Recently, SSAA National has received a number of inquiries relating to the storage of firearms, particularly rifles, and whether the bolt needs to be removed and stored separately when not in use. To provide some clarification on the matter, SSAA National has explored the legislation applying to each region and has found that there are some states and territories that require this by law, and in others, it is not within the legislation.

The ACT and Queensland legislation requires that bolt-action rifles are to have the bolt removed for storage in a safe storage facility. The ACT legislation says that this bolt must then be stored separately from the rifle. In New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, there is no requirement within the legislation for individuals. There are variations under the law in most states when the owner holds a collector’s licence and also for when the firearm is being transported, and we advise you to become familiar with your region’s regulations.

SSAA National recently released a Secure Your Gun, Secure Your Sport brochure, giving members access to the latest storage safes for their firearms at special prices.

To find out more about firearms storage SA Click here. Please contact the Firearms Registry in your state or territory if you have any questions. These contact details are available from the SSAA’s National Licensing & Security webpage.