ACT gun owners have handed back 120 firearms to police as part of a national amnesty to help get guns off the street.

People who hand in a gun to the ACT Firearms Registry are exempted through the amnesty from any prosecution or fines.

Deputy Chief Police Officer Mark Walters said the number and "vast array" of firearms handed in during the first weeks of the three-month amnesty was encouraging.

"One such firearm was an 1874 Queensland Police rifle which is in the process of being donated back to them for historical purposes," he said.

"Another item was a genuine light horse leather rifle bucket."

DCPO Walters said numerous guns were also handed in by people who owned other firearms, but did not have the right permits for the surrendered gun.

"It's important that firearm permit holders are aware of the legal requirements to obtain the right permit before possessing the firearm," he said.

People wanting to surrender their firearms or firearm-related items should surrender them at the ACT Firearms Registry, 86 Vicars Street, Mitchell during business hours.