Military-style Semi-automatic

Military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) is a term in New Zealand firearms law. The category was introduced after the 1990 Aramoana massacre, in which firearms fitting this definition were used.

The statutory definition of an MSSA is laid out in the Arms Act. The Act, together with the Arms Regulations also specifies the controls over possession and use of MSSAs. The Act is administered by the New Zealand Police, according to policies documented in the Police Arms Manual.

Technically, an MSSA is any "self-loading" (i.e. semi-automatic) firearm, other than pistol, with any of the following features:

• Folding or telescopic butt
• Bayonet lug
• Free-standing military-pattern pistol grip
• Flash suppressor
• A magazine that holds (or looks like it could hold) more than 15 rounds of .22 rimfire or 7 rounds of any other cartridge.

Possession or use of any MSSA requires a firearms licence with either a "C" or "E" endorsement. The "E" endorsement allows MSSAs to be used with live ammunition; while the "C" endorsement is used by museum curators, collectors, film/TV/theatre armourers, etc. MSSAs are often colloquially referred to as "E-cat" firearms for this reason.

To be granted either endorsement, the applicant must demonstrate to Police good cause for possessing MSSAs. The application must be supported by 2 referees who are current endorsement holders, serving members of a firearms-related organisation, bona fide collectors or persons able to demonstrate a genuine long-term interest in firearms. The applicant must also demonstrate a higher standard of security for the storage of weapons than is required for ordinary firearms.