Adler shotgun debate labelled 'pointless'

The debate centered around the classification of the seven-shot version of the Adler which remains banned but the five-shot model of the weapon, a category A firearm, remains legal in Australia and is easy to purchase and is popular with gun owners. 

It is the distinction between the five and seven shot models of the gun that has drawn the disdain of Graham Jamieson, owner of Young Guns and Ammo. 

Mr Jamieson thinks the seven-shot Adler should be classified as a category A firearm like the five-shot version and the distinction between the two is meaningless.

“There are thousand and thousands of lever action guns in Australia and there’s no reason to classify them above category A.

“It’s not a military or defence weapon, it’s a standard hunting gun.

“In reality, it doesn't make much difference if you get another two rounds,” Mr Jamieson said. 

As a category A firearm, the Adler is relatively easy for licensed gun holders to buy but gun control advocates want the Adler classified as a category C or D firearm, making it harder for people to get their hands on. 

In debating the issue, the majority of states and territories wanted the five-shot Adler to be moved into category B and the seven-shot model to be classified in category D. 

While there was a majority, there was not a unanimous decision so the current classifications and ban remain in place. 

Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson weighed in on the issue saying that community safety is her priority but if a decision to lift the ban was made she would support it. 

“There’s a reason why rapid-fire guns were banned but if there’s a good, logical argument to lift the ban put forward that the Prime Minister, the states and territories are comfortable with then I will support it,” Ms Hodgkinson said.