Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato1
Thanks Peter,
Your point also raises the interesting issue - as a laser rifle sight it is legal, but if you use it for something harmless to show people the planets and constellations...... then it is doing the same thing as a prohibited weapon!
Maybe you have to keep it on your rifle to keep it legal for astronomy usage?
Cheers,
Renato
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Hi Renato,
In WA a GL laser is considered a "controlled weapon" meaning that it isn't illegal to own and use, as long as it is used for a legitimate purpose. I am allowed to use a GL Laser Weapon Sight for astro purposes, and in fact it makes a great finder (as shown in the attached photo). I got the mounting block from Stellarvue and attached the weapon sight to that. The weapon sight is available locally from Arctic Fox in Malaga (Western Australia). I am picking up a new one from them this week. I have to replace the one I gave to my son for his telescope. They are not cheap at $264 but they are very good, as they are very simple to align using the X-Y adjusters.
Astronomy is one of the legitimate purposes, although I also have a rifle licence anyway, so I am good on either front. I did some lobbying in this regard when they first proposed those laws here, and common sense ruled in the end.
However, get caught with one in your possession can lead to significant fines, unless you can prove you had it for legitimate purposes. For this reason, my GL laser rifle sight is always kept with my telescope. I also have a letter from the Minister for Police stating that astronomy is a legitimate purpose. In addition to that, I also keep a copy of a weapons import certificate in my box as well, as I previously imported another GL laser, which I have mounted on my 16".
Please note though, various states have different laws. WA has the most sensible law in this regard.
Cheers Peter