Storing a firearm in NSW without meeting the Firearms Act 1996 storage rules can cost you your licence and your firearms. This guide sets out what the Act requires for each licence category, and how to choose and install a gun safe that meets it before a Firearms Registry inspection.
TL;DR
- Category A and B: store the firearm in a locked receptacle of an approved type made of hard wood or steel. If it weighs less than 150kg empty, it must be fixed in place.
- Category C, D and H: store the firearm in a locked steel safe of an approved type that cannot be easily penetrated, bolted to the structure of the premises.
- Ammunition: keep it in a locked container of an approved type, separate from the firearm.
- If you hold more than one category, buy for the highest one.
This is a plain-English summary of sections 39–41 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW). Requirements can change, so confirm your setup with the NSW Police Firearms Registry before you buy.
Why this matters
The Firearms Registry can inspect your storage during your licence period, not just at renewal. Storage that doesn't meet the Act can lead to a compliance notice, licence suspension or seizure of firearms.
The rules also differ by category. A Category A rifle and a Category H handgun have different storage requirements, so check your licence category before choosing a safe.
NSW gun safe requirements by category
| Licence category | Storage required | Fixing | Ammunition |
|---|---|---|---|
| A and B (most rifles and shotguns) | Locked receptacle of an approved type, made of hard wood or steel | Must be fixed if under 150kg empty | Locked container, separate from the firearm |
| C, D and H (including handguns) | Locked steel safe of an approved type that cannot be easily penetrated | Must be bolted to the structure of the premises | Locked container, separate from the firearm |
The steps
1. Check your licence category first
Your licence lists your categories. Category A and B cover most rifles and shotguns. Category C, D and H cover certain semi-automatic and pump-action firearms and all handguns, and require a bolted steel safe. If you hold several categories, the highest one sets the standard.
2. Choose a safe that meets that category
For Category A and B, a purpose-built steel rifle safe such as the CMI Sports Shooter Rifle Safe SS14-D or the Guardall G2/3 Rifle Cabinet is a common choice. For Category C, D and H, choose a steel safe designed for those categories and plan to bolt it down.
Size the safe for the firearms you own now and any you expect to add. Browse our gun safes range, which lists the categories each model is designed for on its product page.
3. Fix or bolt the safe in place
Category A and B receptacles under 150kg empty must be fixed in place. Category C, D and H safes must be bolted to the structure of the premises, whatever they weigh. Use the anchor points and fixings supplied by the manufacturer and follow their instructions for your floor or wall type.
If you're not confident drilling and anchoring, professional installation can be quoted separately — call 1300 405 200.
4. Store ammunition separately
Ammunition must be kept in a locked container of an approved type, separate from the firearm. Some gun safes include a separately locked ammunition compartment; if you plan to rely on one, confirm with the Firearms Registry that it suits your setup. Our ammunition safe guide covers separate containers.
5. Keep keys and codes secure
Don't leave the key in or beside the safe, or write the code nearby. Store keys separately from the safe and treat codes like a bank PIN.
6. Keep a record of your setup
Photograph the installed safe, its fixings and your ammunition storage, and keep the make and model details. It makes inspections and any later questions easier to deal with.
7. Re-check when your licence changes
Adding a category — for example a Category H pistol licence on top of a Category A/B licence — can mean your existing storage no longer meets the requirement. Re-check your storage whenever your licence categories change.
FAQ
What safe do I need for a Category A or B firearm in NSW?
A locked receptacle of an approved type, made of hard wood or steel. If it weighs less than 150kg empty, it must be fixed in place. Ammunition goes in a separate locked container.
What safe do I need for a Category H handgun in NSW?
A locked steel safe of an approved type that cannot be easily penetrated, bolted to the structure of the premises, with ammunition stored separately in a locked container.
Does a gun safe over 150kg need to be bolted down in NSW?
For Category A and B, a receptacle weighing 150kg or more empty doesn't have to be fixed under the Act. For Category C, D and H, the safe must be bolted to the premises regardless of weight.
Can I store ammunition in the same safe as my firearm?
The Act requires ammunition to be kept in a locked container separate from the firearm. If your safe has a separately locked ammunition compartment, confirm with the Firearms Registry that it meets the requirement for your setup.
Does one safe cover all my licence categories?
A safe that meets the requirements for your highest category will generally cover lower categories as well, but a Category A/B receptacle won't cover Category C, D or H firearms.
Is a fireproof safe the same as a gun safe?
No. A fire rating and suitability for firearm storage are separate things. Check that any safe you buy is designed for the firearm categories you hold.
Buying a gun safe in Sydney or NSW
Buy A Safe has supplied gun safes to NSW licence holders since 1998. Browse our gun safes, visit us at 203 Victoria Road, Marrickville (Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:30pm), or call 1300 405 200 for help choosing a safe for your licence category. We deliver across NSW.
