ORIGINAL: Tezza

Greetings from Down Under, this post is a bit off the subject, but at the same time I believe somewhat relevent.
Speaking of firearms and people wanting to take them away from responible citizens, I thought i'd give you American lads a bit of info on what has happened in my country in regards to firearms laws, maybe inspiring even more of you to fight for your freedoms and right to bear arms.
To own a firearm in Australia, you must first have a legitimate reason for owning a firearm (self defence is not a legitimate reason inAustralia, and if you do use your firearm for self defence, you will be chargedwith a minimum ofmanslaughter), pass an exam, sit a safety test, then go through a lengthy application processjust to be able to hold acategory A and B licence: Category Aweapons consist of - Airguns (no, yournot suffering from dyslexia, you need a gun licence to own an air rifle), rimfire rifles (not semi-automatic), shotguns (not pumpor semi-automatic) and muzzle loading shotguns.
Category B weapons consist of - Muzzle loading firearms, centre fire rifles (not automatic or semi-automatic) and any combination of of shotgun and centre fire rifle. All semi-automatic centre fire and rim fire rifles, pump action and semi-automatic shotguns require a C, D or E category licence depending on magazine capacity and are virtually unattainable by anyone.
As for handguns, you mustbelong to a registered pistol club, attend regular meetings and shoots and are not allowed to own a handgun for the first year of your licence. When you can finally buy a handgun, you are restricted to a firearm that is no greater than .38 calibre (exceptions made for those shooting in Single Action events) and if semi-automatic you are limited to a magazine with a capacity of no greater than 10 rounds. All firearms must be kept in safes, with ammunition stored ina seperate safe and can and will be expected by police at any time.I know I have waffled on a bit, and this in no way has any bearing on your country, but we too used to be a proud country of firearm owners, with a rich history of hunting and living off the land. Then those hippie left wing bastardswentand tookthat away from us and we'll never get it back. Don't let it happen to you.....................Oh, all these restrictions were in aid of cutting down on firearms related killings, and guess what, these restrictions haven't made abloody bit ofdifference, in fact firearm related crime has increased.
Thanks for your time and patience. Cheers, happy hunting.