Thread: Firearms storage question - shotgun forend removal

Just had my security checked and the inspector told me that break action shotguns must be stored without forends attached. I have never seen nor heard of this through multiple inspections. Is this true?

Sounds like bullshit to me.
Inspector has seen all my rifles and shotties (incl my endorsed ones) and hasn't said anything about breaking any of them down for storage

There is no requirement in the law to store firearms in a dismantled state PROVIDED they are stored separately from the ammunition. Ammo does not need to be locked up but does need to be stored in a manner that prevents ready access by children (steel ammo tins in a separate building is adequate). I strongly advise that firearms are stored in a complete condition (separate from the ammo). Do not remove bolts, magazines, fore-ends, etc. as in many cases these are impossible to replace, especially bolts and fore-ends (you would be amazed how often they are lost in such circumstances). Ignore Police 'instructions' if they differ from the law!

@gundoc thank you for a concise summary.

Have never been told that anything needs dismantling but no expert

Might sound a bit drastic and over the top but maybe we need to name and shame these officers that are giving out the wrong advice to what the law actually states?

‘Name and shame’ doesn’t read too well. I’d like to suggest a more constructive approach;

We are all agreed there are apparent inconsistencies across the country in how AO’s or their agent/contractors interpret and apply the safe storage section (and others) of the vetting/renewal process......

As these are often localised issues, would it be helpful to flag the REGION/District that particular AO/agent is applying their interpretation of the Act, so that forum members in that region are suitably prepared when they renew/apply, whilst at the same time we can all begin to see a wider picture.

Just a suggestion....

Originally Posted by Pointer

Just had my security checked and the inspector told me that break action shotguns must be stored without forends attached. I have never seen nor heard of this through multiple inspections. Is this true?

I would be wanting to have a chat to the local Arms Officer as this smells of "individual interpretation" (assuming he was not the inspector). As far as I know you can still both load and fire a break action shotgun with out the forend. Its just extraction / ejection of the fired rounds that wont happen fast. Happy to be proved wrong.

@SiB I do agree but how do we know that the message will get past on?

go buy a semi auto and put it in the rack next to the break open gun that is missing the fore end.

@Sideshow

It’s more about us as members; a; becoming wise to the nuances of our local AO through the experiences of other local members, (which means that they can more suitably present for their inspection) and b; we begin to achieve a clearer understanding of how different interpretations apply across our country - which from a national perspective allows us to constructively challenge those clearly inconsistent interpretations thus identified.

Emphasis on a positive and constructive approach.

@Sideshow

It’s more about us as members; a; becoming wise to the nuances of our local AO through the experiences of other local members, (which means that they can more suitably present for their inspection) and b; we begin to achieve a clearer understanding of how different interpretations apply across our country - which from a national perspective allows us to constructively challenge those clearly inconsistent interpretations thus identified.

Emphasis on a positive and constructive approach.

I was told the same thing by the palmy arms officer. I challenged him on it and he admitted it wasn't an actual requirement, but he would note that I wasn't compliant with that as part of the assessment...so I said I'd look at doing it in future. Which I haven't

So might be a few places around country doing it

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Pointer

Just had my security checked and the inspector told me that break action shotguns must be stored without forends attached. I have never seen nor heard of this through multiple inspections. Is this true?

You work with Tauranga? The mans a law unto himself!

Lets Clarify here, when you talk of break action shotguns you talk about single barrel, Under and Over and Side By Side
Have I got this correct.

well for as long as Ive had my licence (25+ years) you have been "supposed" to store firearms and ammo seperately and if possible take bolts out etc to make then unusable..... even if its NOT a legal requirement it makes sense.
if someone manages to open you cabinet they arent in posession of entire working firearm...a triggerlock works on semis/pumps and yes you can use break open guns without the forestock....
growing up I had a young cousin get hold of the 6.5x55mm rifle from insecure storage and shot his younger sister dead inside the family home..... NOBODY EVER wants to go through that and prevention is simple to do.....