Australians have surrendered on average more than 400 firearms a day since July, as part of the first national gun amnesty since the Port Arthur massacre.

The amnesty was announced earlier this year against the backdrop of an increased terror threat and more illegal guns in the community.

Figures released today show between July and September, 25,999 firearms have been handed in around the country, an average of more than 400 each day.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said he was surprised by how high the number was.

“The expectation was that we would get a large number, but 26,000 has really exceeded our expectations,” he said.

More than 13,000 guns were surrendered New South Wales, 7,000 in Queensland and 2,150 in Victoria.

The gun amnesty, which allows Australians to hand in firearms without facing legal consequences, finishes at the end of this month.

“If you hold that gun after the end of the amnesty period then you are running a very significant risk,” Mr Keenan said.

Authorities are reporting vintage and rare guns being handed in as part of the amnesty.

One man in Queensland surrendered guns he had collected over 30 years.

They included a shotgun from the Vietnam War, a luger pistol from World War I and a Smith and Wesson 455 revolver from World War II.

“There’s guns that’ve been handed in that would’ve been used during World War II, guns from the 1850s,” Mr Keenan said.

Outside of the amnesty period, having an unregistered firearm is punishable with up to 14 years prison on a fine of up to $280,000.

Guns surrendered by state

• NSW: 13,468
• QLD: 7,000
• VIC: 2,150
• SA: 1,338
• TAS: 1,136
• WA: 521
• ACT: 264
• NT: 122