Replica / Imitation Gun Laws in Australia
Replica / Imitation guns are non-firing reproductions that were never made as actual weapons, just lookalikes. They cannot be made to fire.
Their uses vary from simply adding to militaria collections and displays (public and private museums for example), to historical re-enactments and film, theatre and TV productions.
Whilst these weapons are completely inert and harmless, laws vary from state to state and range from treating realistic looking replicas as anything from almost toys to needing strict licensing and storage as if they were actual firearms.
Below is accurate at time of writing to the best of our knowledge, but if you live anywhere other than QLD or WA then we advise checking for current requirements before attempting to purchase with your State Police.
In a nutshell:
Queensland:
All non-firing replica / imitation guns are legal to own without any license or permit required.
As of Feb 1st 2021 even replica submachine guns, assault rifles and machine guns are fine. If it was never a real firearm, then it’s not treated as one by Police weapons Licensing.
Western Australia:
All non-firing replica / imitation guns are legal to own without any license or permit required.
South Australia:
Check with SAPOL for which of our Denix models they are happy to have accepted under their legislation. Under SA laws imitation weapons that cannot be easily converted to fire do not need to be regulated. Denix replicas are made from a low grade zinc alloy and cannot fire, but still check with SAPOL as things in SA can be ambiguous.
Victoria:
A Governor In Council Exemption covers a wide variety of historical, collecting and theatrical / film industry uses. Check the link below the article for more information on this to see if you are or could be covered by the exemption or a separate permit.
New South Wales:
An Imitation Weapons License is required. Check the link below the article for NSW Police fact sheets.
Tasmania:
A firearms license will also cover non-firing replica / imitation weapons. Check link below the article to connect with your state Police.
The Northern Territory:
A firearms license will also cover non-firing replica / imitation weapons. Check link below the article to connect with your state Police.
The Australian Capital Territory:
Replica / Imitation guns are currently considered a prohibited item, but check with Police for any possible changes to legislation. Check link below the article to connect with your state Police.
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP IS CRITICAL
For us here in sunny QLD, and indeed anywhere you may have a replica legally in your care, responsible use and storage is critical.
Never display or use one so as to risk causing public alarm.
Never point one at someone without their permission.
Never represent one as a real weapon to commit a crime.
If you belong to an historical body and intend to use one as part of a display or performance in public carefully consult Police and / or your group’s policy and protocols for doing so responsibly.
QLD Police and the legislation use the term ‘reasonable excuse’ for ownership and use of replica / imitation guns. This can encompass collecting, man-cave enthusiasts and performers.
Reasonable excuse remains valid until someone chooses to use or display a replica in an un-reasonable manner so as to cause public alarm.
Responsible ownership helps you, and all enthusiasts to enjoy their collecting, hobbies or professional use of these items.
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