Diverse · Inspirasjon · Jakt ·May 08, 2025

Requirements for safe storage of weapons

Anyone who possesses firearms, weapon parts or ammunition must store the items in a way that unauthorized persons cannot access them. The owner of a firearm must ensure that the weapon is empty of ammunition 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 storing weapons

Weapons and ammunition cannot be stored in an unoccupied house or cabin.
If there are more than 25 weapons in the household, an FG-approved burglar alarm connected to an alarm center must be installed.
Gun rooms pre-approved by the police can be used instead of security cabinets.

Weapon types and vital parts

All weapons subject to registration as well as unregistered shotguns, or vital parts of the weapon, must be stored in an FG-approved gun cabinet.

Vital part for various weapons:

Rifle: Striker, lock case or pipe.
Double-barreled shotgun: Forend, barrel or stock with trigger mechanism.
Single-barreled shotgun: Pipe or flask with trigger mechanism.
Combination weapons: Forend, barrel or stock with trigger mechanism.
Pistol: Frame piece, barrel or slide/breech.
Revolver: Frame piece, pipe or cylinder/barrel.

Exceptions to requirements for FG-approved storage:

Air and spring weapons up to caliber 4.5 mm
Paintball guns and airsoft
Weapons manufactured before 1890

Ammunition and loading components

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

The main rules for storing ammunition:

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 security cabinet together with weapons.
Each household can store up to 5 kg of gunpowder.
Gunpowder and primers should be stored separately and securely.
Ammunition cannot be stored in an unoccupied cabin or house.

Requirements for anchoring gun cabinets in private homes

Firearms cabinets with a net weight of less than 150 kg must be anchored to the floor or wall:

When anchoring to studs or beams, use strong French wood screws.
When anchoring in masonry and concrete, expansion bolts are used.
Always follow the cabinet supplier's instructions.
Special rules apply if the gun cabinet is to be used for commercial purposes.

Weapon safety during use and transport

During transport, firearms and ammunition must be supervised.

Rules for safe transportation of weapons:

The weapon must be emptied of ammunition, packed and not accessible during transport.
If the weapon is transported as luggage, a vital part must be removed.
If a vehicle with a weapon is abandoned, vital parts must be taken with it, the weapon must be covered and the vehicle must be locked.
If a vehicle with ammunition is abandoned, the ammunition must be covered and the vehicle locked.

Additional information

Svalbard has its own rules for transporting weapons and storing gunpowder and fuses.
Shooting clubs and hunting associations can apply to the police for a dispensation to store weapons, weapon parts and ammunition in uninhabited houses.
Here, weapons or vital parts must be stored in an FG-approved safe, and if there are more than 10 weapons, an alarm system is required.