Thread: Firearms security

Originally Posted by Kapitishooter

Just wondering what kinds of type of storage you guys have? as I am going for licence soon

I was recently "Vetted" for my ten year 'A' Cat licence renewal. One of the forms that was sent to me from the "Southern District Firearms Licencing Manager/Officer" contained the following on "Firearms Security" Some of which you my be surprised!


Quote:

If you are: (A) Applying for a firearms licence for the first time, (B) renewing your firearms licence or (C) a current firearms licence holder, Police require that you have installed in your premises suitable firearms security whether or not you possess any firearms.


Security for firearms- A 'CAT"

By law the applicant must provide a minimum level of security in their place of residence, they must be able to secure the firearm legally if they had to, whether they own firearms or not, or chose to store their firearms elsewhere. If the applicant owns firearms but choses to store them elsewhere with another current licence holder for example, that is allowed however they still must have the required security in their own homes.


Racks:

Commercial racks must be able to withstand a weight test within reason. If the rack is lose or moves when tested then reinforcement to the rack is required.
The lock needs to be sturdy and substantial enough to withstand forcible removal, within reason.


A rack is a fixed object which is immobilized:

A commercial rack bolted to the wall

A rafter in a ceiling space is considered to be a rack as it is immobilized: A heavy duty chain and combination or key padlock wrapped around a rafter is an agreed minimum level of legal security.

A hot water cylinder is considered to be a rack as it is immobilized: Again a heavy duty chain and padlock wrapped around the hot water cylinder is an agreed minimum level of agreed security.

The same principal mentioned above would apply to a house pile.

Those above mentioned options are usually adopted by licence holders who have one or two firearms only.

Consideration needs to be given to the number of firearms and if the storage arrangement is sufficient and secure enough for the numbers held.

If firearms are stored within wardrobes or cupboards it is recommended that the firearms are the only items to be stored within, however if the space is duel purpose, a lock on a wardrobe or cupboard door is not sufficient on its own, the firearm should be additionally secured in either a cabinet or a rack within the area, with either option being bolted to the inside of the wardrobe or the cupboard.

All gun cabinets must be immobilized, either bolted to the floor or wall.

Security storage for firearms should be in a discreet area of the premises.

Ammunition, bolts, magazines and safety parts should be locked away separately from the firearms in another discreet location. One example being a tool box and pad lock, stored out of sight.

Some commercial gun cabinets have separate locked storage for the ammo and parts within the main gun cabinet, this is acceptable. Example there is a separate compartment within the cabinet requiring another key for access.

Endorsement holders must have the security and firearms where they reside.

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