The New Zealand gun community is sick of copping criticism every time there's a mass shooting overseas.

LISTEN ABOVE: David Tipple talks to Mike Hosking

Firearms business Gun City is selling and promoting a semi-automatic rifle very similar to the one used in the Orlando shooting.

Owner David Tipple told Mike Hosking in New Zealand, it's used for legitimate purposes such as hunting and competition.

He said it's frustrating that despite a different culture and safer licensing system in New Zealand, incidents abroad point the finger at the Kiwi gun-owning community.

"Do I believe that should be contentious, no. Can I avoid the contention, no. I'm in the business of selling firearms and there is a group of people who blame firearms for the actions of these people."

Gun expert Nicole McKee told Rachel Smalley she has full confidence in New Zealand's firearm licensing system.

She said there are legitimate uses for these guns in New Zealand - shooting competitions and pest control.

"To go around and pick out certain firearms, like the AR-15, or perhaps some other, is actually not bringing into New Zealand culture what we're using the firearms for. The people that use those firearms, they are using them for legitimate purposes."

Ms McKee said authorities look at every aspect of a person's life before they're given a gun license - not just their criminal history - making our licensing system one of the most robust in the world.

"Have been deemed to be fit and proper by New Zealand Police. They're assessed regularly as to their status. They're abiding citizens because they won't get a licence without them so we're actually relying on the good faith of those that have been deemed and checked out."