Some types of pistols are being added to the ban on assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons after a loophole was exposed in the legislation.
Newshub revealed in April that one weapon not included in the Government's ban was a type of pistol that can hold 33 rounds of ammunition.
Police Minister Stuart Nash said at the time there was no loophole in the legislation because the pistol licencing regime is more rigorous, making it difficult to own one.
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But more than six months later, Nash has announced an amendment to include some types of pistols in the Arms Legislation Bill, which is currently before a select committee hearing public submissions.
"We are broadening definitions in the existing law to include modification kits for pistols, as well as short semi-automatic rifles which currently fall under the regime for pistols," Nash said on Wednesday.
"The pistols to be prohibited are effectively short-barrelled semi-automatic rifles and they should be illegal. The conversion kits being placed under new controls turn some hand-held semi-automatic pistols into more dangerous shoulder-fired guns."
Short-barrelled semi-automatic rifles are currently defined as pistols because they are shorter than 762 millimetres, but they will now be banned.
The ban will also cover pistol conversion kits which can convert a pistol into a gun fired from the shoulder with greater accuracy and firing distance.
The kits would only be accessible to those who have endorsements to own pistols, and they would have to apply to the police.
It will enforce the voluntary agreement that currently exists between the police and the organisation Pistol NZ.
Tighter controls would also be placed on conversion kits for airsoft pistols, used in recreational sport when proper protective gear is worn. The conversion kits can still be imported but police will have to approve.
The law change will also apply to parts which can transform a previously lawful .22 semi-automatic into a prohibited weapon.
Many .22 calibre firearms remained legal after the Government's crackdown if they were not capable of holding high capacity magazines.
Firearms which contain a part known as a "lower receiver" - which can potentially be fitted with magazines with ammunition greater than .22 calibres - will now be banned.
A clarification will also be made in the Arms Act to ensure the government of the day can make changes to respond to new manufacturing technologies.
"Parliament needs to respond swiftly to ensure the law keeps up with technology," Nash said.
"We need to keep communities safe in the face of new international trends in firearms manufacturing techniques."
It follows the Government's announcement on Monday that it intends to give police "greater powers" over gun control by introducing firearms prohibition orders (FPOs).
The FPOs clause will become part of the second tranche of gun law changes, which already include a firearms register and a tighter system for gun licences.
ACT leader David Seymour is urging the Government to delay gun law changes, saying they should be informed by the findings of the Royal Commission into the Christchurch terror attacks.
The Government announced the commission has been given a four-month extension and multimillion-dollar boost due to high demand for public submissions.
Newshub.
