Membership Information

Licensing Services

The only place handguns can be used in the State of Victoria is on Police Approved Ranges, by Licensed Persons, and only for the purpose of sport and target shooting.

You cannot use handguns for hunting in Victoria.

Anybody 12 years and older can shoot handguns in Victoria. Juniors (12 to 17 years) Must be supervised at all times and require a Junior Handgun Licence to participate in competition. The only people not allowed to handle firearms in Victoria are PROHIBITED PERSONS.

JOIN "CALIBRE SPORTS"
Cost:   Adult $75.00,   Pensioner $55.00,   Junior $10.00 (12years or older)

* All new members of Calibre Sports will need to complete a Personal Information Form (PIF) and provide 140 points of ID upon acceptance of being a member if they are not already a licence holder. This includes social or 'other' members.

Persons wishing to apply for a General Handgun Licence must have taken part in at least 5 Target Shoots/Practices before the application can be made. The current legislation permits an unlicensed person to take part in a maximum of 10 supervised shooting sessions, individuals require 2 forms of identification, 1) Drivers Licence, 2) Medicare Card, the relevant form must be completed every time a supervised shoot is conducted and the club must forward the form to Licensing Services within 7 days.

* New members who intend to apply for a General Category Handgun licence will need to apply for a Probationary permit before applying for their full licence. They will not need to complete a PIF as this information is contained in the Probationary Permit application form. The fee for a Probationary permit is $41.30 and lasts for six months. A 12 month alternative can be provided upon request at a cost of $82.70. Members must participate in 5 matches during the course of the permit to be eligible for application for a General Category Handgun licence.

In order for a new applicant to complete the required 5 shoots the applicant must (after completing the initial 3-10 supervised shoots) apply for a "Probationary Permit" and once the permit has been issued the applicant may shoot unsupervised in practice or competition as often as required for a maximum period of six months during which time an application for a General Handgun Licence should be lodged. The holder of a Probationary Permit may not purchase a Handgun or supervise others.

If a person has already participated in the maximum 10 supervised shoots prior to joining the club they will be required to complete the Handgun Safety Awareness course and apply for a probationary permit.

Once licensed, you can shoot unsupervised and apply for a PERMIT TO ACQUIRE a handgun. You don't have to buy a handgun; you can shoot the club guns if you wish.

HANDGUN LICENCES. ARE THEY ALL EQUAL?
In Victoria, handgun licences are issued for a variety of reasons. They are issued on an individual basis, and the Licence Holder must comply with the conditions for which the licence was issued. Here is a guide. You must have your fingerprints taken; this can be done at any police station or by going to the Licensing Services Branch.

GENERAL HANDGUN LICENCE
$148.80 for 3 years
This is the one most of us need. It allows you to shoot unsupervised, use club guns, borrow private guns, travel to other Police Approved Ranges to participate in competitions or club days, and of course compete in the "CALIBRE SPORTS" competitions, win trophies or other prizes. This is the one you need if you intend to purchase your own handguns, after applying for a permit to acquire.

JUNIOR LICENCE
Cost: $39.70 for 3 years until 18. Issued to persons aged 12 to 17.
It allows juniors to participate in club competitions. At all other times, a licensed adult must supervise juniors. Juniors cannot own firearms or buy ammunition. Juniors are not required to have their fingerprints taken.

SECURITY GUARD OR PRISON GUARD
Cost: $231.40 for 3 years
These are restricted licences. The holders are entitled to; PRACTICE ONLY. ONLY WITH YOUR DUTY GUN. The licence holder cannot use club guns, enter competitions, conduct supervised shoots, or use private guns unless under direct supervision.

OTHER HANDGUN LICENCES
Handgun Licences are issued for a variety of reasons, every licence is an individual document, and the licence holder must comply with the conditions pertaining to each licence.

PERMIT TO ACQUIRE A HANDGUN
Cost: $38.60
When you are ready to purchase your own handgun, you must apply for a PERMIT TO ACQUIRE. It allows you to purchase a handgun from a Licensed Firearms Dealer. If you intend to store your handgun at home then you must have a suitable gun safe in which to keep it. The club is responsible for checking your storage facilities. Make an appointment with the club Nominee to come out and inspect your safe, if your safe meets the requirements the Nominee will stamp your permit to acquire Accordingly.