The controversial temporary ban on the Adler A110 shotgun was met with widespread disdain from many parties, with many arguing the action was too harsh and focused on the wrong people.
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Guns are placed into one of four categories under the 1996 National Firearms Agreement: A, B, C or D, depending on their capability. The Adler A110 is currently classified as A, making it comparatively easier to acquire than other types of guns. Gun control advocates, including those who lost relatives in the Port Arthur massacre, say the guns capabilities mean it should be heavily restricted in the spirit of former prime minister John Howard's strict gun laws.
Steve King from the Wellington Rifle Club opposes the ban. “If this gun was in category B, the people who can and who are qualified to use it would be able to.”
He stated that farmers near Wellington and around Australia already use guns similar to the A110 and to ban it is pointless.
Gun Control Australia wants the A110 to be either classified in the restrictive category C or banned completely. Their petition to outlaw it completely has attracted more than 16,000 signatures.
Calare Federal MP Andrew Gee commented, saying that he has no issue if New South Wales or any of the other states want to put the Adler into the tougher Category B.
"Farmers shouldn’t be demonised or treated like criminals for wanting to use it through Category B,’ Mr Gee said.
Martin Bourke, owner of Dubbo gun store Gunpro, said the debate should be on people using and importing firearms illegally, not on those who will be licensed to use the shotgun.
“Don’t make life harder for us, make it harder for the criminals,” Mr Bourke said.