Firearms dispute could go to court

A stoush over semi-automatic rifles may head to court after claims of a police clampdown.

Police have refused import applications for AR15 semiautomatic rifles and parts in recent weeks, leaving retailers frustrated and the firearms community concerned.

Gun City owner David Tipple confirmed he was preparing for court action. He is one of many claiming an unannounced shift in policy, which police have denied.

‘‘The thing that we need is consistency and clarity, and the court case will provide both of those,’’ Tipple said.

Central to the dispute is the classification of the AR15 semiautomatic rifle.

It is available for purchase with a standard rifle licence provided it has a magazine capacity no greater than seven bullets, and no free-standing pistol grip.

An AR15 with a free-standing pistol grip, or a larger magazine, is deemed a military style semiautomatic rifle (MSSA) and requires the more rigorously inspected ‘‘E-Cat’’ firearm licence.

Tipple’s lawyer, Nicholas Taylor, said police refused the importation of AR15 rifles able to be bought with a standard licence, arguing that the rifles were ‘‘born as MSSAs’’.

Dealers elsewhere received a similar notification from police.

Firearms retailer Ken Rountree, owner of a NZAR15, is also contemplating court action after having an import application denied.

Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) chairman Paul Clark said that the distinction between standard rifles and the MSSAs was a ‘‘murky area’’, where frustrations were coming to a head.

He expected there would be others pondering court action, and it had been suggested COLFO seek a judicial review.

However, COLFO was confident police would address the issue after a meeting of the Firearm Community Advisory Forum.

Police declined to comment, and a spokeswoman referred to an earlier statement that denied any reclassification of rifles and parts.

Police Minister Stuart Nash said there was no change in policy, just a more consistent approach.