I used to own a "background" or stunt version of the ICONS pulse rifle. I sold it many years ago.
I have no pulse rifles at all in hand at the moment. One in transit... a HCG Brown Bess (Aussie dollar is pretty high at the moment so a good time to buy it now and avoid the customs TAX on it as well), which should land in Australia in a day or so. HCG checked it out before shipping it and sent me a photo of it...with little or no "sag" or as most people refer to as droop. I am not a member of the RPForum... have read it a few times and your website from time to time.
The requirement in Australia to import replica guns has not changed much over the years but they are getting tougher on them, especially when it comes to small guns like pistols. I am sure you have heard about the Aussie import requirements many times before....Simple, the law is that replica guns are restricted items (not prohibited at the moment), means they are customs controlled at the time of import. Customs seize the gun, hold it for a short time so that the importer has an opportunity to respond to their request(s). Usually they ask for a B709A permit for replicas, which is obtained by the local firearms police divison for each individual State (each State in Australia has their own terms/laws that surround the issuing of a B709A permit). The B709A was issued to me last week by the police here and it has a 2 month expiry date, which is normal for these permits....enough time to bring it down to customs so they can hand over the gun to me.
The permit B709A can have a time extension (if one needs it) so as to pickup goods or sort out issues etc. Some States here are tougher on replica guns, but these pulse rifles should not be a problem in all States. The police do a check on the gun usually with the information on the internet is enough (including a look at the customs report in some cases) or they may wish to physically handle/see the gun.... and a background history check on the individual person importing the item, before they decide to issue the permit.
If it is a firing BB-gun or other projectile firing gun, it needs a different permit (usually a full gun licence).
So... sometimes I see members on forums saying some things that are just plain incorrect, wrong or misleading about importing guns in Australia. Some say, some of these PRifles were destroyed at customs....unlikely! (only in rare or specific circumstances can this happen).
One of the biggest collectibles stores in another State here, (Victoria) was going to import 30 of these rifles and I heard earlier this year, from someone that this collectibles shop were informed by Aussie customs that they will not be allowed to import these and warned that they would be seized and attract a big fine or prosecution. Well I am skeptical when I hear these from people. you hear different stories all the time. it is true that the store has decided not to import any.....but I do not know all the facts of this case. maybe it was a simple case that they weren't bothered going through the importing red-tape (which I guess there is) or probably B709A permits are only issued to individuals with low volume or singleimport items... who knows, unless you get the truth or full info from the police and customs. This is why I tend to ignore advice people give on forums or similar when it comes to customs laws etc. best to checkout the officials directly.
Some say these are prohibited items....wrong! (depends what some people actually mean when they say prohibited anyway....They are restricted or controlled items. Some people say it is all too hard and impossible to get these in to Australia........well it should not be. Depends on their own experience (some people have bad luck when dealing with some officials or they may have a personal "criminal history" etc...... If the customs officers and the police officers follow the written law and import procedures properly... it is relatively easy to get these into Australia.
I don't have much experience with importing replica guns at all, but I must admit, there has been some hiccups when it comes to some police officers making up their own rules or not interpretting the gun laws properly (happened when I tried to import a Blade runner pistol a few years ago). But recently, end of 2009, some of the replica gun laws have been tidied up and clarified, making it easier to to administer and avoid misuse etc.
My pulse rifle is still in transit, but I am confident it should be OK. Customs have seen the HCG website many weeks ago when I enquired and they said via email that all I need is to produce a B709A permit at the time of import.
Sorry Tom about rabbling on about this...
Can't wait to get my pulse rifle. Been hanging out for years to get a decent M41A replica....no I won't take it apart for the shrouds
)
Tony