Police say they are concerned by the number of gun owners with expired licences after carrying out more than 40 inspections at local properties since June.
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The inspections in the Yass Valley and Upper Lachlan Shire are part of a statewide crackdown - known as Operation Armour - to prevent firearm theft in regional areas.
During the mostly scheduled visits police have also been checking for safe storage of firearms.
There are hefty penalties for those who possess unregistered or illicit firearms.
Three people faced 15 charges relating to unauthorised firearms and ammunition and firearms not stored properly at Yass Local Court last Friday.
"If your firearms licence expires, you are not authorised to be in possession of firearms and you are in breach of the legislation," Officer in Charge at Yass and Crookwell Police Stations, Inspector Matthew Hinton said.
"The firearms in your possession will be seized and could be destroyed if you do not take steps to have your licence renewed."
Police say they won't be stopping inspections anytime soon, either.
"Inspections will continue indefinitely across the district," Inspector Hinton said.
"The message is simple for those with licenced firearms in our community: 'You own it, you look after it'. Ensure your firearms don't get in the wrong hands."
General duties officers are assisted by specialist police from the Firearms Registry, Rural Crime Prevention Team, the Drug and Firearms Squad and the Criminal Groups Squad's Strike Force Raptor as part of Operation Armour.
The theft and sale of firearms are occurring often in regional areas, according to Regional NSW Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM.
"Firearms that are not stored securely or stored at locations that are not in daily or even regular use, make easy opportunities for thieves during break and enters," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
"When in the wrong hands, firearms are dangerous and a threat to the community."
The police understand that people in rural communities hold firearms for legitimate reasons but that safe storage procedures need to be followed, said Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM.
Information about responsibilities as a firearms owner including licences, permits, sale, purchase and safe storage can be found on the Firearms Registry page available on the NSW Police website: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms
