PCP air rifle users now require firearms licence

Police are welcoming a law change today which requires people who have pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles to now have a firearms licence.

Inspector Joe Green, national coordinator of firearms control for NZ Police says the amendment to the Arms Order which reclassifies the air rifles has "specially dangerous" reflects the extent to which airgun technology has advanced over the last 15 years.

"Manufacturers are now producing high powered air rifles, some with a large calibre and semi-automatic capability.

"These rifles are capable of causing serious injury or death. They have been used in two homicides in New Zealand, including the murder of Sergeant Don Wilkinson in 2008."

Mr Green said that PCP air rifles have gained popularity in New Zealand, because they are light, accurate and have semi-automatic capability.  They are usually filled from an air reservoir, such as a diving cylinder, or by charging directly with a hand pump.

The law change means that Police will now be able to better manage the ownership and use of PCP air rifles.

"Classifying these air rifles as specially dangerous will ensure that the airguns that can cause the greatest harm, and those that are generally sought by the criminal community, are subject to the firearms licensing regime.  It means that owners must be fit and proper persons to own a PCP air rifle, have minimum storage arrangements, and complete safety training.  It will also allow Police to work with Customs to control the importation of PCP air rifles."

The Amendment excludes a wide range of other lower powered airguns, which do not cause the same problems, including airguns used for airsoft and paintball sports.

Owners of air rifles affected by the change will have three months, until January 14, to arrange to get a firearms licence.