Second hand cross bow, min 150lb

[Peter Lukursky]

Wanted Second hand cross bow, min 150lb. for hunting

Preferably with foot claw and other accessories. Would be ideal if it could be broken down as much as possible.

Plukky 0409 480 193

[frommy]

Plukky,

I would advise caution with this depending where you are, assuming you are in Australia. A crossbow is a prohibited or restricted weapon in most States. It is certainly prohibited in NSW which not only restricts purchase in NSW, but also sales from interstate into NSW. In other words both purchasor and vendor could be charged.

Brian

[Peter Lukursky]

Thanks Brian,

Sparra said the same thing. Will be cruising on my mates yacht in a bit throughout WA and NT and need it then. AM currently living in NSW where I know there are issues with them. How can I buy it before I leave? Any suggestions?

Plukky

[frommy]

In NSW, you can't.

Brian

[frommy]

Plukky,

Sorry about my earlier abbreviated message as I was logged on from work at the time. I have now had more time to prepare a more detailed advice for you, but the answer is still to forget it.

Under the provisions of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW) a crossbow is a prohibited weapon. That Act is very restrictive, and has harsh penalties for any breach. I worked extensively with the NSW Police Licensing Branch to set up a structure to allow genuine target crossbow archers to possess and use their weapons for the purpose of target crossbow archery after the introduction of the 1998 NSW legislation, and you would in no way qualify, from what you have said to date, to get a permit.

One of the main requirements for obtaining a permit for a crossbow in NSW is certification by a member club of ASNSW that you have a genuine interest in crossbow target archery. You have clearly stated that this is not your interest. The legislation states:

Section 11

Reason: recreational/sporting purposes
The applicant must demonstrate that the recreational or sporting activity concerned requires the possession or use of the prohibited weapon for which the permit is sought.

This does not allow anyone to buy a crossbow and go hunting in NSW, as a permit may only be sought for the purpose of archery conducted under the banner of ASNSW and affiliated clubs.

As previously mentioned, any seller of a crossbow to you would also be in breach of the NSW legislation, no matter where they were from. Last year a crossbow manufacturer from another State was given amnesty by the NSW District Court on charges of supply in exchange for giving evidence in a matter involving the deliberate shooting of a school student near Newcastle with a crossbow purchased on-line from him interstate. The legislation is as follows:

Section 23
(1) A person must not buy a prohibited weapon unless the person is authorised to possess the weapon by a permit.
Maximum penalty:
• on summary conviction—50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both,
• on conviction on indictment—imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) A person (the buyer) must not buy a prohibited weapon from another person (the seller) unless:
(a) the seller is authorised to possess the weapon by a permit, and
(b) the buyer:
(i) has seen the seller’s permit, or
(ii) knows that the seller is an authorised weapons dealer or authorised theatrical weapons armourer.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
(3) A person (the seller) must not sell a prohibited weapon to another person (the buyer) unless:
(a) the buyer is authorised to possess the weapon by a permit, and
(b) the seller:
(i) has seen the buyer’s permit, or
(ii) knows that the buyer is an authorised weapons dealer or authorised theatrical weapons armourer.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.

There are also stringent tests applied to safe storage and transportation of a crossbow, as well as detailed background checks by NSW Police of the license applicant.

I most strenuously encourage you to give up this attempt to purchase a crossbow in NSW, as not only are you at risk, but any prospective seller from any other jurisdiction is also at risk if selling to you.

Brian

[Peter Lukursky]

Thanks for that. Didn't mean to cause a stir.

All i wanted was a set up for shooting mullet at the surface. Looks like I will stop in at Darwin and try to pick up one when I am actually in the state, or maybe WA.

Thanks again for the advice.

Plukky