Association of Maltese Arms Collectors and Shooters
The “Arms, Armour & Militaria Society” (AAMS) was set up on the 12 June 1985 on the initiative of Stephen A. Petroni following approval of a Statute by the fourteen founder-members. At the time arms and militaria enthusiasts had to take a stand against a Parliamentary Bill that would have introduced Customs Duty on imported collectors’ items, discouraging an activity that ultimately enriches national heritage. AAMS led a lobby group of organisations representing collectors of various artefacts and persuaded the authorities to withdraw the propose tax.
This was to be the first of several successful AAMS initiatives that brought about impressive legislative changes in the interest of cultural heritage and sport shooting:
- Successful lobby against a tax on collectors’ items, 1985
- Organisation of the first annual arms and militaria exhibition, 1986
- Organisation of the first re-enactment event, 1988
- Introduction of black powder shooting sports, 1989
- Proposal for new firearms legislation based on the EU Directive, 1992
- Introduction of interim policy on collectors and target shooters, 1995
- Permission to import firearms over 50 years old and other firearms, 1996
- Drafting of the new legislation and negotiations with the authorities, 2003
- The Arms Act and the Arms Licensing Regulations come into force, 2006
- Further improvement in legislation, 2013
On 10 July 2004, members approved a new statute: AAMS became the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors and Shooters (AMACS) composed of five affiliated clubs. Membership grew considerably to the point that AMACS now comprises eight clubs with a total of over 900 members.
AMACS joined FESAC in 2006 and is an active contributor to the Foundation’s objectives. The Association is affiliated with several international sport shooting bodies such as IPSC.
The Association moved into its new 600m2 premises in Tigne’ Point in 2012 where it shall be setting up an exhibition hall as well as a 10m indoor airgun range. AMACS is also cooperating with Government to set up a national shooting range complex.
AMACS has now teamed up with another Association in order to set up a news Federation for arms collectors and sport shooters. This important step forward will consolidate all the gains won so far and guarantee a good future for Maltese enthusiasts.
Contact details:
Association of Maltese Arms Collectors & Shooters
Attn: Shane A. Hunter – AMACS Secretary & FESAC Country Representative
Unit One, First Floor, Clock Tower Block
Tigne’ Point, Sliema TP01