirement for firearms in NZ to have a serial number (Arms Regulations 1992, Section 12) even though there is no registration for A cat firearms

Section 12 only says Pistols, MSSAs and Restricted Weapons require a identification/serial number within 30 days of importation. No mention of A-cat firearms.

Originally Posted by Cordite

In NZ you are not allowed to transfer ownership of a firearm without a serial number, I think that is the specific law.

If you made yourself a gun, it's OK not to have a number on it AFAIK. Stamp an identifying number on it if someone ever wants to buy off you what you cobbled together. Similarly with your rifle, if you got it with a number and you paint it out that is not a problem, but probably need it visible if transferring the firearm to someone else (whether by sale, gift or loan).

Section 27 of the Arms Regulations only states a Pistol, MSSA or Restricted Weapon must have a identification/serial number upon transfer to another permitted person.



As far as I can tell, at no time during local manufacture, importation, transfer or ownership does an A-cat firearm need an identification/serial number.

Pistols, MSSAs and Restricted Weapons require one upon import or transfer, and although not specified, I imagine upon local manufacture too, since it needs one to be registered against the owner.

Interestingly, it is not an offence to REMOVE an identification/serial number, even from a Pistol/MSSA/RW, but you'd have to put it back on before transfer.

An even more pedantic interpretation of the above is that identification/serial numbers must be STAMPED, and to have one milled/machined/engraved is insufficient.