Requirements for safe storage of weapons

Requirements for secure storage of weapons

Anyone in possession of firearms, weapon parts, or ammunition must store these items in such a way that unauthorized persons cannot access them. The owner of a firearm must ensure that the weapon is unloaded during storage.

The main requirement is that all weapons, or a vital part, must be stored in an FG-approved gun cabinet.

Important rules for weapon storage

• Weapons and ammunition cannot be stored in uninhabited houses or cabins.
• If there are more than 25 weapons in the household, an FG-approved burglar alarm connected to an alarm center must be installed.
• A weapon room pre-approved by the police can be used instead of a security cabinet.

Weapon types and vital part

All registrable weapons as well as unregistered shotguns, or a vital part of the weapon, must be stored in an FG-approved gun cabinet.

Essential parts for various weapons:

• Rifle: Bolt, action or barrel.
• Double-barreled shotgun: Fore-end, barrel or stock with trigger mechanism.
• Single-barreled shotgun: Barrel or stock with trigger mechanism.
• Combination gun: Fore-end, barrel or stock with trigger mechanism.
• Pistol: Frame, barrel or slide/bolt.
• Revolver: Frame, barrel or cylinder/barrel.

Exceptions from the requirement for FG-approved storage:

• Air and spring guns up to caliber 4.5 mm
• Paintball guns and airsoft 
• Weapons produced before 1890

Ammunition and reloading components

Ammunition must be stored locked in a separate cabinet or drawer away from weapons.

Main rules for ammunition storage:

• Each household can store up to 10,000 cartridges.
• In addition, 5,000 cartridges in caliber .22LR or Short can be stored.
• Up to 2,000 of the cartridges can be stored in an FG-approved safety cabinet along with weapons.
• Each household can store up to 5 kg of powder.
• Powder and primers must be stored separately and securely.
• Ammunition cannot be stored in an uninhabited cabin or house.

Requirements for anchoring gun cabinets in private homes

Gun cabinets weighing less than 150 kg must be anchored to the floor or wall:

• When anchoring in stud work or beams, use strong French wood screws.
• When anchoring in masonry and concrete, use expansion bolts.
• Always follow the cabinet manufacturer's instructions.
• Special rules apply if gun cabinets are to be used for business purposes.

Firearm security during use and transport

During transport, firearms and ammunition must be supervised.

Rules for safe transport of firearms:

• The firearm must be unloaded, packed away, and not accessible during transport.
• If the firearm is transported as luggage, a vital part must be removed.
• If a vehicle with a firearm is left unattended, a vital part must be taken with, the firearm covered, and the vehicle locked.
• If a vehicle with ammunition is left unattended, the ammunition must be covered and the vehicle locked.

Additional information

• For Svalbard, special rules apply for the transport of firearms and the storage of gunpowder and primers.
• Shooting clubs/associations and hunter associations can apply to the police for a permit to store firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in uninhabited houses.
• Weapons or vital parts must be stored in an FG-approved security cabinet, and if there are more than 10 weapons, an alarm system is required.