Is it legal to buy or own a deactivated assault rifle?

Question Details: I would like to know whether I can legally buy or own a deactivated assault rifle

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Answers by Lawyers

Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley

Yes, but you have to be more than 16 years old and you have to hold a firearms licence.

Buying, owning or having in your possession a deactivated assault rifle without holding a firearms licence is a crime, and you could get a prison sentence of up to three months or a fine of up to $1,000.

Here is a link to information about how to apply for a firearms licence: www.police.govt.nz

There is an exception for antique firearms. The Arms Act says that an antique firearm is a firearm which is possessed solely as an antique and "not designed for firing, and is not capable of firing, rimfire or centrefire cartridge ammunition".

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