Gun storage

Steve123

Well-Known Member
Can somebody tell me what the law is regarding storing firearms and shotguns in a proper steel cabinet bolted to the wall in a steel shipping container 25m from the house.
To my mind it is safer as to break in would need an angle grinder and lots of noise for at least half an hour . Then they have to break into the cabinet.
 
The law says you must at all times take reasonable precautions to prevent an unauthorised person from accessing your firearms. There is firearms security guidance which goes into more depth about what's expected/acceptable, and if you stray from the guidance you'll likely have a harder time if you were ever in court or fighting a revocatio. But the law doesn't actually mention where or how firearms must be kept other than that.
 
I have a friend who was told it was ok to use a shipping container by his FEO, the council made him lower it few inches due to planning regs, did this by digging out the ground on the footing by 6 inches. He also made it look a bit nicer by building a cabin type construction around it. Your local Council my turn up if planning is an issue.
 
Wont be your mind that has to be satisfied, itl be down to the flo that inspects it, over the years ive seen all sorts refused, garage extensions, brick built garden buildings, all with probably ample security, maybe a email to your firearms office for a bit of advice stateing what you propose see what comes back, good luck.
 
I suspect the FLO will want your guns stored within the environs of your house as opposed to outside. Read the latest HO guidance so you are informed and engage early. I’ve never met one yet who you couldn’t have a progressive dialogue with if approached in the right way.
 
I do know someone who had firearms storage in a shipping container.
I believe it was only a temporary arrangement though.
 
Can somebody tell me what the law is regarding storing firearms and shotguns in a proper steel cabinet bolted to the wall in a steel shipping container 25m from the house.
To my mind it is safer as to break in would need an angle grinder and lots of noise for at least half an hour . Then they have to break into the cabinet.
Containers are often damp so there is a starter for 10 not to use it.
 
The law is the same as most English law, huge gray area I would personal alarm the unit and have CCTV watching it, if you FAO agrees to it then it's passed. Or they may have a few other stipulations
 
The other concern is that if the container is not as "convenient" on a wet rainy day as taking the firearms into your house that you might then do that. And not lock the thing in its gunsafe in the container. It is the often quoted reason why a gunsafe in an attic that requires deploying a loft ladder to access it is sometimes deemed unacceptable.
 
I believe some feos can be fussy and the prefer in the house. Occasionally they accept other buildings if it is “of the same construction as a house” garages often get the thumbs down. I’ve moved all my guns to a locked cupboard in my butchery room in the office- workshop. They grumbled a bit but I said the office workshop is locked more than the house and it’s been there ever since about 10yrs
 
I believe some feos can be fussy and the prefer in the house. Occasionally they accept other buildings if it is “of the same construction as a house” garages often get the thumbs down. I’ve moved all my guns to a locked cupboard in my butchery room in the office- workshop. They grumbled a bit but I said the office workshop is locked more than the house and it’s been there ever since about 10yrs
Same, but more secure than the house as has locking, double glazed windows (as opposed to 120 year old single sash), cavity walls, steel security doors externally and internally, steel mesh in flat roof, alarm and CCTV externally and internally. Also overlooked on all sides by us or the neighbours FEO fine with that and I have enough to require level 3.

I would say, based on the amount of break ins we have on sites shipping containers are not particularly secure.
 
Shipping containers are good for shipping things in. For secure storage of firearms or any valuables they are about as much use as a chocolate fire guard and as been mentioned by others ,damp.
 
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