Queensland's weapon storage rules are set by the Weapons Act 1990 and the Weapons Regulation 2016, and they are changing: from 12 March 2027, timber containers will no longer be permitted for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons. This guide covers the current rules and what to buy now so you don't have to replace your storage later.
TL;DR
- Category A, B, C, E and M (30 or fewer weapons): a locked container of solid steel or solid timber. If it weighs less than 150kg, it must be securely fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building.
- From 12 March 2027, those containers must be solid steel — timber containers, safes and cabinets will no longer be permitted.
- Category D, H and R (30 or fewer weapons): a solid steel container bolted to the frame or floor of a permanent building, whatever it weighs.
- Weapons must be stored unloaded, with the bolt removed (if removable) or the action broken, and containers locked with a sturdy combination lock, keyed lock or keyed padlock.
- Ammunition must be stored separately from weapons.
- More than 30 weapons: different rules apply (locked containers or racks in a locked storeroom, or a vault).
This is a plain-English summary of Queensland Police Service guidance. Penalties for unsafe storage can include fines of up to $16,000 or two years' imprisonment. Confirm your setup on the QPS safe storage page.
Queensland gun safe requirements at a glance
| Categories | Container | Fixing |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C, E, M (now) | Locked solid steel or solid timber container | Fixed to frame or floor if under 150kg |
| A, B, C, E, M (from 12 March 2027) | Locked solid steel container | Fixed to frame or floor if under 150kg |
| D, H, R | Locked solid steel container | Bolted to frame or floor regardless of weight |
The steps
1. Check your licence categories
The categories on your licence decide which row above applies. If you hold several, the strictest one applies to storage for those weapons.
2. Buy steel, even for Category A and B
Timber is still allowed for Category A, B, C, E and M until 12 March 2027, but buying a steel safe now avoids replacing it. Rifle safes such as the CMI Sports Shooter SS14-D and Guardall G2/3 Rifle Cabinet are common choices. Browse our full gun safes range.
3. Fix or bolt it down
Fix Category A, B, C, E and M containers under 150kg to the frame or floor of the building. Bolt Category D, H and R containers regardless of weight. Use the safe's anchor points and fixings suited to your slab or framing — see our bolt-down guide.
4. Store ammunition separately
Keep ammunition apart from your weapons, in its own locked container or a separately lockable compartment. Our ammunition safe guide covers options.
5. Store weapons unloaded and keep keys secure
Store firearms unloaded with the bolt removed or action broken, keep the container locked except when putting weapons in or taking them out, and keep keys and codes away from unlicensed people.
FAQ
What are the gun safe requirements in Queensland?
For Category A, B, C, E and M, a locked solid steel or solid timber container, fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building if under 150kg. For Category D, H and R, a solid steel container bolted to the building. Ammunition must be stored separately.
Are timber gun cabinets being banned in Queensland?
Yes. From 12 March 2027, containers for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons must be solid steel; timber containers, safes and cabinets will no longer be permitted.
Does a gun safe over 150kg need to be bolted down in QLD?
For Category A, B, C, E and M, the fixing requirement applies to containers under 150kg. For Category D, H and R, the container must be bolted regardless of weight.
Buying a gun safe in Brisbane or Queensland
Buy A Safe has supplied gun safes since 1998 and delivers across Queensland. Browse our gun safes or call 1300 405 200 for help choosing a steel safe that will meet the 2027 rules.
