Military-Style Semi-Automatic
Military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) is a term in New Zealand firearms law with a similar meaning to that of assault weapon in the United States. The category was introduced after the 1990 Aramoana massacre, in which firearms fitting this definition were used.
Technically, an MSSA is any "self-loading" (semi-automatic) firearm (unless it is a pistol) that has any of the following features:
- Folding or telescopic butt
- Bayonet lug
- Free-standing "military-style" pistol grip
- Flash suppressor
- A magazine that holds (or looks like it could hold) more than 15 rounds of .22 rimfire or 7 rounds of any other cartridge
Owning an MSSA requires both a regular firearms licence and a special endorsement, either a "C" endorsement for a collector or museum, or for someone who has the MSSA as an "heirloom or memento", a "C" endorsement for someone in the theatre, film or TV industry, or an "E" endorsement which allows the MSSA to be fired. The "E" endorsement is difficult to obtain, and the police have a policy not to increase the number of MSSAs registered on this licence, currently about 8,500[1].
Either way, any MSSA must be registered with the police and a "permit to procure" issued before it can be transferred. Importing or exporting an MSSA, even temporarily, requires extra permits.
Links
- Arms Code, issued by the New Zealand Police
- Arms Act 1983, as amended by Arms Amendment Act 1992 and the Arms Amendment Act 2000.
- Arms Regulations 1992
