What Is a Firearms Licence

A firearms licence is first broken up into classes (A, B, C, D & H). Each class represents different types of firearms.

• Class A:    Air rifles, air guns, and paintball firearms; 22 rimfire rifles (not self-loading); single or double barrel shotguns (not self-loading or pump action) and include receivers.
• Class B:    Muzzle loading firearms (not being handguns); revolving chamber rifles; centrefire (not self-loading); break action shotgun/rifle combinations. All other firearms not class A firearms (not  being  prescribed firearms, handguns, self-loading or pump action shotguns), including receivers.
• Class C:    Self loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity no greater than 10 rounds; self loading shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 round; pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than 5 rounds, and includes receivers.
• Class D: Self loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds; self loading centrefire rifles; self loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds and a pump action shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds, and including receivers.
• Class H:    All handguns (including Air pistols)

Each class is then broken up into purpose of use (POU):

• POU 1.    Club Use (Competition / Practice at a club)
• POU 2.    Target Shooting (General sighting in)
• POU 3.    Hunting
• POU 4.    Paintball
• POU 5.    Primary Production
• POU 6.    Security Industry
• POU 7.    Other as Provided by Registrar (For example dealer / trainer)

For further information about firearms classes or purposes of use please contact SAPOL Firearms Branch: <http://www.sapolice.sa.gov.au/sapol/services/firearms_weapons.jsp>