Thread: C Category Storage

Hi all, apologies if this has been covered previously but cannot seem to find the answer if it has.

Does anyone know where it specifies that Restricted Firearms (C-cat) are required to be stored in ‘inoperable condition’ or are ‘not capable of being discharged’?

I have had a look in the Arms Act and Arms Regulation but cannot find it three or on the police website. I am sure I have seen it previously!


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Wheels, you may have read it from someone who thinks they know, However C Cat firearms do NOT need to be rendered "Inoperable". They can be in fully working order. You just cant shoot them.

Originally Posted by Andrew11

Wheels, you may have read it from someone who thinks they know, However C Cat firearms do NOT need to be rendered "Inoperable". They can be in fully working order. You just cant shoot them.

Awesome! Thanks for that, I was pretty sure I wasn’t breaking the law but wanted to check, pain in the arse if I had to take the firing pin out. I would inevitably lose them!


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Restricted Weapons like machine guns and rocket launchers have to be rendered and maintained with a vital part or parts removed. But not pistols held on a C licence.

Originally Posted by Andrew11

Wheels, you may have read it from someone who thinks they know, However C Cat firearms do NOT need to be rendered "Inoperable". They can be in fully working order. You just cant shoot them.

Restricted Weapons held on a C licence have to be rendered and maintained in an inoperable condition.

Andrew11 has put you crook! Systolic is correct. 'Restricted Weapons' held on a C endorsement must be stored and maintained 'in an inoperable condition by the removal of a vital part' Arms Act Sec.32 (1)(b). Pistols held on a C endorsement do not need to be rendered inoperable. Restricted Weapons may be returned to working order for the purpose of making a movie or theatrical production. In no case may they used with (or be in possession of) ammunition other than blank ammunition, Arms Regulations Sec.22(2)(c).

Note that the 'Arms Act' and the 'Arms Regulations' are two completely separate pieces of legislation. You need to have both sets and read then in conjunction with each other. The Act covers the broad principles while the Regulations cover the 'nitty-gritty' details.

Sorry Wheels. My Apologies, I have learnt somthing today!

Originally Posted by gundoc

Andrew11 has put you crook! Systolic is correct. 'Restricted Weapons' held on a C endorsement must be stored and maintained 'in an inoperable condition by the removal of a vital part' Arms Act Sec.32 (1)(b). Pistols held on a C endorsement do not need to be rendered inoperable. Restricted Weapons may be returned to working order for the purpose of making a movie or theatrical production. In no case may they used with (or be in possession of) ammunition other than blank ammunition, Arms Regulations Sec.22(2)(c).

Note that the 'Arms Act' and the 'Arms Regulations' are two completely separate pieces of legislation. You need to have both sets and read then in conjunction with each other. The Act covers the broad principles while the Regulations cover the 'nitty-gritty' details.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys, much appreciated!

Having a quick read of the Arms Act s32 it does not make the distinction between pistols on a C cat or other C cat firearms. I would therefore interpret it as such that all firearms held on a C licence are to be stored and maintained in inoperable condition unless being used for display/filming purposes with blank ammunition.

It seems somewhat odd that no mention is made to the storage of the vital part that has been removed. I assume that it is removed to stop it being used if stolen, as those with a C endorsement are deemed ‘fit and proper’ thus are trusted to comply with the law.


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Would a "vital part" include the magazine?

Originally Posted by Tommy

Would a "vital part" include the magazine?

my trigger finger is a vital part.

Originally Posted by Tommy

Would a "vital part" include the magazine?

Probably not as it could be fired single shot. I'd probably remove the firing pin and spring.

Originally Posted by stug

Probably not as it could be fired single shot. I'd probably remove the firing pin and spring.

Bit difficult when the firing pin is fixed, looks like the recoil spring will have to come out!


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Wheels, there is a legal definition of the term 'Restricted Weapon' (ie: machine gun, mortar, rocket launcher, pepper spray, WMD, etc) in the Arms Act. This does not include 'pistol' which is defined by length (less than 762mm). or designed to be held and fired in one hand. Only 'Restricted Weapons' need to be inoperable under Sec.32, pistols are OK in working order.

So, just asking, with the appropriate muzzle adapter, can you legally (including of course your wife's blessing) fire blank ammo behind your house through a C cat MG42?

Originally Posted by Cordite

So, just asking, with the appropriate muzzle adapter, can you legally (including of course your wife's blessing) fire blank ammo behind your house through a C cat MG42?

Someone may be able to correct me if wrong but I believe you have to have a Theatrical C Endorsement to fire blanks from a restricted weapon.


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