Ultimate Guide to Gun Safes, Lockers & Firearm Storage in South Africa
Looking for the best gun lockers, firearm safes, or pistol lockers in South Africa? Whether you’re a homeowner, security company, shooting club, or firearm collector, secure gun storage is both a legal obligation and a personal responsibility. With stringent SABS standards and SAPS inspections, choosing certified solutions from trusted providers like Avansa, The Safe Shop, Safe Shop, or Blue Eagle Safes is essential.
Why Gun Storage Matters in South Africa
South Africa reports over 220,000 home invasions each year, with firearm theft on the rise. SAPS mandates that all licensed firearms be secured in SABS approved gun safes. Without proper storage, gun owners risk fines, license revocation, or worse — stolen firearms being used in crime.
- ✅ Prevent theft and misuse of firearms
- ✅ Protect children and household members
- ✅ Stay compliant with the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000)
- ✅ Ensure insurance coverage for your firearm assets
Types of Gun Safes and Firearm Lockers Available in South Africa
There are many safes for sale designed for different needs and environments:
These include:
- Gun Locker: Compact Pistol Locker, ideal for securing one or two handguns in homes or offices.
- Gun Safe Lockers: Mounting several gun lockers together onto a wall, is ideal for a business looking for organised firearm storage.
- Gun Safes: Wall Hung Gun Safes or Rifle Safes are ideal for hunters, collectors or businesses.
At Avansa, we stock all of these models with competitive gun safe prices and expert support to help you choose the right fit.
Click here to view the full Gun Safes & Lockers for Home Security in South Africa Guide
How To Install a Safe In South Africa
Safe Anchoring Requirements:
- Safes must be secured to the floor, wall, or another immovable structure.
- If the floor is unsuitable for direct fixing, the safe should be mounted on a concrete base measuring 300mm deep × 450mm × 450mm, or matching the dimensions of the safe, with concrete strength of 15 MPa. The fixing must be done using M10 x 80mm anchor bolts (penetration length).
- For hollow-core brick walls, the fixing holes must be filled with non-shrink grout or a 10 MPa epoxy/sand mix before anchoring with M10 x 80mm bolts.
Legal Requirements for Firearm Storage in South Africa
Under South African law, all licensed firearm holders must store their weapons in SABS approved gun safes or firearm lockers that meet strict standards:
- ✅ Constructed from steel with at least 3mm thickness (6mm door)
- ✅ Must be bolted to floors or walls using SABS-approved anchor bolts
- ✅ Equipped with secure locking mechanisms, including dual-lock systems for high-security requirements
- ✅ Separate lockable compartments for ammunition
- Click here to see the full list
During SAPS inspections, non-compliance can lead to license revocation or criminal penalties. Purchasing from reputable dealers like your local gun shop or dealer, or Avansa ensures full compliance.
Understanding Gun Safe Prices in South Africa
Gun safe prices vary depending on size, material, locking system, and compliance certifications. Here's a general guide:
- Avansa Pistol Locker & Gun Locker: Starting at R1,599 ex VAT – compact and secure for handguns
- Other brands Gun Lockers': R3,000 – R6,000 – suitable for small collections or private use
- Magnum 6 Bay Dual Locking Gun Safe: From R15,999 - Magnum 6 bay dual locking gun safe.
- Mutual - SABS 6 Bay Gun Locker: From R16,999 -SABS 6 Bay Gun Locker - Dual Locking.
Click here for the full Gun Lockers vs Standard Gun Safes Guide.
Compare gun safe prices across Avansa, The Safe Shop, and Safe Shop for the best deals and service.
Case Studies: How Our Clients Improved Security & Compliance
A National Security Company
"We upgraded from generic gun safes to a set of 10 Avansa Dual Locking Gun Lockers (Safes). This ensured:
- Zero firearm losses in two years
- 100% compliance in SAPS inspections
- Lower insurance premiums thanks to certified storage
We switched from off-the-shelf gun safe to 10 Dual Locking Gun Lockers — 1 for each team member. Our team sleeps better knowing our assets are secure.”
Restaurant and Bar - Gauteng
“The Gun Locker has transformed our customers experience. With the dual locking gun locker, our patrons can lock their firearms away on arrival. Two keys are needed to open them - 1 held by the customer and one by our manager on duty”
Private Collector - Cape Town
“My collection includes rifles and pistols. I invested in an Avansa Rifle Safe — discreet yet formidable. I’m confident my investment is protected.”
Click here to view the full Firearm Safes for Businesses & Security Companies Guide
Where to Buy Gun Safes and Lockers in South Africa
- Avansa: Comprehensive selection of SABS-compliant safes, industry guidance, and nationwide delivery
- Local Gun Shops: Reputable firearm specialist shops with a wide selection of safes for sale
Avansa also offers personalised consultations to help you choose the right firearm locker or gun locker based on your unique requirements.
Installation Tips to Pass SAPS Inspections
- Install safes in concealed areas — cupboards, closets, or reinforced rooms
- Ensure safes are bolted to concrete floors or brick walls
- Use dehumidifiers to prevent rust, especially in coastal regions
- Maintain clear records of installation and maintenance for audits
Use Cases Across Industries
🏢 Security Companies
Use gun safe lockers for overnight and shift-based storage. The Avansa Dual Locking Gun Locker Safe supports multiple users with dual-lock security.
🏕️ Hunters & Sport Shooters
Store rifles and handguns in Avansa SABS Approved Safes, which offer different options for every customers needs.
🏡 Homeowners
For basic home defence, a pistol locker offers a legal and safe storage solution without taking up space.
Click here to view the full Gun Safe Size Guide
FAQs About Gun Storage in South Africa
Is a pistol locker enough for home use? — Yes, if it is SABS approved and securely installed.
Can I store ammo with my firearm? — Yes, but SAPS requires a separate lockable compartment within the safe.
Are Avansa Safes SABS approved? — Absolutely. Avansa Safes meet all SABS and SAPS requirements for secure storage.
What if I fail a SAPS inspection? — You could face license revocation. Our safes, including the Avansa Gun Lockers, help you pass with confidence.
What are typical gun safe prices in SA? — Prices range from R1,599 for a pistol locker to R16,999+ for safes like the Magnum 6 Bay Dual Locking Gun Safe.
Need Help Selecting the Right Safe?
We supply:
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Pistol Lockers
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Gun Lockers
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Dual Locking Gun Lockers
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Rifle Safes
Contact us for expert advice, quotes, and recommendations tailored to your security and budget requirements.