The Police Minister says there's no need for gun owners to be upset about the contents of their new bill.

The government's Arms Legislation Bill has been leaked to the National Party.

Some of the changes it suggests involve more costs and regulations, a Commissioner to certify gun clubs every five years - and a national gun register.

Stuart Nash told Mike Hosking it's all pretty standard stuff.

He says more people are probably shocked to hear gun clubs aren't already licensed.

"It comes as no surprise that we want a gun register, it comes as no surprise that we are tightening up the rules.

"What is more of a surprise is the vast majority of people who think gun ranges are licensed, when they are not."

National MP Mark Mitchell says nobody is saying there should be military-style assault weapons in New Zealand - but this legislation goes too far.

He says it doesn't target the right people, like the gang members behind four murders this week.

"Law abiding gun owners are not the problem and they were never the problem. If you want to do something about it, then you need to go after the gangs."

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