Before young hunters can buy their first hunting weapon, they must first purchase a weapon safe.

Due to legal regulations, it is now only permissible to purchase a new gun safe of protection class 0 or 1 , although we recommend purchasing the higher protection class 1, as the difference in price is usually of little consequence.

The higher the protection class, the higher the resistance level of the cabinet.

Lower protection classes than 0 and 1 require the presence of a lockable compartment for ammunition; this condition does not apply to protection class 0 and higher, so that ammunition and weapons may be stored separately. An unlimited number of long guns may be stored in a gun safe of protection class 0 or higher, and up to five handguns, provided the safe weighs less than 200 kg. If the safe weighs more than 200 kg, up to 10 handguns may be stored in the safe.

Older gun safe models that are already in use are protected by the grandfathering - they do not have to be replaced by new safes. The may also store newly acquired weapons in his old cabinet. However, if the cabinet is full, a level 0 or 1 safe must be purchased when another firearm is acquired.

Fixed storage capacities apply to cabinets with inventory protection:

A-cabinet: 10 long guns

B cabinet: unlimited long guns, 5 short guns (up to 200 kg)/ 10 short guns (from 200 kg or anchored).

Gun cabinets are offered with key and with combination lock. The advantage of a combination lock is that the key cannot be lost, but above all that if a key is used, it must always be carried. Thus, a combination lock allows a much less complicated and yet reliable access to the protected weapons.

Ammunition cabinet

For the storage of ammunition requiring a permit, a steel cabinet (or sheet metal cabinet) with a swing bolt lock alone is sufficient.

Because the presence of a cabinet is a basic requirement for the acquisition of the first and every subsequent weapon, it is part of the basic equipment for young hunters.

New gun cabinets are available from a price of about 500 euros.

Our tip: Most hunters own more than 5 long guns - with ammunition in different labs (lead-free, leaded, full metal jacket bullets, screen ammo,..) the cabinet will be full faster than you think - so it is not recommended to invest in the smallest model for storage.