Gun Safe Requirements in Queensland: Storage Rules for Licence Holders

Under the gun safe requirements in QLD, a firearm that is not in your physical possession must be stored unloaded, with the bolt removed or the action broken, in a locked container that is a rigid structure. For Category A, B and C weapons the container can currently be solid steel or solid timber and must be fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building if it weighs under 150 kg. Category D, H and R weapons need a solid steel container that is always bolted down.

The biggest change coming for Queensland gun owners is the end of timber. From 12 March 2027, Queensland Police says containers for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons must be made of solid steel. If you use a timber cabinet today, now is the time to plan the upgrade. This article covers the current rules, the 2027 change and how to choose a replacement. For the other states and territories, see our national gun safe requirements guide.

Gun safe requirements in QLD: where the rules come from

Section 60 of the Weapons Act 1990 requires licensees to keep weapons in secure storage facilities, and section 94 of the Weapons Regulation 2016 sets the minimum standard for those facilities. Queensland Police Weapons Licensing publishes a storage brochure and a safe storage page that explain the rules in plain terms. We have summarised them below, but rules change, so check with Weapons Licensing on (07) 3015 7777 before you rely on this summary.

Category A, B and C weapons: current rules

Under section 94 of the Weapons Regulation 2016, when a Category A, B or C weapon is not in your physical possession it must be stored in a locked container that:

• is a rigid structure made of solid steel or solid timber
• is securely fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building if it weighs less than 150 kg
• has a sturdy combination lock, keyed lock or keyed padlock
• is always locked, other than for the time needed to put in or take out a weapon

The QPS storage brochure explains what “rigid” and “solid” mean in practice. Pushing on the sides or top with reasonable force should not make the panels deflect, and the panels must be continuous, without vents, holes or perforations. Aluminium and alloys do not comply. For timber, hardwood species and marine ply of at least 16 mm are acceptable, while chipboard, particle board, MDF and plasterboard are not.

The firearm must be unloaded and have its bolt removed or its action broken. QPS notes that the bolt is a major component and can be stored with the firearm.

Category D, H and R weapons

For Category D, H and R weapons, section 94 requires the container to be a rigid structure made of solid steel and bolted to the frame or floor of a permanent building. There is no 150 kg exemption, so even a heavy safe must be bolted down. The lock and locking rules are the same as for Category A, B and C. Handgun owners can read more in our Category H storage guide for pistol licence holders.

The 2027 change: solid steel for Category A, B and C

A Queensland Police flyer published in 2026 says new legislative requirements are being introduced for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons. From 12 March 2027, storage containers for these weapons must:

• be made of solid steel
• be securely fixed to the frame or floor of the building if they weigh less than 150 kg

The flyer says solid timber containers, safes and cabinets will no longer be permitted for these categories, and that all other storage requirements under the Weapons Regulation 2016 stay the same. Licence holders are encouraged to review their storage and comply by 12 March 2027.

Ammunition and keys

QPS says ammunition must be stored in a secure container or area separate from the container that holds the firearms, and that a gun safe with an internal secured area for ammunition may be suitable. A separate ammunition safe is the other common approach. Our ammunition storage requirements article compares the options across states.

Section 94 also requires you to take reasonable precautions so the key is not lost or stolen and is not accessible to anyone who is not lawfully entitled to possess the weapon. With a combination lock, the same applies to the code. Our article on key, digital and combination locks for gun safes may help you choose.

Larger holdings and alternatives

If there are more than 30 Category A, B, C or D weapons at the premises, or more than 30 Category H weapons, the Regulation requires the higher standard that applies to collectors, such as a vault, or a locked gun rack or container inside a reinforced storeroom. The Regulation also allows an authorised officer to approve storage measures that are at least equivalent to those required. If your situation is unusual, talk to Weapons Licensing before you buy.

Penalties

Queensland Police says failing to meet the legal safe storage requirements could result in fines of up to $16,000 or two years’ imprisonment under section 60 of the Weapons Act 1990. QPS also notes that a person convicted of a weapons offence is disqualified from holding a firearm licence for five years.

Choosing a steel safe before the deadline

If you are replacing a timber cabinet, choose a solid steel safe that will meet the 2027 rule for the categories you hold now and any you may add later. Look for continuous steel panels with no ventilation holes, pre-drilled anchor points, a sturdy lock and an internal lockable ammunition compartment. Make sure the internal height and width suit scoped rifles.

Our steel gun and rifle safes include models from CMI, Guardall, Platinum and Secuguard. As an example, the CMI SS5 rifle safe with digital lock is around $1,611, and smaller rifle cabinets start from around $519. Prices change, so check the product page. Because most gun safes weigh well under 150 kg, plan the fixing too. Our gun safe bolting guide explains the options, and our safe installation team can arrange fitting through our national network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will timber gun cabinets still be legal in Queensland?

Not for long. Queensland Police says that from 12 March 2027, storage containers for Category A, B, C, E and M weapons must be made of solid steel, and solid timber containers, safes and cabinets will no longer be permitted. Until then, the Weapons Regulation 2016 allows solid steel or solid timber for Category A, B and C. Category D, H and R already require steel.

Does my gun safe need to be bolted down in Queensland?

For Category A, B and C weapons, the container must be securely fixed to the frame or floor of a permanent building if it weighs less than 150 kg. For Category D, H and R weapons, the solid steel container must be bolted to the frame or floor regardless of weight. Most home gun safes are under 150 kg, so most must be fixed.

Do I have to remove the bolt from my rifle when storing it in Queensland?

Section 94 of the Weapons Regulation 2016 requires a weapon to be stored unloaded in a locked container with its bolt removed or its action broken. Queensland Police notes that the bolt is a major component that is subject to the same storage requirements as the firearm, and that it can be stored with the firearm.

Can ammunition be stored inside my gun safe in Queensland?

Queensland Police says ammunition must be stored in a secure container or area separate from the container holding the firearms, and that a gun safe with an internal secured area for ammunition may be suitable. If you are unsure whether your safe’s compartment qualifies, check with Weapons Licensing on (07) 3015 7777.

Upgrade your gun storage with Precision Safes

Our showroom at 38 Barrie Rd, Tullamarine has over 350 new and used safes on display, and we deliver Australia-wide, including to Queensland. Call us on 0409 860 011 or get in touch online and we will help you pick a solid steel safe ahead of the 2027 deadline.