Gun Cabinet Requirements in the UK: What the Police Expect and How to Get It Right

Quick Answer

In the UK, all Section 1 firearms and their ammunition must be stored in a locked gun cabinet that meets the British Standard BS7558:1992, bolted to a solid wall or floor. Shotguns held on a shotgun certificate must also be stored securely, though the standard can be slightly more flexible for shotguns depending on your police force. The cabinet must be inaccessible to unauthorised people, and your overall home security also matters - police consider the property's outer security as well as the cabinet itself.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Gun Storage in the UK?

The legal basis for secure firearms storage comes from the Firearms Act 1968 and the conditions attached to your Firearms Certificate (FAC) or Shotgun Certificate (SGC). The police, as the licensing authority, are required to satisfy themselves that your storage arrangements are secure before granting or renewing your certificate.

While the Firearms Act does not specify exactly what type of cabinet you must use, the Home Office guidance and most police forces refer to BS7558:1992 (now sometimes referenced as BS 7558) as the acceptable standard for gun cabinets. In practice, buying a cabinet that is explicitly BS7558-compliant and fitting it correctly will satisfy almost all police forces across England, Wales, and Scotland.

The Two Layers of Security Police Look At

When an FEO (Firearms Enquiry Officer) visits to assess your storage, they consider two levels of security:

1. Outer security - the security of the property itself. Solid doors, decent locks, double-glazed windows, and a working burglar alarm are all positive factors. The property should not be an easy target for opportunistic burglars.
2. Inner security - the gun cabinet itself and how it is fixed. This is where BS7558 compliance matters most.

A top-quality gun cabinet fixed poorly to a stud wall is less secure than a standard cabinet bolted correctly through masonry. Both elements matter.

What Does BS7558 Actually Require?

The British Standard BS7558:1992 sets out the construction requirements for gun cabinets. Key requirements include:

• Steel thickness - The body of the cabinet must be constructed from steel of a minimum gauge. Most compliant cabinets use 2mm-3mm cold rolled steel for the body and a heavier gauge for the door.
• Door construction - The door must overlap the frame to prevent jemmy attacks and include an anti-jemmy bar on the locking edge.
• Lock quality - The lock must meet minimum standards. Many compliant cabinets use dual five-lever or seven-lever locks. Tubular and barrel locks do not meet the standard.
• Fixing points - Pre-drilled holes for wall or floor bolting must be provided. The cabinet must be capable of being fixed through solid wall or floor material.

When purchasing, look for cabinets explicitly described as BS7558:1992 compliant or "police approved". Reputable suppliers include Brattonsound, Jewel Safes, and SDS London. Many budget cabinets sold online do not meet the standard and will fail an FEO inspection.

How Should You Fix Your Gun Cabinet?

Correct fixing is as important as the cabinet itself. A cabinet that is not properly anchored can be dragged away or prised off a wall. Police forces give clear guidance on fixing requirements.

Wall Fixing

The cabinet must be fixed to a solid masonry or concrete wall using appropriate masonry anchors (also called rawl bolts or anchor bolts). Plasterboard, stud walls, and timber partitions are not acceptable for the main fixing points. If your cabinet area has only stud walls, you may need to fix through to the structural elements behind or consider an alternative location.

Use the manufacturer's specified fixing bolts, typically M10 or M12 masonry anchors. Most cabinets come with pre-drilled holes in the back and base - use all fixing points, not just some of them.

Floor Fixing

Some cabinets can also be fixed to a concrete floor through the base. This is particularly common for larger, heavier cabinets. Floor fixing in addition to wall fixing provides the strongest installation.

Location Within the Property

Your FEO will also consider where in the property the cabinet is located. Guidance from Devon and Cornwall Police (and broadly consistent with other forces) states that cabinets should be:

• Out of sight from doors and windows - a casual caller should not be able to see the cabinet from outside
• In a room that is not easily visible from the street
• Not in an outbuilding unless that outbuilding meets additional security requirements
• Away from areas that are easily accessible from the exterior

Placing a cabinet under the stairs, in a utility room, or in a bedroom rather than the hallway or front room is generally preferred.

Can You Store Firearms in an Outbuilding or Garage?

Yes, but it requires a higher level of security than a cabinet inside your main house. Outbuildings, garages, and barns are at greater risk of break-in because they often have weaker doors and less surveillance than the main property.

If you want to store firearms in an outbuilding, your FEO will typically expect:

• The outbuilding to have a solid, lockable door with a quality deadlock
• Alarming of the outbuilding, preferably linked to the main property alarm
• The gun cabinet to be fixed to a concrete floor or solid masonry wall within the outbuilding
• CCTV coverage of the outbuilding entrance

If in doubt, ask your FEO before your home visit rather than after - it is much easier to address concerns before an application than to have conditions imposed or an application refused.

How Should Ammunition Be Stored?

The rules for ammunition storage differ between Section 1 (FAC) and Section 2 (shotgun) ammunition.

Section 1 Ammunition (FAC)

Centrefire rifle ammunition and rimfire ammunition for Section 1 firearms must be stored separately from the firearms themselves. This means either a separate locked container (a metal ammunition box with a padlock is acceptable to most forces) or a separate locked compartment within your main gun cabinet.

Most good-quality rifle cabinets include a separate upper compartment with its own lock specifically for ammunition. If yours does not, a quality steel ammo box locked and fixed inside the cabinet, or stored separately in a locked drawer or safe, will usually satisfy police requirements.

Section 2 Shotgun Ammunition

Shotgun cartridges do not have the same strict separation requirement, but they should still be stored securely and away from unauthorised access. Most FEOs are satisfied with shotgun cartridges stored in the gun cabinet alongside the shotguns, or in a separate locked cupboard or cabinet. Leaving cartridges loose in a hall cupboard is not acceptable.

What Happens During a Police Home Visit?

When you apply for your first certificate, renew an existing one, or are selected for a periodic inspection, an FEO will visit your home. Most people find these visits straightforward and professional - the FEO is there to confirm your arrangements are safe, not to find fault.

What the FEO Checks

• Location and condition of the gun cabinet
• That the cabinet is correctly fixed to a solid wall or floor
• That the lock is functioning and the key is not left in the cabinet
• That firearms and ammunition are being stored correctly
• General home security - doors, windows, alarm system
• That the firearms on your certificate match what is in the cabinet

Common Issues FEOs Find

• Cabinet fixed only to plasterboard or stud wall
• Ammunition stored with the firearms rather than separately (Section 1)
• Cabinet key left in the lock or hanging nearby
• Cabinet in a visible location (hallway, front room)
• Firearms not matching the certificate conditions

None of these are reasons to panic, but they can result in your application being delayed or conditional on improvements. Fixing them before the visit saves time and demonstrates responsible ownership.

What If You Rent Your Property?

Renters face the added complication of needing to fix a cabinet to walls they may not own. BASC's guidance on firearms storage in rented accommodation notes that most tenants can install a gun cabinet with their landlord's permission, and that the bolts used cause minimal damage that is easily repaired when you move out.

You should get written permission from your landlord before installation. When approaching your landlord, explain that you hold a police-issued firearms certificate and that secure storage is a legal requirement. Most landlords agree once they understand the situation. If your landlord refuses, you will need to arrange alternative secure storage or discuss the situation with your Firearms Licensing Department before applying.

How Many Guns Will Your Cabinet Need to Hold?

This is worth thinking about before you buy. It is tempting to buy the smallest cabinet that holds your current collection, but firearms collections have a habit of growing. A cabinet that comfortably holds your firearms today with space for future purchases is a better long-term investment than repeatedly upgrading.

Standard sizes are typically described by gun count: 4-gun, 6-gun, 8-gun, 10-gun, and larger. These figures usually refer to long-arms (rifles and shotguns). If you also hold moderators, pistols, or other items, factor those in. A good rule of thumb is to buy one size larger than you think you need.

Key Takeaways

• All Section 1 firearms must be stored in a BS7558-compliant steel cabinet, bolted to a solid masonry wall or floor
• Section 1 ammunition must be stored separately from the firearms - in a separate locked compartment or container
• Location matters: the cabinet should be out of sight of casual visitors and not in high-visibility areas of the home
• Outbuilding storage is possible but requires a higher level of security than storage within the main house
• Renters should get written landlord permission before installation and contact their FEO if there are complications
• Buy a cabinet larger than you currently need to allow for future acquisitions

Frequently Asked Questions

What standard must a gun cabinet meet in the UK?

Gun cabinets in the UK should meet British Standard BS7558:1992. This covers the steel gauge, door construction, lock quality, and fixing points. Most police forces accept any cabinet explicitly described as BS7558-compliant when correctly installed. Always check with your local Firearms Licensing Department if you are unsure about a specific cabinet.

Can I store my guns in a safe rather than a gun cabinet?

A high-quality safe that meets or exceeds BS7558 requirements can be acceptable, but check with your FEO first. A safe that is too heavy to move without equipment can sometimes be treated as secure without bolting, but most forces still expect it to be fixed. The key test is whether the storage arrangement is appropriate to the risk.

Do I need a separate lock for ammunition?

For Section 1 (FAC) ammunition, yes - it must be stored separately from the firearms in a locked container or locked separate compartment. Many rifle cabinets have a separate upper compartment with its own lock for exactly this purpose. A quality metal ammo box with a padlock stored inside a locked cabinet also satisfies most forces.

Can the police visit my home without notice to check my storage?

Yes. Under the Firearms Act 1968, police have the right to inspect your storage arrangements at any reasonable time. In practice, most forces contact you in advance to arrange an appointment, but they are not legally required to do so. Keeping your storage arrangements in good order at all times is always the right approach.

What happens if my cabinet is broken into or I am burgled?

You must notify the police immediately if any firearm is stolen or goes missing. Failure to report a theft promptly is a criminal offence. You should also notify your insurance company. Providing evidence that your cabinet was correctly installed and that you took all reasonable precautions helps demonstrate responsible ownership and avoids complications at your next renewal.

Can I store someone else's guns in my cabinet?

Yes, but the firearms must be covered by the owner's valid certificate, and you should notify your Firearms Licensing Department. You cannot store firearms for someone who does not hold the appropriate certificate. If you are storing a friend's guns temporarily (for example, while they move house), make sure the arrangement is short-term and properly documented.

Does a gun cabinet need to be alarmed?

A gun cabinet does not need to be individually alarmed, but a home alarm system is viewed positively by FEOs when assessing your overall security. For outbuilding storage, an alarm linked to the main property alarm is typically expected. Some high-security cabinets include internal alarm triggers as standard.

How big a gun cabinet do I need?

Buy at least one size larger than you currently need. Most cabinets are sold by capacity (4-gun, 6-gun, 8-gun, etc.), and collections tend to grow. Also factor in space for moderators, cleaning equipment, and other items. A cabinet that is too full makes it difficult to access firearms safely and may indicate that a larger cabinet or second cabinet is needed.

Can I put my gun cabinet in a garage or shed?

Yes, but outbuilding storage requires a higher level of outer security. The outbuilding must have solid, lockable doors, ideally an alarm, and the cabinet must be fixed to concrete or solid masonry within the building. Speak to your FEO before installing in an outbuilding to confirm what additional measures they require.

What should I do if my key is lost or stolen?

Notify the police immediately and ensure the firearms inside are made temporarily inaccessible by other means if possible. Most reputable cabinet suppliers can source replacement locks and keys, or a locksmith experienced in gun cabinet work can re-key the lock. Do not leave the cabinet unsecured or accessible while waiting for a replacement.