How are replica guns used in Australia? Can I legally own one?
How are replica weapons used in Australia?
Replica pistols, rifles and automatic weapons have been owned and used legally for a wide variety of reasons in Australia for decades. In QLD, WA and SA non-firing replica / imitation gun (pistol, rifle, machine gun) require no license at all, other states vary (see more below).
NOTE: All of the following uses should be conducted entirely within the relevant Police guidelines for use of a replica weapon so that it does not cause public alarm and any additional approvals that may be required by Police or Government bodies that may relate to any event, training or production.
Militaria Collectors:
Australia has a large number of amateur and professional militaria collectors and dealers. As a natural component of collecting military artefacts and uniforms, quality replicas of the accompanying small arms often need to be featured.
Museums / Heritage Displays
A wide variety of Government, Association, Historical Society and privately-owned museums will feature displays of military uniforms and equipment. Museum quality replica guns such as those made by Denix, provide a far safer alternative to the real thing and can safely bring the look of the weapon to life in a display.
Military and Historic Vehicle Owners
There are a large number of military and historic vehicle owners who like to have their vehicles authentically kitted out to match the time period they come from.
For example a WW2 jeep with a replica M1 Carbine, Tommy Gun or Colt .45 in the gun rack, or a 1920’s US Vintage Car decorated as a prohibition gangster’s car with a Tommy Gun in a violin case.
Historical Re-Enactment and Living History
Australia boasts some of the world’s best and most enthusiastic historical re-enactment and living history groups.
The use of replica firearms in the displays, live performances and encampments of these dedicated groups spans everything from old matchlock and flintlock rifles through to WW1 and WW2 small arms and those of more modern conflicts.
Metal working action replicas are ideal and safe items to replace real weapons in such scenarios, offering the same appearance, weight and even cocking actions and magazines etc as the real thing.
Movies, TV and Stage Productions
All of the Denix replicas offer screen accurate options for a wide range of actual historic weapons, and also modern weapons for authenticity without the risks of the real weapons.
With the quality of digital effects these days Denix replicas can often fully replace blank fire weapons on set greatly reducing the cost, time and risks associated with equipping actors for blank fire scenes.
Stage productions can also benefit from the same look, weight and action of a replica weapon without the ongoing licensing, storage and headaches associated with an actual blank firing firearm.
Security and Martial Arts Training
Training people in certain techniques and scenarios can be enhanced with replica weapons that simulate the appearance, weight and actions of real firearms.
People can thus get an accurate feel and perspective of how real weapons operate without the complexities of needing to obtain examples of the real thing.
Police and Military Training
Certain section of the Police and Military need to drill and rehearse mission-critical tactics, techniques and procedures using weapons, but without the need to fire blanks or live ammunition.
In such training scenarios it can be far easier to use, display or store a lifelike Denix replica weapon instead of using or risking the real firearm in a training exercise.
The Man Cave or Hobby Project
Sometimes blokes just like to collect and display cool stuff in a bar, den or man cave. A particular type of weapon may have featured in a movie that you love, or been used by you or a relative during Police or Military service and you’d like to have an example of it on display.
A classy Denix replica from a particular era of history may also add a touch of class to a room’s décor or design or just serve as a unique talking piece.
Is it legal to buy, possess and use
a replica / imitation gun in Australia?
As we are a QLD company, the term 'Replica' is used, some States use the term 'Imitation' instead, where we use the term Replica gun for the Denix items we stock, they are also considered to be 'Imitations'.
The legislation that currently impacts replica gun owners as follows:
Queensland:
All types of imitation / non-firing replica firearm are currently legal to sell and own in Queensland.
From February 2021 thanks to recent welcome changes to legislation, this now also includes replica machine guns and assault rifles.
More information / an update on recent changes to QLD legislation impacting replica / imitation guns and weapons is also featured below.
Western Australia:
All types of imitation / non-firing replica firearm are currently legal to sell and own in Western Australia.
South Australia:
The Denix replicas / imitations that we sell are no longer regulated in SA as they cannot be modified to fire a projectile so require no license or permit to possess.
Other States:
For other States in Australia we suggest that you use the link below for a guide on the various states, and contact your Police and State Government Firearm and Weapon’s Licensing bodies to get specific and up to date advice.
With special exemptions, permits and collector’s licenses people in other States can be able to legally obtain and display replicas as part of a militaria collection or re-enactment hobby and theatre / stage productions etc.
Once again, up to date advice should be obtained from your own State Police and strictly adhered to.
