Gun licences

The editorial of Monday, October 1 stated that target shooting allows the possession of sub-machine gun. This is incorrect.

Target shooting is approved using civilian firearms on licensed premises. Automatic military weapons are prohibited and only licensed collectors may possess them provided that the firearms in question have been certified as antique, rare or historical by the Weapons Board.

The editorial ignores the significant change brought about by the Arms Act with the introduction of Collector and Target Shooter licences. Persons wishing to be licensed as such have to undergo a demanding three-tier selection process - club, Weapons Board and police - before they may apply to purchase the appropriate firearms. The focus is on the person's credentials as a gun owner.