The use of carbine kits is not permitted on SSAA Victoria ranges, following a recent decision by the state’s Board of Directors.
Handgun ownership is permitted in Victoria solely for the purpose of competition shooting and practice for approved competitions.
According to the Victorian Firearms Act 1996 (Section 16, 2.a.), “the holder must not participate in target shooting for any purpose other than the purpose of preparing for and competing in approved handgun target shooting matches”.
No SSAA-approved discipline or Licensing and Regulation Division-approved competition allows the use of carbine kits, which has always been the case. Therefore any members who have been endorsed by SSAA clubs as their principal clubs would be breaching their licence conditions, and therefore breaking the law, if found to be using carbine kits.
Victorian Amateur Pistol Association, the largest pistol organisation in the state, providing affiliation for 70 clubs, recently banned the kits. With no approved competitions involving carbine kits, both SSAA Victoria and VAPA have made the responsible decision to ban the use of them on their ranges.
The decision was made following consultation with LRD – which certifies ranges – and advice from VAPA. The Board took into account its responsibility to protect members from unknowingly breaching the law and its insurance obligations.
