In New Zealand a pistol licence is referred to as a "B Licence endorsement". This is an additional endorsement to your standard A category New Zealand firearms licence.
Safety - Your Responsibility Always
The sport of pistol shooting is proud of its safety record. This good record is maintained by vigilant attention to safety rules and practices. Before you are allowed to own a pistol you will have learnt all it takes to ensure a safe and enjoyable sport. Please start by ensuring you are familiar with the clubs rules and regulations and PNZ "Introduction to Pistol Shooting" manual. (available on our download page).
The Application Process
The process of applying for your B Cat' Firearms Licence Endorsement is laid out in The Arms Act 1993. This is simply put:
- You must already have an "A" Firearms Licence.
- Join an approved Pistol Club.
- Join Pistol New Zealand (PNZ) which costs $70 annually, by completing a FM1 form.
- Shoot 12 times in 6 months. Usually the probationary membership period. But must be after having joined PNZ.
- In that same 6 months, achieve a pass mark in the "Introduction to Pistol Shooting" test.
- Then, collect application form “POL 67F” from your local Police Arms Officer. Call your arms officer in advance, because they must check your records and sign on the front of the form witnessing your signature. (Cost is $200 which is paid at any "NZ Post Shop", NOT the Police and you must keep the receipt).
- Then, have the POL 67F completed by the Pistol Club executive to say you have completed the required number of shoots. The pistol club is also required to endorse your safety, knowledge, competency, attitude and enthusiasm. (Do not give the club your $200 receipt or the white POL 67N form)
- The Club Secretary will then forward the POL 67F to PNZ who will confirm your financial membership and the Introduction to Pistol Shooting Test results. The PNZ Secretary will then return it to the arms officer who witnessed your signature.
- Once all this is completed, revisit to the Police Arms Office with your $200 receipt and 2 passport size photos.
- You will be interviewed about your application, have your home inspected for the appropriate security and they will interview your nominated referees.
B Endorsement Allows
- A person to possess a pistol for the sole purpose of competitive target shooting.
- A person to carry those pistols (only) that are named on their licence.
- A person to carry their registered pistols to a certified shooting range, to a certified arms dealer, to a police station.
Given that:
- The pistol must be carried in a locked case of stout construction.
- The pistol and ammunition may not be left unattended.
Legal Requirements to maintain B Endorsement.
- You must remain a financial member of an approved Pistol Club.
- You must remain a financila member of Pistol New Zealand.
- You must maintain a minimum of 12 Club Shoots/Activities per financial year. One per calendar month is the accepted CSI interpretation.
- You must comply with all rules and regulations of the club, PNZ, the Arms Act and associated regulations, as well as any alterations or amendments to any of these.
Legal Requirements to purchase a pistol
- After selecting a pistol of your choice from a registered gun dealer or a B endorsed licensed owner, you must then obtain a pink slip (LE-2/1) from the club secretary, then with this apply to the local Arms Officer for a "Permit to Procure".
- The pistol and all copies of the permit to procure must be returned to the Arms Officer for them to record the sale and track the restricted guns ownership by serial number.
B Endorsement Revocation
Your firearms licence or endorsement can be revoked by the Police, and your firearms seized if you act in such a way that indicates you are no longer a fit and proper person to be in possession of a firearm. e.g.
- Family or domestic violence.
- More than one drunk in charge of a motor vehicle conviction.
- Non-compliance with the attendance of the pistol club activities rule.
- Not financial with the pistol club and or PNZ.
If a B Endorsement is cancelled, control of the pistol/s is transferred to the Club Armourer or surrendered to the police.
General Duties and Obligations
- Able to produce your licence when requested by police.
- Change of address. - You must notify the police in writing within 30 days of a change in your residential address. You must also advise the club secretary who will advise PNZ.
- Theft or loss of a firearm. Must be reported immediately.
- Injury caused by any type of firearm. Must be reported immediately.
- Sale of Firearm. - You must ensure that any person you sell a firearm or ammunition to, holds the appropriate firearms licence.
This information is supplied as a guide only. This document was not written by a lawyer nor was it intended to replace the Arms Code, but merely to summarize it. Please refer to the Arms Act 1983 & Arms Regulations 1992 | 