Thread: Firearms ban in Western aussie

Originally Posted by ebf

@whanahuia, what you typed in above sounds fairly reasonable...

when you dig into it a little deeper, the reality is unfortunately a bit more complex.

most guys involved in service rifle will be able to tell you long stories how for years and years before CHC, we tried to point out to police how crazy their ever changing rules around MSSA's were. the number of iterations these rules went through, and the amount of loops genuine sport shooters had to go through would surprise you. magazines over a certain capacity WERE restricted to certain endorsement holders. the big failure by police was to allow non-endorsed shooters to buy AR style rifles (this and the ease of purchasing 30 round mags was pointed out to them time and time again).

restrictions on functional characteristics would have made some sense, but what we ended up with was a poorly administered system of rules that really revolved around appearance rather than function.

the reality is that in terms of some lunatic deciding to commit an atrocity with a centerfire rifle, there is very little difference between a 7mm-08, a 7mm RM and a 338 Lapua. in fact, it takes significantly more skill and expense to become proficient with the types of calibers the WA police are now banning...

Yep, I understand that. And realise the issue was pointed out while police were busy with thier eye on pistol grips etc. But as group we did not do so in a manor that had to be listened too. And while I do recall the issue being brought up, I dont remember any really coherent attempt at changing the situation from us. Dont get me wrong we should not have had to push it. But it was quite obvious for some time that the places attitude to firearms licence holders and groups was dismissive and negative.

And yes those weapons are a hell of expensive, not always practical and probably less lethal to a group than a hunting rifle. However do you think those in a position to ban them will understand that? Do you think they would care?