r/Ausguns 1d ago

Someone needs to clarify this

I own a Ruger American .22LR that came with a 10-round rotary mag. I’ve heard that bolt-action rimfire can have up to 15 rounds (like the BX-15). The store told me that CZ rimfires come with 15-round mags, creating a gray area for other 15-round mags. They also mentioned 15-round mags aren’t inherently illegal in Victoria, but Ruger removed them from factory because of their “tactical look,” not because of the round count.

Can someone clarify? In Victoria, if I get a 15-round mag, can I legally own it? Has anyone been questioned during a safe check for owning a 15-round mag, or was it fine?

8 Upvotes

12

u/melbourneavo 1d ago edited 1d ago

There's no grey area.

Yes, in Vic, you can own and use a 15 round 22LR magazine in a Cat A 22LR firearm.

As far as I know, bx-15 were "removed" by ABF (importing) because it's the same magazine that Ruger Charger takes and that's a Cat H firearm, so a no-no...

BX-15 in RPR 22LR, in Vic is perfectly fine.

2

u/DiPowa 1d ago

Right I understand.

I hear that the RPR 15 round mag won’t fit a RAR. So are there any other options I have?

3

u/cjmw 1d ago

Pretty sure they're the same mag. Either way Cleavers occasionally get in Ruger BX25's that are limited by their guys state-side. Nothing a razor blade to cut open the "plastic weld" (soldering iron run along the gap) can't fix.

0

u/browntone14 1d ago

Definitely information you should keep to yourself.

1

u/No_Laughing Queensland 17h ago

As ever, regulations vary by state.

Cleavers are in QLD where Cat A long arms don't have magazine capacity limits.

Border Force is federal so they block imports of larger capacity 22LR magazines but there are no issues in QLD with possessing or using them. Victor Precision (again in QLD) make 15 and 25 round Ruger compatible magazines locally, again only for use in Cat A long arms.

1

u/D_S_W 16h ago

Tas is also unlimited capacity in Cat A rimfire.

1

u/melbourneavo 1d ago

Same magazine, will fit and work fine. And look super sexy too.

0

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 1d ago

The BX-15s were removed because the Customs Act 1901 states you can not import 15 round magazines. Plain and simple.

1

u/Wefyb 14h ago

The Customs Act of 1901 does not mention magazines at all. The Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 are where all firearm related articles are controlled. Specifically under schedule 6, there is a table of definitions which determine the Article code.

Rimfire magazines of a capacity of more than 10 for Semi-Auto rimfires are Article 16 imports, A 15 round magazine for a non-semiauto rimfire is an Article 17, which is allowed to be imported under the same permit as a 5 or 10 round rimfire magazine. Article 17 is the default for magazines that aren't under stricter controls.

The issue isn't the capacity, it is the compatibility. If they weren't compatible with semi autos they wouldn't be controlled.

1

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 14h ago

Thank you. I was looking for it in the Act 😅 dumbarse me forgetting regulations.

9

u/Hussard 1d ago

(aa)     possess, carry or use a detachable magazine with a capacity greater than 5 shots in combination with a bolt or lever action shotgun; or

        (a)     possess, carry or use a detachable magazine with a capacity greater than 10 shots in combination with a pump or lever action centre fire rifle; or

        (b)     possess, carry or use a detachable magazine with a capacity greater than 15 shots in combination with a bolt action centre fire rifle; or

        (c)     possess, carry or use a detachable magazine with a capacity greater than 15 shots in combination with a pump, lever or bolt action rimfire rifle—

4

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 1d ago

Posting legislation is big dick energy.

Bullying OP for not knowing how to Google legislation and read it is bigger dick energy.

6

u/Mellor88 1d ago

The store told me that CZ rimfires come with 15-round mags, creating a gray area for other 15-round mags.

Store is talking shit. CZ have not created a grey area. The limit is 15 in cat A.

1

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 1d ago

It's also 15 in a Cat B, excluding pump actions.

2

u/Mellor88 1d ago

Yup. Didn't mentioned cat B as there's multiple limits. And varies Vic to NSW.

Whereas, Cat A that OP asked about is straight forward.

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u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 1d ago

But OP did specify Victoria lol

1

u/Mellor88 10h ago

He also specified cat A

1

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 10h ago

In the comments? Or am I blind and can't see it in the post.

1

u/Mellor88 7h ago

In the first sentence, requires joining the dots

I own a Ruger American .22LR...

1

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 7h ago

Yes, but no. I will accept mild retardation on my part.

2

u/bakoyaro 1d ago

Wow glad i dont live there thats stupid

1

u/FossilFuel21 1d ago

taken this from another post here:

If I understand correctly (not a lawyer), Schedule 2 of the Victorian Firearms Act 1996 lists the following limits for hunting/sporting use of Cat A/B:

1

u/KingTr011 1d ago

Basically can't but 15rnds cause they can't get imports permits for them but there are some a Aussie companys making mags locally to fill the demand.

1

u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 1d ago

The BX-15's still come with RPRs. They're just pinned. Tactical factor my arse. Fuck me sometimes I don't know which side of the counter is worse.

The Customs Act 1901 states that you can't import a firearm with a removable magazine over 10 rounds. Obviously, fixed magazines (tube fed) are not removalable and exempt.

The grey area was Ruger starting to export the RPR rimfires with the BX-15's because you can import tube fed. The definition of the legislation became muddled until ABF put their foot down.

CZ fitting magazines are produced by a number of companies in Australia, up until recently Lithgow being one. The 15-round magazines aren't something new for them.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago edited 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/Mellor88 1d ago

There’s nothing grey about it. It’s crystal clear.

Cat A/B max mag capacity is 15. Cat C it’s 10

2

u/BobKurlan 1d ago

cool i'll delete comment