Why own a Replica Gun?
Replica pistols, rifles and automatic weapons have been owned and creatively used for a wide variety of reasons in Australia for decades.
In States like QLD and WA selling and owning many forms of replica gun is quite a simple affair, requiring no special license or permits (this also applies to replica SMG and Assault Rifles in QLD after Feb 2021). There are of course expectations and responsibilities around responsible ownership, display and use of them (mostly around the issue of not causing public alarm).
Common sense ownership, storage and use of any replica weapon is what is expected.
In other States of Australia special licenses and permits are required for enthusiasts to legally acquire and display them.
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.
How are replica weapons used in Australia?
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.