So you want to collect modern firearms, e.g. anything after 1945, but thought you couldn’t, well think again. Whilst not easy you can indeed collect modern firearms, now before you get too excited with visions of a M4 or Spas 12, no CAT D are allowed in Western Australia.

I know you’re disappointed but there are lots of other things out there and to give you some idea of what is possible I have Glocks, 1911s, Kel-Tec PMR 30, S &Ws, Pump Action Shotguns, Ruger 10-22, CZ Safari in 416 Rigby and numerous modern black powder replicas.

Yes, modern replicas are manufactured after 1945 and whilst a cap and ball Colt Army may be a design from the 1800s it’s still manufactured now.

Let’s for arguments sake say you are applying for a Glock 17, you’ve got to the end of the form and the question “is it a handgun” pops up, you tick yes, then “was it manufactured after 1946” pops up and again you tick yes and then “are you a student of arms” well of course I am, anyone that knows me knows that, I’m a walking encyclopaedia of firearms knowledge. Unfortunately Firearms Branch has this pesky habit of wanting you to prove it.

This is where most people get a bit daunted, don’t, it’s not that difficult, you are already half way there because you written a fantastic support letter outlining all the reasons that Glock was such a revolution in combat handguns and how it almost spelt the death knell for revolvers in Law Enforcement and set off an arms race in polymer handguns that still goes on today and the hundred and one things you discovered whilst doing the research for the application. My first application for a Glock 17 was three pages long of well researched genuine information. It is a privilege to collect and own firearms so you have to earn it.

The other half of proving you are a student of firearms is to provide details of membership of club or association that regularly meets to discuss all things guns.

Here in WA we are very lucky to have Western Australian Arms & Armour Society. They are a great crew and a great resource of knowledge and they run shoots throughout the year so you can get to shoot your collector piece with a temporary permit from Firearms Branch. 

They meet the first Wednesday of every month and as I said they are a great source of knowledge to the new collector. Once a member you of course receive your membership card and a copy of this attached to your application helps show you are indeed a student of firearms.

So that’s how you collect modern firearms, demonstrate you have a genuine knowledge of the firearm you are applying for and be a card carrying member of a club or association which shows your interest goes beyond just wanting to have one. It's not easy but it's not that hard either, what are you waiting for.