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Storage
Changes to the ACT Firearms Regulations 2008 - As of 13 February 2018
On 13 February 2018, ACT legislation came into effect which amended the storage requirements for more than 10 category A or B firearms.
This requires any licence holder with more than 10 registered firearms to store the firearms appropriately in a metal, brick or concrete safe.
A metal safe must be mounted on a wall or on the floor as follows:
- If mounted on brick - the safe must be attached by at least 2 Loxin anchor-type high-tensile bolts with a diameter of 52mm x 16mm and a 10mm thread;
- If mounted on concrete or stone - the safe must be attached by at least 2 Dyna-type bolts and expanding anchors with a diameter of 70mm x 12mm and a 10mm thread that are internally fitted through holes in the rear or bottom of the container that conform with the manufacturer’s specifications;
- If mounted on wall studs or floor joists:
(i) it must be attached flush against the timber or plaster surfaces by 2 steel hexagonal-head coach screws that are not less than 8mm in diameter x 50mm in length and are internally fitted through holes in the rear or bottom of the container that conform with the manufacturer’s specifications; and
(ii) the container, timber floor or plaster wall surfaces must be recessed so there is no airspace between the surfaces and the container, with the rear bottom edge of the container being recessed into skirting board.
Safe storage of firearms
The ACT Firearms Act holds the owners of firearms personally responsible for the security and safe keeping of their firearms and for ensuring that firearms do not come into the possession of unauthorised persons.
Non-compliance with the safe keeping laws can lead to the seizure of firearms by police.
Firearms owners should obtain a copy of the firearms storage guidelines from the ACT Firearms Registry, as the requirements vary for categories and numbers of firearms stored.
Firearms Act 1996 Part 12; Firearms Regulations 2008 Part 11.
When a category A or category B firearm or paintball marker is stored, the firing mechanism must, if at all possible, be removed and stored separately from the firearm or marker.
- The firearms must be stored in a metal lockable container and the firing mechanisms must be stored in a separate lockable metal drawer or container that may be external or internal to the metal lockable container; or
- The firearms must be stored in a security container that is constructed of a recognised hardwood and lined with steel sheeting, the door of which is fitted with metal hinges and either an appropriate deadlock; or 2 sliding bolts fitted with padlocks of an appropriate strength.
- The container must be bolted to the floor/wall or both with a minimum of two suitable anchor bolts in order to prevent its easy removal (unless the mass of the container when empty is 150 kilograms or more when empty).