Thread: Semi-automatic guns sold by Defence Force being used by gangs

Originally Posted by gundoc

They were manufactured as semi-autos and that was the way the Army used them but it was a parts change to convert then to full auto. Before they could be sold to the public dealers had to modify them in a permanent manner as specified (and individually checked) by the Police. That involved grinding out the safety sear bent on the hammer, removing the safety sear and welding a spacer in the slot, and (initially) putting a stop pin on the safety selector. The Police system was not irreversible if you had a few clues, so I did a few mods (which they accepted) which gave a much more difficult system to convert. There were 2500 rifles put up for tender and I purchased 1000 of them. The next biggest purchase was for 400 and all the rest went out in smaller numbers. Being the biggest purchaser I got the best rifles and they arrived in my shop 31 March 1988. I had been at Trentham the day before to supervise loading the container and getting my permit signed. That was the biggest cheque I had ever written at that stage of my life!

Gundoc, I recall back about 30 years ago someone (I think Tony Loughnan?) telling me about an SLR malfunction on a range, it wouldn't fire or locked up or something, then slamfired unexpectedly, emptying a near full mag into the ground. Do you know anything about this story? I vaguely recall it was one of the first rifles on the civilian market, but can't remember details.

Originally Posted by Ben Waimata

Gundoc, I recall back about 30 years ago someone (I think Tony Loughnan?) telling me about an SLR malfunction on a range, it wouldn't fire or locked up or something, then slamfired unexpectedly, emptying a near full mag into the ground. Do you know anything about this story? I vaguely recall it was one of the first rifles on the civilian market, but can't remember details.

I had not heard about that event but it would be easily possible if someone had tried to alter the trigger pull to the wrong angle or engagement. That could trip the hammer from the impact of the bolt closing, giving uncontrolled fire.