Arms Collectors Branch

What Guns Can I collect?

A collector’s licence allows you to collect functional Category A, B, C, and H firearms, along with Category M weapons (however they must all be rendered temporarily inoperable, e.g. by fitting a trigger lock), and permanently deactivated Category D and R firearms. Firearms held on a Collector’s Licence can only be live-fired at Approved Collector’s Events, and only by people who hold a Collector’s Licence. We are able to apply for authorisation to hold two of these events each year, but whether we do so is dependent on a number of factors including range availability and member commitment.

What is a Theme?

All collectors are requested to nominate a theme with Weapons Licensing when they apply for their collectors licence. Themes can be broad and encompass a wide range of firearms, but unfortunately cannot just be “I like old guns?. Examples of popular collecting themes include, but are definitely not limited to:

• Military firearms of WWI and WWII
• Firearm designs of John Moses Browning
• 20th Century sporting firearms
• Australian military and hunting firearms

Can I collect handguns?

Yes! If you want functional handguns, you must be a member of an Approved Historical Society (our Collectors Branch is one of them). Handguns held on a Collector’s Licence are not subject to the calibre, barrel length, or magazine capacity restrictions of handguns held on a club shooting licence, but they must be rendered temporarily inoperable – typically by installing a trigger lock or removing the firing pin.

Handguns made after January 1, 1947 are classified as “Modern Handguns? under the Weapons Regulations 2016 and require a special endorsement, which requires WLB to be satisfied you have a “prolonged and genuine? interest in the study of firearms.

Currently they have decided this means you must hold a Collector’s Licence for at least two years, or have held a Category H licence (competition use, primary producer, dealer/armourer, etc) for at least two years. There are additional requirements when applying for a PTA for “Modern? collectible handgun; please contact our Collector’s Branch representatives for more information.

These are NOT reasons for obtaining a Collector’s Licence

A collector’s licence allows you to collect functional Category A, B, C, and H firearms, along with Category M weapons (however they must all be rendered temporarily inoperable, e.g. by fitting a trigger lock), and permanently deactivated Category D and R firearms. Firearms held on a Collector’s Licence can only be live-fired at Approved Collector’s Events, and only by people who hold a Collector’s Licence. We are able to apply for authorisation to hold two of these events each year, but whether we do so is dependent on a number of factors including range availability and member commitment.

Do I have to weld up guns on a Collector’s Licence?

You do NOT have to weld up Category A, B, C, or H firearms held on a Collector’s Licence if you are a member of an Approved Historical Society (like ours). These guns must be “temporarily inoperable?, which means they need to have their firing pins removed or a trigger lock installed.

Category D and R firearms do need to be welded up. The Shooters Union Collector’s Branch does not support the destruction of historical or collectible firearms and encourages members to obtain non-firing replica or gel blaster examples of Category D/R firearms instead, where possible. Replica and gel blaster guns do not require licensing or registration in Queensland.

How do I join the Collector’s Branch?

Once you have joined the Branch, it is vital you send an e-mail to the Collector’s Branch President introducing yourself and providing the following information:

• Your collecting interests
• Your proposed collecting theme
• How long you’ve been interested in collecting firearms
• If you currently hold a Collector’s Licence

From there, a Branch representative can provide you with more information and the supporting paperwork you need to apply for your licence!