Exploring QLD Weapon Classifications

An Introduction to QLD Weapon Classifications

In this blog we will be exploring Queensland’s Weapon Classifications as per the QLD Weapons Regulations.

When it comes to weapons and firearms, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the different categories and their associated regulations. 

In Australia, weapons are classified into various categories based on their characteristics and potential for harm. 

This article aims to provide a friendly and informative overview of Categories A and B weapons, as well as shed light on other relevant categories such as C, D, E, H, M, and R, along with a mention of restricted items. 

Let’s delve into each category and explore their defining features.

Category A Weapons

Category A weapons encompass a range of firearms that have not been rendered permanently inoperable. Let’s explore the subcategories that fall under Category A

Miniature Cannons

Category A weapons include miniature cannons that are under 120cm in barrel length.

These cannons are typically black powder and muzzle-loading, portraying scale models of historical artillery pieces or naval guns.

While they may be small in size, they are considered Category A weapons if they haven’t been permanently rendered inoperable.

Air Rifles

Air rifles are another type of Category A weapon. These rifles utilise compressed air to propel projectiles.

It’s important to note that even though they don’t possess the same firepower as traditional firearms, air rifles fall under Category A weapons unless they have been rendered permanently inoperable.

Rim-Fire Rifles

Category A also encompasses rim-fire rifles, excluding self-loading ones.

Rim-fire rifles use a firing mechanism where the firing pin strikes the base’s rim of the cartridge.

It’s worth mentioning that self-loading rim-fire rifles fall under a different category.

To remain classified as a Category A weapon, rim-fire rifles must not have been rendered permanently inoperable.

Shotguns

Shotguns, excluding pump action and self-loading shotguns, are considered Category A weapons.

These are firearms that are designed to be fired from the shoulder and are typically used for shooting sports or hunting.

Pump-action and self-loading shotguns fall under other categories.

Shotguns must be in working condition to be classified as Category A weapons.

Powerheads

Powerheads are devices that attach to the end of a firearm, typically a spear gun or a similar underwater weapon, and allow the discharge of a projectile underwater.

These devices are classified as Category A weapons unless they have been permanently rendered inoperable.

Combination Firearms

Category A includes combination firearms that are a combination of a break-action shotgun and a rim-fire rifle.

As with the previous categories, these combination firearms need to be in working order to be classified as Category A weapons.

Blank-Fire Firearms

Lastly, Category A includes blank-fire firearms, which are firearms specifically designed to fire blanks even though they do not discharge projectiles.

Blank-fire firearms are still classified as Category A weapons.

Conversion Units

In addition to the above categories, conversion units are also classified as Category A weapons. 

A conversion unit refers to a device, unit, or barrel that can be used to convert a Category A firearm from one calibre to another. These conversion units are subject to the regulations applicable to Category A weapons.

Category B Weapons

Category B weapons also include a range of firearms that possess specific characteristics.

Let’s delve into each subcategory and explore their defining features.

Muzzle-Loading Firearms

A muzzle-loading firearm falls under Category B if it has not been rendered permanently inoperable.

These firearms are loaded from the muzzle end of the barrel, requiring the user to pour powder and place a projectile (such as a bullet or shot) directly into the barrel before firing.

They are typically associated with historical firearms and black powder shooting enthusiasts.

Single Shot Centre-Fire Rifles

Single shot centre-fire rifles are firearms that can hold and fire only one round at a time.

These rifles use a centre-fire ignition system, where the firing pin strikes the centre of the cartridge’s base to ignite the primer.

To be classified as Category B weapons, single shot centre-fire rifles must be in working order and have not been permanently rendered inoperable.

Double Barrel Centre-Fire Rifles

As the name suggests, double barrel centre-fire rifles have two barrels and can hold two rounds. Similar to single shot rifles, they utilise a centre-fire ignition system.

If they have not been permanently rendered inoperable, double barrel centre-fire rifles fall under Category B weapons.

Repeating Centre-Fire Rifles

Repeating centre-fire rifles are firearms that have a magazine or feeding mechanism allowing for multiple rounds to be loaded and fired without manually reloading after each shot.

These rifles can be bolt-action, lever-action, or other repeating mechanisms.

To be classified as Category B weapons, repeating centre-fire rifles must be in working condition and have not been permanently rendered inoperable.

Break Action Shotgun and Centre-Fire Rifle Combinations

Category B weapons also include break action firearms that combine a shotgun and a centre-fire rifle.

These firearms have a hinge that allows the barrel(s) to be opened for loading and unloading. Similar to other categories, these combination firearms must be in working order to fall under Category B.

Even though a shotgun is a Category A Weapon, in this instance the higher category is always chosen to classify the firearm.

Blank-Fire Firearms

A firearm mentioned in any of the previous paragraphs (1) to (5) that is specifically designed to fire blanks falls under Category B.

Blank-fire firearms do not discharge projectiles but are used for various purposes such as theatrical productions or training exercises.

Additionally, conversion units are also classified as Category B weapons.

A conversion unit refers to a device, unit, or barrel that can be used to convert a Category B firearm from one calibre to another.

These conversion units are subject to the regulations applicable to Category B weapons.

Understanding the Categories

To have a comprehensive understanding of the different weapon classifications, it’s essential to be familiar with the distinct categories.

In addition to Category A and B which are discussed in this article.

The Queensland Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 also defines several other weapon categories and is the go to piece of legislation for QLD Weapons Classifications

Category C Weapons 

Category C weapons consist of semi-automatic rim-fire rifles with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds

For example Ruger 10/22 would be a Category C Firearm.

Semi-automatic shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds

For example a Beretta AL391 Semi-Automatic Shotgun would be a Category C Firearm.

Pump-action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds. 

For example a Remington 870 (with a standard tube magazine capacity of 5 rounds) would be a Category C Firearm.

Blank-fire firearms mentioned in these categories.

Category D Weapons 

This category includes self-loading centre-fire rifles designed or adapted for military purposes as well as:

• Non-military style self-loading centre-fire rifles
• Self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds
• Self-loading rim-fire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds
• Blank-fire firearms falling under these descriptions.

Category E Weapons

Category E weapons encompass bulletproof vests, protective body vests, or body armour designed to prevent the penetration of small arms projectiles.

It’s important to note that this category excludes helmets or other articles designed for sight or hearing protection.

Category H Weapons

Firearms under 750mm overall length, including air pistols and blank-fire firearms, are classified as Category H weapons. 

Conversion units also fall under this category, however powerheads and weapons falling under Categories C, D, or R are excluded.

The category H weapons include air pistols, centre-fire pistols, rim-fire pistols and black-powder pistols.

Category M Weapons

Category M weapons encompass various items designed for disguise or use as cutting or piercing instruments capable of causing bodily harm.

This includes concealed knives, butterfly knives, flick knives, weighted gloves, and more.

Category R Weapons 

Category R weapons are considered the most heavily controlled firearms due to their potential for significant harm and misuse.

They include a wide array of firearms and devices that pose a threat to public safety if not properly regulated.

This includes items such as machine and sub-machine guns, rocket launchers, silencers and suppressors, explosive or incendiary devices.

Restricted Items

Certain items fall under the QLD Weapons Classification of restricted items.

These include handcuffs, nunchaku or kung-fu sticks, telescopic batons, studded gloves, and laser pointers.

In Conclusion

While this article focused on Category A and Category B weapons, it’s important to review the additional categories noted.

Each category has its own set of regulations and requirements that govern their ownership and use.

Understanding the regulations and classifications of different weapons is crucial for compliance with the Queensland Weapons Act, Queensland Weapons Regulations.

If you are a firearm owner or enthusiast, it is essential to stay informed about the relevant regulations in your jurisdiction. 

Always prioritise safety and responsible ownership when handling any type of Firearm.

Final Note

Yes. We’re heavy on the use of the word “weapon” and the title of this blog is in fact QLD Weapon Classifications

In the state of Queensland, we are licensed under the Queensland Weapons Act and are issued with Weapons Licences. 

We hope this helps you gain a better understanding of the many different types of Weapons Categories that exist in Queensland.

In reality, most firearm owners maintain a Category A & B Licence and maybe a Category H licence also known as a Concealable Licence in QLD.

It must be time for a PTA (Permit To Acquire) – check out our Blog on the topic