The process of purchasing and licensing a handgun can seem a little daunting at first but the rewards of participating in club matches and enjoying fellowship with other like minded enthusiasts will quickly make it all thoroughly worthwhile.

Unless you have special dispensation as an agricultural worker, pest eradicator or security guard then the only other permitted reason for owning a handgun is for club competition use. Under the Firearms Act 2024, this means you must apply for a Firearms Competition licence (also referred to under the Act as an ‘authority’)

Prior to applying for a Firearm Competition licence  for your first handgun, the Firearms Act 2024 requires you to have successfully completed the WA government mandatory Firearms Safety Training  Course.

The Firearm Safety Training Course consists of two parts:
▪ Part 1 Theory – online course and assessment hosted by TAFE.
▪ Part 2 Practical – in person training and assessment conducted at a Firearms Dealer.
The Firearm Safety Training Course covers a range of topics including legislative requirements and the safe handling of a firearm.

For further information refer to the West Australian Firearms Licensing branch.

Next, you must have successfully completed the club ‘Handgun Induction Course’ to a standard where you have demonstrated that you are safe to compete alongside other competitors, and then complete a minimum 6 month probationary period during which you will be able to hire club handguns and compete in club organised matches.

Before you can apply to the club committee to support your first handgun purchase you must have participated in at least six club organised matches shot under club Range Officer supervision while your standard of safety is monitored. Once these requirements have been met you can apply to the club committee to support your first handgun purchase.

 A maximum of 2 handguns can be applied for after 6 months, being either:

• 1 x Air pistol and/or
• 1 x Centrefire, or 1 x .22LR Rimfire semi-auto or revolver.

After 12 months of membership you may apply to the committee to support the purchase of further handguns should you wish to do so.

Storage & Security

Under the firearms regulations, your firearms when not in use or transit must be stored in a compliant firearms cabinet, therefore don’t forget to allow for this additional cost. Your cabinet must be securely anchored at two points on at least two immovable structural surfaces, i.e. wall & floor. These cabinets can be purchased new from firearm dealers or second-hand, but it remains your responsibility to ensure that the cabinet complies with the WA Firearms Regulations.

Please note:

• Firearms and ammunition must not be kept together in the same cabinet unless the ammunition is stored in a seperate compliant locked compartment.
• Magazines must not be stored loaded.