UK Firearms Cabinet Requirements: Storage Guide | Vectis

Q: What happens if my storage does not meet requirements?

Your FEO will tell you what needs to change and give you a reasonable period to make improvements. In extreme cases they could revoke your certificate, but this is very unusual.

Q: Do I need to tell my landlord about a firearms cabinet?

Check your tenancy agreement, as most require landlord permission before making fixtures like drilling bolt holes. Some forces accept free-standing safes for rental properties to avoid wall fixings.

Q: Is a gun safe better than a gun cabinet?

A safe offers higher security and may be required for larger collections. For most certificate holders with a few sporting firearms, a BS 7558 cabinet is perfectly adequate and far more affordable.

Q: Can I build my own firearms cabinet?

There is no law against it, but it would need to meet BS 7558 standards and satisfy your FEO. Manufactured cabinets start at around £80, making DIY impractical.

Quick Answer

To choose, install, and pass police inspection for UK firearms storage, select a secure steel cabinet meeting BS 7558 standard or equivalent. This cabinet must be robustly bolted to a solid wall or floor using coach bolts, as your Firearms Enquiry Officer will thoroughly inspect these secure arrangements prior to any certificate being granted.

# UK Firearms Cabinet Requirements: How to Choose, Install, and Pass Police Inspection ## Quick Answer Every firearms certificate holder in the UK must store their firearms and ammunition in a secure steel cabinet that meets **BS 7558 standard** or equivalent. The cabinet must be bolted to a solid wall or floor with coach bolts, and your Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) will inspect your storage arrangements before any certificate is granted. There's no minimum number of firearms required to trigger the cabinet requirement; even a single shotgun or rifle needs proper secure storage. ## What Are the Legal Requirements for Firearms Storage in the UK? The legal basis for secure firearms storage comes from Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 (for Section 1 firearms) and Section 2 (for shotguns), combined with Home Office guidance. The law states that certificate holders must take "reasonable precautions" to prevent unauthorised access to their firearms and ammunition. In practice, this means a purpose-built steel cabinet. The Home Office Guide on Firearms Licensing Law (2024) sets out that police forces expect firearms and shotguns to be stored in a cabinet that meets or exceeds BS 7558, the British Standard for gun cabinets. Your local police force has the final say on whether your arrangements are adequate. Some forces are stricter than others, but the baseline expectation across England, Wales, and Scotland is consistent: a proper steel cabinet, properly fixed, in a sensible location. ## What Is BS 7558 and Does My Cabinet Need to Meet It? BS 7558 is the British Standard specification for gun cabinets. It covers the construction, locking mechanism, and fixing requirements for cabinets designed to store sporting firearms. ### Key BS 7558 Requirements - **Construction:** Minimum 2mm steel body and 3mm steel door - **Lock:** Multi-point locking mechanism (typically 5 to 7 lever lock or equivalent) - **Hinges:** Internal or concealed hinges that can't be attacked from outside - **Fixings:** Must be fixed to a structural wall or floor using coach bolts or rawl bolts - **Bolt points:** Minimum of two fixing points through the back or base Most cabinets sold by UK dealers like Brattonsound, JFC, and Leapers already meet BS 7558. If you're buying new, check that the manufacturer states BS 7558 compliance on the product specification. Second-hand cabinets should also meet this standard, though older models may not carry the certification mark. ### Do I Need a More Secure Cabinet for Section 1 Firearms? Some police forces differentiate between shotgun storage and Section 1 (rifle) storage. For rifles, particularly in larger collections, forces may recommend or require enhanced security like: - **Thicker steel** (3mm body, 4mm door) - **Multi-lock systems** (separate locks top and bottom) - **Alarmed cabinets** or connection to a monitored alarm system - **Separate ammunition storage** (a second locked compartment or cabinet) Check with your local Firearms Licensing Department before purchasing, as requirements can vary between forces. ## How Do I Choose the Right Size Firearms Cabinet? Choosing the right cabinet size is about balancing your current collection with realistic future growth. Buying too small is one of the most common mistakes new certificate holders make. ### Standard Cabinet Sizes | Cabinet Size | Typical Capacity | Best For | |-------------|-----------------|----------| | 3-gun | 3 long arms | Single shotgun or rifle holders | | 5-gun | 5 long arms | Most certificate holders | | 7-gun | 7 long arms | Growing collections | | 10-gun | 10 long arms | Serious collectors and multi-discipline shooters | | 14+ gun | 14+ long arms | Large collections, estates | ### Sizing Tips **Buy bigger than you think you need.** If you currently own two shotguns, buy a 5-gun cabinet at minimum. Adding a rifle later (which many shotgun certificate holders do) means you won't need to replace the cabinet. The price difference between a 3-gun and 5-gun cabinet is typically only **£30 to £50**, while the hassle of upgrading later involves removing and refitting fixings. **Consider scoped rifles.** Rifles with scopes fitted take up more width than bare shotguns. Some cabinets advertise "8-gun capacity" but can only fit 4 or 5 scoped rifles. Look for cabinets with adjustable internal racks, or models specifically designed for scoped rifles with wider spacing. **Account for moderators.** If your rifles are fitted with sound moderators, they add significant length. Measure your longest firearm (with moderator attached) and add 50mm. Standard cabinet internal heights are around 1,270mm to 1,350mm, which accommodates most sporting rifles, but check before buying. ## Where Should I Install My Firearms Cabinet? Location is as important as the cabinet itself. Your FEO will assess the position during the home visit, and a poorly chosen location can delay your application. ### Ideal Locations - **Bedroom** - The most common location. Easy to monitor, usually has solid walls for fixing, and offers a degree of natural oversight. - **Dedicated room or cupboard** - If you have a spare room or large built-in cupboard, this offers added security through a second locked door. - **Under stairs** - Works well if the wall behind is solid brick or block. Can be concealed behind a door. ### Locations to Avoid - **Garage** - Many FEOs will reject a garage installation unless it's integral to the house (not a detached outbuilding) and has additional security measures like a reinforced door and alarm. - **Shed or outbuilding** - Almost never acceptable. Too vulnerable to break-in. - **Near external doors or ground-floor windows** - Increases accessibility for intruders. - **Visible from outside** - The cabinet should not be visible through any window. Don't advertise that firearms are on the premises. ### Concealment While not a legal requirement, concealment is good practice and something most FEOs will comment on. Options include: - Fitting the cabinet inside a built-in wardrobe - Building a false panel or cupboard door in front of it - Placing it in a room that isn't immediately accessible from the main entrance The principle is simple: if a burglar doesn't know it's there, they can't try to take it. ## How Do I Install a Firearms Cabinet Correctly? Proper installation is critical. A cabinet that isn't fixed correctly will fail the FEO inspection, and more importantly, won't do its job if someone tries to remove it. ### Tools and Materials Needed - **Coach bolts or rawl bolts** (M10 or M12, minimum 75mm into masonry) - **Masonry drill bit** (to match bolt size) - **SDS drill or hammer drill** - **Socket set or spanner** - **Spirit level** - **Pencil and tape measure** ### Step-by-Step Installation 1. **Position the cabinet** against the chosen wall. Use a spirit level to check it's upright. 2. **Mark the fixing holes** through the pre-drilled holes in the back (or base) of the cabinet. 3. **Move the cabinet aside** and drill the holes into the wall. For brick or block walls, drill to a depth of at least 75mm into the masonry (not the plaster). 4. **Insert rawl bolts** or push through coach bolts. 5. **Reposition the cabinet** and align with the fixings. 6. **Tighten bolts** firmly. The cabinet should not move or rock when you try to pull it away from the wall. 7. **Test the door** opens and closes freely and the lock engages correctly. ### Fixing to Stud Walls Plasterboard or stud walls are problematic. Most FEOs won't accept a cabinet fixed only to plasterboard. Your options are: - **Fix through to a structural element** (noggin, timber frame, or steel stud) - **Fix to the floor** using concrete anchor bolts (if it's a solid floor) - **Install a backing board** of 18mm plywood screwed to the studs, then bolt the cabinet to that If in doubt, call your Firearms Licensing Department and ask. They'd rather answer a question in advance than reject your installation on the day. ## What Will the FEO Check During Inspection? The Firearms Enquiry Officer's home visit covers your entire security setup. Knowing what they're looking for helps you prepare. ### Standard FEO Checks - **Cabinet specification** - Is it BS 7558 compliant? What's the steel thickness? - **Fixing quality** - Are the bolts properly installed? Can the cabinet be rocked or pulled from the wall? - **Location** - Is it in a sensible position? Is it concealed from view? - **Key security** - Where do you keep the keys? They must NOT be near the cabinet. A separate locked location (like a key safe in another room) is expected. - **Ammunition storage** - For Section 1 firearms, some forces require ammunition to be stored separately from the firearms. - **Household access** - Who else lives in the house? Are there any concerns about other residents accessing the firearms? ### Common Reasons for Failing Inspection - Cabinet not properly bolted (surface-mounted screws instead of through-bolts) - Keys left in the lock or hung nearby - Cabinet visible from outside the property - Installed in an outbuilding or detached garage - Wrong cabinet type for the firearms being stored (too flimsy for Section 1) - Ammunition stored loose rather than in a locked compartment Most FEOs are helpful and practical. If something isn't quite right, they'll usually tell you what needs fixing rather than outright refusing. But getting it right first time avoids delays to your application. ## How Should I Store Ammunition? Ammunition storage requirements depend on what type of certificate you hold and what your local force expects. ### Shotgun Cartridges (Section 2) There's no specific legal requirement for separate storage of shotgun cartridges, but they should be kept secure and out of reach of unauthorised persons. Many certificate holders store cartridges in the bottom of their shotgun cabinet, which is perfectly acceptable. ### Section 1 Ammunition (Rifle and Pistol Cartridges) For Section 1 ammunition, the expectation is higher. Most forces require: - **Separate locked storage** from firearms (either a separate compartment within the cabinet, or a separate smaller cabinet) - **Quantity limits** as specified on your FAC (typically 200 to 500 rounds for target shooting) - **Proper labelling** if storing multiple calibres A small ammunition safe (around **£40 to £80**) bolted inside a wardrobe or fixed to a wall in a different location from the main cabinet is a practical solution that satisfies most forces. ## How Much Does a Firearms Cabinet Cost? Cabinet prices vary depending on size, build quality, and additional features like internal lighting or electronic locks. ### Typical Price Ranges (2026) | Type | Price Range | Examples | |------|------------|---------| | Budget 3-gun shotgun cabinet | £80 to £120 | Brattonsound SL3 | | Standard 5-gun cabinet | £150 to £250 | Brattonsound Sentinel | | Premium 7-gun scoped rifle cabinet | £250 to £400 | JFC or Brattonsound RL7 | | High-security 10+ gun | £400 to £800 | Brattonsound Premier | | Safe-grade gun storage | £800+ | Chubb, Secureline | **Don't forget installation costs** if you're not doing it yourself. A locksmith or handyman will typically charge **£50 to £100** to install a standard cabinet, including drilling and bolting. ### Where to Buy - **Specialist dealers** like Brattonsound (direct from manufacturer, best prices) - **Gun shops** - Most stock a range and can advise on what your local force expects - **Online retailers** - Cheaper but you'll need to arrange delivery of a heavy item (30 to 60kg) ## What About Home Insurance and Firearms? Storing firearms affects your home insurance. You must declare that you keep firearms on the property, and failure to do so could void your policy. ### Key Insurance Considerations - **Declare your firearms** to your insurer when you obtain your certificate - **Specialist cover** may be needed for higher-value collections - **BASC membership** includes firearms insurance up to a specified value - **Some insurers** offer reduced premiums if you have additional security measures (like a monitored alarm) Standard home insurance typically covers firearms up to around **£1,500 to £3,000** in total. If your collection exceeds this, you'll need a specialist policy or a named items extension. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I store firearms at someone else's house? You can temporarily store firearms at another certificate holder's address if they have appropriate secure storage, but this should be a short-term arrangement. Your certificate lists your home address as the primary storage location, and your FEO expects your firearms to be stored there. For long-term arrangements (like during a house move), notify your Firearms Licensing Department. ### Do I need a separate cabinet for shotguns and rifles? No, you can store shotguns and rifles in the same cabinet provided it meets the security requirements for the highest category of firearm stored. If you have Section 1 rifles, the cabinet must meet Section 1 standards even if it also contains shotguns. ### How often do the police inspect firearms storage? There's no fixed schedule. An FEO will inspect before your initial grant and before each renewal (every five years). They can also conduct unannounced visits at any time, though in practice these are rare. If you're adding new firearms to your certificate, a visit may or may not be required depending on your force. ### Can I keep my firearms cabinet keys in a key safe? Yes, and many FEOs recommend it. A small combination key safe (like a wall-mounted estate agent box) in a separate room from the cabinet is a practical solution. The keys must never be kept in the same room as the cabinet, in an obvious location like a bedside drawer, or anywhere a burglar might easily find them. ### What happens if my storage doesn't meet requirements? If your FEO finds your storage inadequate, they'll tell you what needs to change. You'll be given a reasonable period to make improvements. In extreme cases (like no cabinet at all), they could revoke your certificate, but this is very unusual. Most FEOs work with you to find a solution. If you're upgrading your storage, keep receipts and take photos to show your FEO. ### Do I need to tell my landlord about a firearms cabinet? If you're renting, you should check your tenancy agreement. Most tenancies require landlord permission before making fixtures like drilling bolt holes. Explain that it's a legal requirement for your certificate, and most landlords are understanding. Some forces accept free-standing safes (heavy enough not to be moved) for rental properties, avoiding the need for wall fixings. ### Is a gun safe better than a gun cabinet? A safe offers higher security than a standard cabinet and may be required for larger collections or higher-value firearms. Safes typically weigh 100kg or more (making them impractical to move), have thicker steel, and often carry insurance-rated security certifications. For most certificate holders with a few sporting firearms, a BS 7558 cabinet is perfectly adequate and far more affordable. ### Can I build my own firearms cabinet? Technically, there's no law against a home-built cabinet, but it would need to meet or exceed BS 7558 standards, and your FEO would need to be satisfied that it's adequate. In practice, manufactured cabinets are inexpensive enough that building your own isn't worth the risk of it failing inspection. A basic compliant cabinet starts at around £80.

Quick Answer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store firearms at someone else's house?

Do I need a separate cabinet for shotguns and rifles?

How often do the police inspect firearms storage?

Can I keep my firearms cabinet keys in a key safe?

What happens if my storage does not meet requirements?

Do I need to tell my landlord about a firearms cabinet?

Is a gun safe better than a gun cabinet?

Can I build my own firearms cabinet?

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