SSAA Historical Arms Collectors Branch

You can learn more about the Historical Arms Collectors Discipline here:

Historical Arms Collectors

Collectors unite! (The Report October 2025)

A branch for enthusiasts 

Some people collect stamps. Others, coins, records, sports memorabilia or antiques. The members of Q60 SSAA Historical Arms Collectors Branch collect firearms from the earliest days of firearm production to modern examples and they’ve been doing so for 25 years, with their first meeting held back in March of 2000. 

The branch is an Approved Historical Society under the Weapons Act. This delineation provides SSAA Queensland members who want to obtain a Collectors Licence with that opportunity. The branch is also an Approved Society under the Explosives Act, which gives members blanket coverage to collect various types of ammunition and inert ordnance, e.g. inert grenades and artillery shells. 

There are nearly 40 members assigned to branch Q60, including several women and juniors. Families are encouraged to take part in the branch shoots, which include non-competitive events for collectable firearms. Paul Heiser, the branch treasurer, said, “Due to the age of some of the firearms, they do not always allow themselves to competitive shooting. Members can still bring out firearms registered to their firearms licence.” 

There are also about 340 affiliate members. Affiliation lets members of other branches remain members of their branch but still obtain a Collectors Licence. These members are from all across Queensland. 

The branch was the first to offer collector shoots, with its inaugural shoot held in August 2001. “2026 will be the 25th year of continual collector shoots in Queensland and the 50th collector shoot is anticipated to be held in 2027,” said Paul. 

As Queensland is so vast, attendance at the regular meetings is impractical. As such, the branch prioritises its communication. It sends out monthly newsletters to keep members abreast of licensing and political issues that may affect them, and it regularly posts notices on its Facebook page. 

Twice a year, the branch hosts a collectors shoot at Captains Mountain complex under an exemption issued by Weapons Licensing Group. These shoots cater for firearms registered to a Collectors Licence. The branch also represents SSAA Queensland at various arms fairs in southeast Queensland. 

The quote by Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” isn’t lost on the branch’s executive. “We are continually investing funds to provide facilities on our home range: the 400-metre range at the state complex,” said Paul. Upcoming plans include an awning and benches to shade members from the intense Queensland sun and rain. 

If collecting firearms or ammunition is something you’ve been wanting to do, be sure to check out SSAA Queensland’s Historical Arms Collectors Branch.