Step 1: Determine Your Genuine Reason
To obtain a firearms licence in NSW, you must have a genuine reason. One of the easiest and most popular genuine reasons is Target Shooting, and joining the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) can help you achieve this!
✅ Target Shooting: SSAA membership provides a clear and valid pathway for obtaining a licence under this genuine reason. You’ll gain access to registered ranges, competitions, and shooting clubs.
✅ Other Genuine Reasons:
- Recreational hunting/vermin control
- Primary production
- Vertebrate pest animal control
- Business or employment
- Collecting
- Security industry
Step 2: Choose Your Licence Category
NSW firearms licences are divided into several categories based on the type of firearm and its intended use.
- Category A: Rimfire rifles, shotguns (not semi-automatic), air rifles.
- Category B: Centrefire rifles, muzzle-loading firearms.
- Category C: Self-loading rimfire rifles (max 10 rounds), self-loading shotguns (max 5 rounds), pump-action shotguns (max 5 rounds).
- Category D: Self-loading centre-fire rifles, self-loading shotguns (higher capacities).
- Category H: Handguns for target shooting (must be a member of an approved pistol club).
Step 3: Join the SSAA (NSW)
- Membership with SSAA provides you with the necessary documentation to support your genuine reason.
- You’ll also benefit from public liability insurance and access to shooting ranges and training opportunities.
- Join online at www.ssaansw.org.au or visit your local SSAA branch. For more information, check out the SSAA Wagga page: www.ssaawagga.org.au
Step 4: Complete the Firearms Safety Training Course
- Mandatory for all first-time applicants.
- Covers safe handling, storage, and transportation of firearms.
- Offered by approved training providers.
SSAA Wagga can assist with the Safety training. Longarm safe handling courses are usually run on the third Saturday of the month. Handgun safe handling courses are less frequent. Checkout the training schedule here.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Apply online through the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry.
- Include your proof of genuine reason (SSAA membership), safety training certificate, and identification.
Stay Safe & Enjoy the Sport!
For more information, visit the NSW Police Firearms Registry website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/firearms
SSAA also has some great information on Getting Started.