Canberrans will be able to surrender unwanted or unregistered firearms to the police, with no questions asked, in an effort to cut the amount of illegal guns on the streets.

ACT Policing deputy chief police officer Mark Walters said unsecured guns could potentially be stolen and used in illegal activity.

"Those [unsecure] firearms are vulnerable," Mr Walters said.

"The more we get people handing in unwanted and unregistered firearms, the safer the community will be."

A spokesperson for ACT police minister Mick Gentleman said 10 firearms were handed in to police during the last ACT amnesty in 2003.

The spokesperson said the last 12 months saw 18 firearms surrendered to police.

Mr Gentleman said people may have come by guns through a deceased family member or another occasion.

"We really do encourage people to have a think about what they might have in the shed out the back," Mr Gentleman said.

Mr Gentleman said if Canberrans wanted to keep a firearm that may be a family heirloom, they could speak to the AFP Firearms Registry about getting a permit.

Federal justice minister Michael Keenan announced a national amnesty earlier in June, citing concerns illegal guns may be used in future terror attacks.

"If people don't take that opportunity, the penalties for owning an unregistered or illegal gun in Australia are very severe," Mr Keenan said.

The ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to restrict access to the controversial Alder lever-action shotgun.

Mr Gentleman said at the time it was important laws kept pace with firearm innovation.

Unwanted or unregistered firearms and related components, including ammunition, can be surrendered at the AFP Firearms Registry at 86 Vicars Street, Mitchell during business hours.

More information can be found on the firearms amnesty website or via 1800 909 826.