Handgun ownership in Australia is no easy feat. It is less difficult to own rifles and shot-guns (accept Semi-auto) but not by much.

All firearms cannot be owned purely for self-defence. Generally, they must be owned for Target Shooting, Collecting, and/or Hunting.

To Obtain a handgun in my state (New South Wales), it must be for Target Shooting (as hunting with a handgun is not allowed). To do this:-

1. Join an approved Pistol Club and got through their training sessions to get a Pistol Safety Certificate.

2. Obtain a Probationary Firearms Licence in which you need to complete a number of shooting sessions within 6 months. You can only purchase 1 x Handgun during this period.

3. Purchase a safe (to handgun safe storage security level), install it, and have local Police come and inspect it to make sure it is securely fasten and meets the minimum standards.

4. To buy a firearm, submit an on-line "Permit to Acquire" from the Firearms Registry. Once you have received the permit, you can go to a dealer and purchase your handgun.

5. After 6 months, you can get a full Firearms Handgun Licence and purchase more handguns.

6. Generally, Target Shooter Handgun licence limits the barrel length (4" for revolvers and 5" for semi-autos) and calibre allowed. There are other permits if you need a higher calibre handgun to shoot a particular match; eg, 45 Long Colt for SASS.

7. Also, in order to maintain your Firearms Licence, you must compete a minimum number of matches per year (usually 6).

So, you really must be committed to this as a "sport" in order to go through all of this bureaucracy.