Indoor type 4 magazine

You need a Type 4 indoor magazine. Visit the ATF website and read the Orange book carefully. The ATF will want at least a 1 hour fire rated wall between the garage and living space (although they originally told me 1.5hr, which nobody builds). They'll ask about doors, windows, and locks. They want a solid door between the house and garage. If you have two locks on the door, one must be a deadbolt.

You also must have evidence that the storage meets applicable local and state codes and that the appropriate Agencies Having Jurisdiction have approved your storage.

If you're really serious about this you should do two things: Call your local Fire Department and talk to them about it. Then call your local ATF Field Office (not Washington DC) and discuss it with them. I've found the local people to be very helpful and friendly. They know we're a waste of their time and they'll work with you to avoid wasting any more time than they have to.

Alex, Kenneth said he has a detached garage. No firewall is needed.

Kenneth: You need to start with local and state regulations before worrying about the ATF.

Getting permission from your local "authority having jurisdiction" (fire marshal or fire chief, usually) is often the most difficult task. Illinois is an example where state regulations are stricter than federal regs. Many cities will not grant permission to store materials in a residential area. If you don't meet local and state regulations the ATF won't grant a permit.

Dean

DOH! Sorry. Detached garages make it easier. Start with the local officials. If the garage qualifies as a "secure location" (as described in the Orange book, basically two locks per door and no windows) the lock requirements for the magazine are relaxed a bit. If I were willing to put a padlock on my garage door it would have qualified. My garage door opener does not qualify as a lock :-(

Alex , Dean I thought the local city problem might be the hang up.

I have two locks on the service door with one as a deadbolt. Then I suppose the padlock is for the inside on the main garage door.

I do have two windows in the garage. Does that mean my garage is likely to not fit the secure location?

I know Magnum used to sell a Magazine. Is there anywhere this indoor mag. can be purchased if you get by the local fire marshalls.

Thanks for the help getting started.

Ken

The window might be a problem. Since you don't need a variance, call your local ATF office to discuss it.

The "Magnum" magaz> Alex , Dean

Go to

Joel

Alex, Joel Yes, I remember a thread along time ago regarding the Magnum type box. Some (not all) people were required to modify the the locks. I don't remember the details or the outcomes.

Great help guys, even if I can't get by the locals, Thanks

Ken

They also sell the updated lock kit

Joel

What regulation changed that made these locks no longer acceptable?

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

The original locks were actually a cam lock and not a real mortise lock.

You can get a mortise lock upgrade through

Bob When I was looking at the Magnum style box I came across posts and replies from people who had trouble meeting the ATF requirements. Alex just mention the possible need for an upgrade again.

Like I said this was a while back and I just read the statements some experienced with that style box and locks. This went on for some time.

You should know how these regulations are applied , you have been around here for some time.

Bob did you have trouble getting the local approval for your storage site.

Ken

The ATF ruled (correctly in my opinion) that the deadbolt mortised locks had to have interlocking metal parts: a metal deadbolt sliding into a metal receiver. The original Magnum one had a cam lock. The original Missileworks one had the deadbold sliding UNDER a metal lip. I fixed that by installing an aluminum bar with receiver slots machined into it. I think the official retrofit was going to be steel. Aluminum is nice because it is non-sparking and is easier for me to machine. A coat of appliance epoxy was added for good measure.

What I have is not subject to IL regulation, and the local fire marshall has no jurisdiction as long as what I have is for personal use.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

There are NO distance requiprements for an indoor magazine. The orange book spells out the magazine lock requirements, but no garage requirements are specified. This is one of the many ratholes left to interpretation by the local agent, subject to change each time someone else inspects.

You can do either. I found surplus ammo boxes to be less expensive than the store bought boxes. I just added a hasp and padlock.

If I were to start over, I'd consider the less expensive pistol or gun safes. They seem to meet all the requirements, have mortise type locks, and are well under $100. Even a metal tool box from Sears or your local home store that has a hasp that will take a 3/8" lock will meet the requirements.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!