An Orange gunshop owner says a proposal to allow the sale of eight-shot lever-action shotguns, does not mean Australia’s gun laws are being diluted.
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Bullets and Bits co-owner Ray Hawkins said licensed gun-owners can currently buy an Adler 110 lever-action shotgun which only has six shots, however if the ban is lifted eight-shot versions will also be available for purchase in Australia.
Mr Hawkins’ comments come after federal Senator David Leyonhjelm said the Commonwealth government had backed out of a move to overturn the ban on an eight-shot Adler.
Mr Leyonhjelm claims the government has reneged on a commitment by then Prime Minister Tony Abbott to allow the sale of the eight-shot weapons.
Mr Hawkins said the debate over the use of the two weapons was “like the difference between a V6 Holden and a V8 Holden.”
“Legislation allows for a shotgun with up to 10 rounds in a tube feed (magazine). Critics say they’re trying to weaken the gun laws, but the gun laws haven’t changed,” he said.
Mr Hawkins said the Adler was just one of many lever-action shotguns licensed gun owners can purchase.
He said what was more worrying to gun-owners was a potential category change which would restrict lever and pump-action shotguns to primary producers.
Mr Hawkins said under the National Firearms Agreement, the Adler and other lever-actions are labelled in Category A. Moving lever-actions to Category C would impact law-abiding citizens.
“There are millions of lever and pump-action shotguns out there,” he said.
NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant has supported a category change for the firearm, as has the Member for Calare Andrew Gee, who said it was matter for state governments.
“I don’t think farmers should be demonised for wanting to have it re-categorised into that tighter restriction but at the end of the day, it’s up to the states,” Mr Gee said. “The federal government does not control the categories of firearms.”
Mr Hawkins said a category change could mean recreational hunters would be unable to use the weapons when they assist farmers controlling pests.
“With Adlers, it’s not about rapid shooting, it’s about the ease of the next shot. If you’re hunting an animal like a pig, running in a pack, getting the follow-up shot easily is important,” he said.