Matthew Knoop, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple firearms-related charges, including recklessly possessing and carrying a loaded firearm and carrying a firearm under the influence of alcohol.

The Horsham Magistrates' Court was told at noon on January 16, 2021, Knoop entered into an argument with his ex-partner at their Horsham residence.

During the argument, Knoop retrieved an empty magazine, a rifle, and two .22 calibre bullets from a shed at the back of the property, loading the magazine with the two bullets.

Knoop's ex-partner was able to gain possession of the gun and hid the rifle under a mattress.

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The court was told Knoop had been drinking alcohol on the day of the incident and had finished one-third of a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey when the offending occurred.

He attended Horsham police station on February 8, where he was arrested and summoned.

Knoop told police he retrieved the gun "to scare" the victim.

Magistrate Tim Walsh said despite having no intention to fire the weapon, basic gun safety forbids pointing an empty gun at another person or yourself.

"Your client is an experienced shooter, just turn around and ask him what the first rule of gun safety is," Mr Walsh said.

"Rule number one is that a gun is always loaded. If he doesn't know that he shouldn't have a licence."

Mr Walsh sentenced Knoop without conviction and ordered him to pay a fine of $1200.

"You have been using guns since you were very young. They have a dangerous and a non-dangerous end and are always loaded. That is one of the golden rules," Mr Walsh said.

"I am not going to record a conviction, whether you are again able to possess a firearm will be a matter for the authorities, not for me."

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