Requirements for gun safes: how to choose and install them correctly - Darwin Lviv

Owning a gun always comes with a heightened sense of responsibility. That’s why the state regulates not only the acquisition and use of guns, but also storage conditions. Compliance with these rules is mandatory for every gun owner, as violating them can lead to serious legal consequences. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at how to choose the right gun safe, what requirements it must meet, and how to properly install one in an apartment or private home.

Why an improper gun safe is no small matter

Many gun owners mistakenly believe that purchasing and installing a gun safe is a formal requirement for obtaining a permit. In reality, the safety of the owner, their family members, and others directly depends on its quality. A gun stored improperly can become easy prey for criminals or pose a significant threat. This is especially relevant for homes with children or strangers, as the risk of accidental weapon use in such conditions increases significantly.

Beyond safety concerns, an improperly selected or installed safe also has serious legal consequences. When a district police officer or representatives of the National Police of Ukraine inspect the weapons storage conditions, failure of the safe to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs may result in the denial or renewal of a permit, the revocation of a current license, or administrative liability for the owner. Furthermore, in the event of any incident involving a weapon, liability is almost always placed on the owner, regardless of who actually gained access to it.

What exactly is checked during storage inspections?

All weapons storage requirements in Ukraine are defined by Order No. 622 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine dated August 21, 1998. It approved the Instruction on the procedure for the manufacture, acquisition, storage, accounting, transportation, and use of firearms, pneumatic weapons, bladed and chilled weapons, as well as devices for firing non-lethal cartridges and ammunition.

In accordance with paragraph 7.7 of these Instructions, the National Police oversees the storage of weapons belonging to citizens. Inspections are conducted by district officers at least once every three years. Based on the inspection results, a report is compiled and filed in the gun owner’s personal file.

Having a weapons permit effectively means that the relevant police department has opened a personal file for the owner. Therefore, a visit by a district officer for an inspection is completely legal and possible at any time within the established procedure. During such an inspection, the owner must provide access to the premises where the weapon is stored and show the safe in which it is located.

Interestingly, the Instructions do not contain a clear and detailed list of parameters that authorized persons check when inspecting the storage of weapons. However, to avoid possible comments or complaints from the police, it is worth adhering to the following recommendations for choosing and installing a gun safe:

the metal thickness of the safe walls should be at least 3 mm, and the door section should be even more reinforced;
the lock should be burglar-proof, and it would be an additional advantage if the safe itself has a burglar-proof certificate;
the design of the product should include openings in the back and/or bottom walls for its secure fastening;
the safe should be placed in a place hidden from prying eyes;
it is worth securing the safe to the wall or floor using anchors.

If these recommendations are followed, inspectors will simply have no reason to complain.

What are the requirements for safes for different types of weapons?

Rules for storing weapons in In Ukraine, the regulations defined by Order No. 622 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs contain different requirements for safes depending on the type of weapon and the status of its owner. The most stringent requirements apply to safes used to store weapons belonging to legal entities. These may include security agencies, shooting ranges, banks, and other organizations. In such cases, the safe must:

be made of metal at least 3 mm thick;
have at least two internal locks;
be firmly secured to the floor and/or wall using anchors provided by the design.

However, current legislation does not establish requirements for the burglary or fire resistance ratings of safes.

As for weapons owned by individuals, the storage regulations are more lenient. Regulations do not specify a minimum wall thickness, a specific number of locks, or a requirement for the safe to be secured to a wall or floor. Order No. 622, paragraph 12.12, states the following: “Weapons, ammunition, main weapon parts, devices, and cartridges for them, owned by citizens, must be stored in metal boxes or safes specifically designed for storing weapons.” Essentially, this means that a home safe for civilian firearms can have any thickness and design, as long as it restricts unauthorized access to the rifle or pistol.

How to Know Which Option Is Right for You

When choosing a gun safe, focus not on its appearance or price, but on its specific technical specifications. Key parameters to consider include:

Dimensions. First, determine how many guns you plan to store. It’s important to consider not only your current needs but also your future needs, in case you want to expand your arsenal. The interior height of the safe should be at least a few centimeters longer than the length of the longest barrel. If the weapon is equipped with optics or other accessories, be sure to also consider the depth of the case. You should also consider space for ammunition, care products, or documents. Shelves or an internal compartment will be needed for this.
Metal Thickness. Although the law does not establish strict standards for storing weapons owned by individuals, the thickness of the steel determines the actual level of protection. For basic household use, 1.5-2 mm is sufficient, but if you want a secure safe that will be difficult to break into, it is advisable to choose models with walls at least 3 mm thick. The doors should be even more robust, as this is the most vulnerable area of the structure.
Lock and locking system. The lock type can be key, mechanical, electronic, or a combination. You can choose any option that suits you best. At the same time, it is important that the lock is certified and manufactured by a reputable manufacturer. The deadbolt system is equally important. The more steel deadbolts and the more directions they secure the door, the more difficult it is to force the safe open.
Internal compartment (tray). A separate compartment for ammunition is not a requirement, but it significantly increases security. Separate storage of weapons and ammunition in a single safe is considered a more practical solution.
Construction and strength of the case. It’s best if the safe’s case has a minimum number of welds, and the door hinges are located internally. It’s also important that the product has factory-prepared holes for secure mounting to the wall and/or floor.
Certification. Burglary- or fire-resistant certificates are not mandatory for gun safes, but they do serve as objective confirmation of the product’s quality. This is especially important for residents of private homes or apartments on lower floors, where the risk of unauthorized access is significantly higher.

By evaluating a safe according to these criteria, you can choose an option that meets your needs and security requirements.

How to Properly Install a Gun Safe in an Apartment or House

Proper installation of a gun safe is no less important than its selection. Start with choosing a location. The safe should not be in plain sight. The less obvious its location, the better. Ideally, it should be placed in hidden areas, such as an alcove, built-in closet, pantry, or utility room. A corner is a good choice, as this will provide more mounting surfaces. It’s also important to maintain safe distances. Avoid installing the safe near entrance doors or windows, or near heat sources.

The next step is installation. How do you properly install a gun safe? It must be secured with anchor bolts. This is crucial, as gun safes weighing up to 100 kg (220 lbs) can be easily carried off along with their contents. The safe must be secured in at least two places, such as to a wall and the floor. The mounting surface must be strong and reliable (concrete, brick, or metal). Drywall structures, non-reinforced aerated concrete blocks, or wooden partitions are not suitable for installing a gun safe.

After installation, check the safe for any play, ensure nothing is blocking the door from opening, and ensure the lock is functioning properly. If possible, consider additional security measures, such as installing an alarm or video surveillance above the safe.

Current legislation only imposes basic storage requirements on individuals who own weapons. However, the lack of detailed regulations doesn’t mean you can take the choice of a safe lightly. Your weapon is your personal responsibility, and the safety of you, your loved ones, and those around you depends on how it’s stored. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you have a reliable safe and its proper installation in advance.