Choosing a gun safe in NSW means matching the cabinet and its installation to the firearms on a licence. Capacity and price matter, but secure storage, fixing and locked ammunition storage matter just as much.
- Choose a purpose-built firearm cabinet that suits the categories and number of firearms on the licence.
- Cabinets under 150kg need secure fixing to the building; plan the fixing surface before delivery.
- Keep ammunition in its own locked receptacle, separate from the firearms.
- For long arms, compare the CMI SS5, CMI SS7, Guardall G3E and Guardall G4E, then confirm the completed installation with NSW Police.
- Guardall T25 and T25-46 listings exclude NSW. NSW handgun buyers should confirm an appropriate model with the Firearms Registry before ordering.
Gun safe requirements in NSW: begin with the firearm category
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to NSW gun safe requirements. Long arms and handguns have different storage conditions, and the requirements of a firearms licence take priority over a generic product claim. Before comparing models, identify the firearm category, collection size, ammunition-storage plan and installation location.
| Storage need | What to check | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Category A/B long arms | Steel cabinet, secure installation, separate locked ammunition storage and adequate capacity. | CMI SS5, CMI SS7, Guardall G3E or Guardall G4E. |
| Category C/D long arms | Confirm the current higher-security storage conditions and installation requirements before ordering. | CMI lists SS5 and SS7 for Level 1 and 2 storage and Categories A–D; confirm final suitability with NSW Police. |
| Category H handguns | Handgun-specific storage conditions apply. Confirm the model and installation before purchase. | Use a NSW-appropriate handgun safe confirmed with the Firearms Registry. |
Level 1 and Level 2 firearm storage in NSW
Buyers often search for “Level 1” and “Level 2” when comparing firearm cabinets. These terms describe different storage standards, but the correct finished setup depends on the firearm category and licence conditions. A cabinet marketed for a particular storage level is a starting point — it does not remove the need to meet NSW requirements for where and how it is installed.
For a typical Category A or B long-arm collection, the practical checklist is a purpose-built steel cabinet, secure anchoring where required, controlled access to keys or codes and separate locked ammunition storage. Category C, D and H owners should confirm their final storage plan with the NSW Police Firearms Registry before purchase.
The 150kg bolt-down threshold
Plan for secure fixing if the cabinet weighs less than 150kg. Factory bolt holes in the base and rear are useful only when they are fixed into a suitable building surface. Do not treat a heavy-looking cabinet, plasterboard fixing or a loose fitting as a finished installation.
The CMI Sports Shooter SS5 weighs 76kg and has four 12mm base bolt holes. The CMI Sports Shooter SS7 weighs 131kg and also has four 12mm base bolt holes. Both need secure fixing as part of the installation plan.
Ammunition storage: locked and separate
Ammunition needs a separate locked receptacle from the firearms. A lockable internal ammunition compartment can be practical when it suits the applicable conditions; otherwise, use a separate locked container. Check this feature before checkout rather than relying on a spare shelf after delivery.
The SS5 and SS7 each list a lockable 240mm-high ammunition locker. The Guardall G3E and G4E list separate lockable ammunition compartments. In every case, confirm that the completed setup meets the conditions applying to the licence.
What NSW Police may inspect
A safe-storage inspection can focus on whether the cabinet matches the firearm category, whether it is securely installed, who can access keys or codes, and whether ammunition is separately locked. Keep the product specifications and installation details available. The NSW Government has also announced safe-storage inspections before a first permit to acquire a firearm, making it important to have storage ready before the purchase process is finalised.
This is a buying guide, not legal advice. Check current requirements with the NSW Police safe-storage information and the Firearms Registry service information before relying on any installation.
Gun safe picks for NSW long-arm storage
CMI Sports Shooter SS5: compact storage for up to five rifles
The CMI SS5 holds five rifles and has a 3mm steel body, 6mm steel door, five 20mm locking bolts, a lockable ammunition locker and four base bolt holes. CMI lists it for Level 1 and 2 storage and Categories A, B, C and D. At 76kg, it requires secure fixing.
CMI Sports Shooter SS7: seven-rifle capacity
The CMI SS7 holds seven rifles and includes a lockable ammunition locker, 3mm body, 6mm door and four 12mm base bolt holes. It weighs 131kg, so secure fixing remains part of the installation.
Guardall G3E: compact digital cabinet
The Guardall G3E holds five rifles and ammunition. Its listing includes digital locking, a 6mm door, 3mm body, four locking bolts, a separate lockable ammunition compartment and rear and base bolt-down holes.
Guardall G4E: larger cabinet for up to 16 rifles
The Guardall G4E holds up to 16 rifles and weighs 224kg. It includes a 30-minute fire rating, 14 locking points, a separate lockable ammunition compartment, rear and base bolt-down holes and a digital lock. Its larger capacity suits bigger collections, provided the location and installation meet the applicable NSW conditions.
Secuguard GS3K and Guardall T25: important checks
The Secuguard GS3K may be considered by buyers comparing general security storage, but a general-purpose safe is not automatically suitable for firearm storage. Confirm the exact model and installation before relying on it for a licence condition.
The Guardall T25 and T25-46 are often found in handgun-safe searches. Security Safes’ listings state that these models are approved in other states and territories except NSW, and direct NSW customers to a T60. They are not recommended for NSW handgun storage without direct confirmation of the appropriate NSW-ready model from the Firearms Registry.
Official NSW links
- NSW Police safe-storage information — current official storage guidance.
- Service NSW firearms licence services — licence, permit and Firearms Registry links.
- 2026 NSW firearms reform update — includes mandatory safe-storage inspections before a first permit and the GunSafe online platform for clubs.
Choosing a gun safe in Sydney or elsewhere in NSW
Measure the longest firearm, allow room for future purchases, check the ammunition compartment and select the installation location before ordering. The cabinet must fit into the property, sit on a suitable surface and allow clearance for the door and handle.
For a smaller A/B collection, start with the SS5 or G3E. For more capacity, compare the SS7 and G4E. For Category C, D or H firearms, seek confirmation from the Firearms Registry before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Do gun safes need to be bolted down in NSW?
Plan for secure fixing where required, particularly for a cabinet under 150kg. Confirm the exact installation requirement for the firearm category and licence with NSW Police before completing the installation.
Can ammunition be kept in a gun safe?
Ammunition must be stored in a separate locked receptacle. A lockable internal ammunition compartment may suit this need where it meets the applicable conditions.
What is the best gun safe for NSW?
The right option depends on firearm category, collection size and installation location. For a small long-arm collection, the CMI SS5 and Guardall G3E are useful starting points; confirm the final setup with NSW Police requirements.
Is the Guardall T25 compliant in NSW?
No. The Security Safes product listing says the T25 and T25-46 are not approved for NSW and directs NSW customers to a T60. Confirm the current appropriate handgun-safe model before buying.
Where can current NSW firearm storage rules be checked?
Use the NSW Police safe-storage information and contact the Firearms Registry for confirmation. Rules and licence conditions can change, so an official check is the final step before buying or installing a cabinet.