As a gun owner, it’s crucial that you store your firearm correctly to ensure that it is always safe and secure. Leaving your gun lying around the home, or somewhere that is not locked and could be easily broken into, is asking for trouble. All it takes is one burglary, and your firearm and ammunition could be stolen. Or a young child or a pet could have an accident thinking that your firearm is something to be played with.
To avoid a potential disaster, it’s crucial that you take firearm storage seriously and put the right measures in place to ensure you are compliant with the local laws and regulations in your State or territory. While in some states, you need only keep your firearm in a locked wooden box to be compliant. However, it’s always wise to go above and beyond and invest in a proper gun safe to ensure the safe storage of your firearm moving forward.
Let’s take a look at how you can store your firearms and ammunition safely, state-by-state.
Queensland
Category A, B and C gun owners living in Queensland must store their firearm in a locked container that is made of either solid timber or solid metal. The container must also be securely attached to the frame or the floor of the house if it weighs less than 150kg. Category D and H firearms must be kept in a solid steel container bolted to the floor or the frame of the property. The firearm bolt must be removed before storage of any firearm in Queensland.
Northern Territory
Northern Territory only allows firearms of category A and B to be owned in the state, and owners must comply with the same requirements as New South Wales, listed below.
Tasmania And New South Wales
In New South Wales, regulations state that firearms must be stored in a gun safe that cannot be easily penetrated. Hardwood or steel can be used to build safes for Category A and B firearms and the container must be attached to the framework of the property and locked securely. Gun owners should store ammunition in a lockable container where no firearm is stored. Category C, D and H firearms should be stored in a steel safe and must be fixed to the wall or the floor. The steel sheeting must be either 3mm for longarms or 6mm for pistols. The unit must also feature a commercial-grade flush lock mounted to the container. The safe door should be a minimum of 6mm thick.
Western Australia
The rules in WA maintain that firearms must be kept in a steel gun safe that cannot be penetrated easily. It should also be fixed to either the floor or the frame of a permanent structure. A robust lock must be used to secure the safe, and all ammunition should be stored in a locked container that doesn’t contain any firearms.
South Australia
To comply with South Australian gun ownership regulations, firearms should be stored in a safe made of steel that is attached to the premises securely. A strong, durable lock must be used to keep the safe locked, and it is required that ammunition be stored in a separate locked container that does not house any other firearms.
Keep Your Firearm And Ammunition Stored Safely
Understanding what the regulations are in your area will ensure that you are compliant with gun storage laws. However, the key point is the overall safety of both you, the gun owner and the community at large. Firearms should always be kept out of the hands of unauthorised users to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. As a gun owner, it’s up to you to ensure that you put measures in place to keep your firearms and ammunition safely and securely stored.
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