How to Store Your Airguns Safely and Securely

When it comes to owning airguns, safety is always the top priority – not just while you’re shooting, but also when storing them. Proper airgun storage is essential for protecting your equipment, ensuring it stays in top condition, and, most importantly, keeping it out of the wrong hands.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, knowing the best practices for airgun storage is key. We share valuable airgun storage tips to help you keep your firearms secure and ready for use whenever you need them.

UK Airgun Laws: What Are the Legal Requirements for Storing Airguns?

It’s a criminal offence in the UK if you don’t take reasonable precautions with your airguns. The law states that airguns must be stored securely to prevent access by unauthorised persons, particularly those under 18. Failure to do so could result in prosecution.

Key legal requirements include:

• Ensuring air weapons cannot be accessed by anyone under 14 without supervision
• Storing guns and ammunition in a secure location
• Taking reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorised access
• Never leaving airguns unattended, even on private premises
• Obtaining permission from the occupier before shooting on any land

What is the Best Way to Store an Airgun?

The method you choose for storing your airgun will depend on several factors, such as the type of airgun, the frequency of use, and the available storage space. There are several options, and each offers its unique benefits.

Use a Quality Gun Safe

One of the safest options for storing airguns is in a high-quality gun safe. These containers serve a dual purpose: they provide physical protection for your guns and keep them out of reach of unauthorised individuals, such as children or intruders. 

When choosing a gun safe, look for models that fit your airgun(s) comfortably. The safe should also have secure locking mechanisms, reinforced doors, and internal padding to prevent scratches or damage to your airguns. Some safes even offer climate control, which is useful for preventing rust and corrosion.

Opt for a Gun Cabinet

A gun cabinet is another great option. They’re specifically designed to hold multiple airguns and offer secure storage while keeping them easily accessible. Cabinets are typically made from durable steel and feature lockable doors.

They’re particularly useful for storing different types of air rifles of different types, whether you own a spring-powered air rifle, a CO2-powered air rifle, or a PCP air rifle. When choosing a cabinet, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the length of your air rifle and provides shelves or compartments for storing ammunition.

Dedicated Storage for Pistols and Smaller Airguns

For air pistols or BB guns, you might not need a full-sized gun safe or cabinet. Instead, a secure drawer or smaller lockbox can provide an ideal solution. Make sure the container is secure (preferably with a lock) and designed to keep the airgun out of direct exposure to the elements.

You can also use a custom storage solution such as foam-lined boxes or padded cases to protect your pistols during storage. Just be sure the storage area is dry, cool, and free of excess humidity.

What Are the Key Safety Tips for Gun Storage?

Storage isn’t just about finding a place for your airgun. It’s also about taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Always Unload Your Airgun

Before storing your airgun, make sure it is completely unloaded. This is the first and most important safety step to prevent accidental discharge. Check the chamber and magazine to ensure you’ve removed all pellets or BBs. Even if you’re planning to store your airgun for just a short time, unloading it will give you peace of mind.

Keep Your Airgun Clean and Well-Maintained

Proper maintenance is essential before storing your airgun. Clean your airgun regularly, paying special attention to the barrel and breech area. A clean barrel ensures better performance when you’re ready to use it again, while also preventing rust or corrosion.

If you’re storing an air rifle for an extended period, lubricate the moving parts lightly with oil. Avoid over-lubricating, though, as this can attract dust and debris. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

The environment in which you store your airgun affects its longevity. Ideally, keep your airguns in a temperature-controlled space that’s cool and dry. Excess heat and moisture can cause the metal parts of your airgun to corrode. In turn, this can lead to malfunctions and deteriorations.

Avoid storing your airguns in places like basements or attics where temperature fluctuations and damp conditions are common. Instead, opt for a room that remains at a consistent temperature and has good ventilation.

Prevent Contact with the Ground

We don’t recommend storing your airgun directly on the floor, especially in damp conditions. If your gun safe or cabinet is located on a concrete floor, use a protective mat or platform to raise the airgun slightly off the ground. This will help prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of rust.

Should You Store Airgun Ammunition Separately?

Yes, it’s a good idea to store your pellets and ammunition separately from your airgun. This adds an extra layer of security. Just like your gun, you should keep your ammunition in a controlled environment, away from heat and moisture that could affect its quality.

When storing pellets, use airtight containers or original packaging to keep them dry and secure. If you use lead-free pellets, store them in a way that avoids contamination with other types of ammunition.

How Can You Protect Your Air Rifle from Dust and Scratches?

Even with proper storage, dust and minor abrasions can cause damage to your airgun over time. Consider using a protective cover or case for added protection. This is particularly important for high-value air rifles or precision shooting guns that require extra care.

Additionally, if you’re storing multiple airguns, keep each gun in its own padded compartment or individually wrapped to prevent scratches caused by friction.

Secure and Reliable: Your Airgun Storage Starts Here

Storing your airguns safely and securely doesn’t just mean locking them away in a safe or cabinet. It also involves choosing the right accessories to protect and transport them. 

Whether storing your air rifle at home or taking it on an adventure, Airgun Armoury offers premium gun slips and bags to keep your firearms in top condition. From classic leather gun slips to durable canvas air rifle bags, our collection offers the perfect balance of protection and practicality.

Explore our diverse range today, and if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help you make the right choice for your shooting equipment.