From 24 December 2021, Lever Action Shotguns have been re-categorised as –
This will affect all owners of lever action shotguns as it changes their holdings from a Category A firearm. The purpose of use for lever action shotguns does not change.
The Registrar of Firearms will contact all affected firearms licensees with registered lever action shotguns to explain the administrative processes (including licence variations) to update the licenses and registrations. There is no cost to licensees for this process.
Frequently asked questions
The Firearms Act (2015) amendments became effective from 24 December 2021.
If your licence category was changed to accommodate a category B lever action shotgun, then that category relates to that firearm only. To acquire additional category B firearms you will be required to demonstrate a need for that category in accordance with the Firearms Act.
If your licence category was changed to accommodate a category D lever action shotgun, then that category relates to that firearm only. To acquire additional category D firearms you be required to demonstrate a need for that category in accordance with the Firearms Act.
Yes you can sell them to a person or dealer who holds the appropriate category to either possess or deal in those categories of firearms.
Firearms Branch will process the changes to your licence as soon as possible.
No, renew your licence as normal.
The categories relating to the lever action shotgun only apply while you possess that shotgun. If you dispose of your lever action shotgun then you will lose those categories. If however you already had prior to this change either a category B or D licence then you will maintain those categories.
The purpose of use remains exactly the same as before the change due to a specific approval from the Registrar for your lever action firearm. So, the use you were authorised to undertake as a Category A firearm continues under the new category.