Recent regulation changes regarding the transport of firearms have put what has long been best practice into law.
Now, it is illegal to store a firearm and ammunition together, and, in addition, the owner is required to take all reasonable steps to prevent the theft (and use) of the firearm.
Transportation
In the Police document - Secure Storage and Transportation Standards for Firearms and Ammunition - the police recommend using Trigger Locks when transporting any firearm that can not meet the recommendation of -
"If possible, vital parts of the firearms remain in the licence holder’s possession."
In a practical sense, this means any pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun, rimfire semi-automatic and many lever guns require a trigger lock to make the firearm 'incapable of discharge' when travelling with them.
We have a couple of options available - though I often tend to recommend the coded version - as it's one more key you don't have to carry around!
https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/outdoor-outfitters-gun-trigger-lock-with-combination
Just In Case
It is a requirement to transport firearms in a suitable bag or case. I prefer hard cases - they are more securable, more robust and stackable - meaning you can put them in first, then pack the backpacks and other kit on top - helping conceal the firearm a bit more. Investing a bit more into a decent case is a worthwhile spend - you can use it for all your firearms and it's really a case of buy once, cry once!
The Richmond Seal Case Weatherproof Equipment Case 1346x406x155mm is my pick. Big enough to carry a couple of firearms, bipods, suppressors and the like - small enough to still fit into most Airlines 'Sports Equipment' limits and robust enough to last a lifetime - I have also been known to use a smaller 'gun bag' inside the bigger case for Airline Flight, or long trips - so when I get there I can pull the gun out in the smaller bag for the final distance to where I am shooting.
Don't forget padlocks - ABUS 70IB Aqua Safe Marine Padlock 70IB/45
Ammunition
Ammo is required to be transported in a locked container - a glove compartment can work, but I would suggest a box. You can use the same one for home, and, it's less likely you will forget about it when you arrive at your destination and leave the ammo in the glove compartment while you walk into the bush for a couple of hours!
We have a selection of lockable boxes - varying in size.
At Home
Many arms officers are also requesting to see firearms similarly stored at home - even in a safe, the preference is to have either the bolt removed and stored separately or, for firearms that can't easily have a key component removed to render them incapable of discharge, a trigger lock.
We all need to do all we can to store and transport our firearms safely - a couple of trigger locks are an easy way to comply. Don't get caught out. Get a couple, use them, and good shooting!
For fastening to the two surfaces - double check the supplied fasteners are actually 6mm as required. You do get the occasional safe that has 5mm or even 4mm fasteners supplied from the factory.
This article was written by Kerry Adams. He is our Service Manager, and one of the MSC/Police Firearms Safety Instructors - if you sat your licence test in the last few years in Auckland, there is actually a good chance you have already met him!