STRICT new gun law reforms passed through SA parliament have been welcomed by local shooting enthusiasts.
The bill, aimed at creating a safer State, received widespread support from Labor, Liberal and independent MPs in the lower house.
While the specific regulations were still being drafted, they were expected to become law before the end of the year. Some of the changes included increased penalties for drive-by shootings, a maximum of 25 years in jail for shooting at a police officer and a ban on offenders possessing a firearm or ammunition when released on bail or parole.
Naracoorte Smallbore and Air Rifle club secretary Grant Miller, who has been involved in shooting for about 40 years, said club members supported the Serious Firearm Offenders Bill wholeheartedly. "It is focused on offenders not legitimate gun owners," he said, "and it is good to hear".
Gun owners have strict regulations they must follow and there are regular police checks to make sure firearms are stored correctly and are legally possessed.
"It applies to us and it is great it will also apply to serious offenders," Mr Miller said.
"None of our members have any problems with the regulations as we see the common-sense basis of them.
"Firearms are not a toy. No one needs anyone going around shooting people."
Clubs like the Naracoorte Smallbore and Air Rifle club would not be affected by the new reforms and would carry on with business as usual. "We have good membership numbers with plenty of juniors and we are starting to get a few females too," Mr Miller said.
"The reforms will have no impact on us and our activities. We put safety first and it is our greatest priority."
The new bill follows the State's gun amnesty in which over 1200 firearms have been surrendered since August.