The import ban on the controversial Adler shotgun will remain in place, after the states and territories failed to reach a consensus on how it should be classified.

Key points: States and territories failed to agree on status of seven-shot Adler

States and territories failed to agree on status of seven-shot Adler Stalemate likely to keep Coalition tensions simmering

Stalemate likely to keep Coalition tensions simmering Gun amnesty coming up next year

Police ministers met in Melbourne this morning to consider a new classification for the lever-action shotgun.

There is currently a ban in place on Adler shotguns that have a magazine capacity of more than five rounds.

The ABC understands concerns were raised that tightened restrictions on the seven-shot Adler would struggle to pass Parliament in certain states.

The Australian Federal Police and Justice Minister Michael Keenan said there was a "majority" view but that it was not "unanimous", meaning the ban will remain in place.

"In the absence of a unanimous agreement amongst all jurisdictions, the prohibition on the importation of lever-action shotguns that the Commonwealth Government has put in place will remain," Mr Keenan said.

"The regulation explicitly states that that prohibition will remain until we get a unanimous agreement, and also until that agreement is actually implemented in every jurisdiction."

Stalemate likely to rile Nationals, shooters

The majority of states and territories supported moving the five-shot Adler into category B and the seven-shot Adler into category D — meaning it could only be used by farmers and professional shooters.

The decision to keep the ban is likely to anger shooters and National Party supporters who argue the lever-action gun is not as dangerous as some people might think.

It could also inflame tensions between federal Liberals and Nationals who disagree on whether the ban should be lifted.

Some Nationals are adamant the Prime Minister should still remove the ban.

The latest development is also unlikely to placate New South Wales Senator David Leyonhjelm, who tried to use the import ban as a bargaining chip for negotiations.

Turnbull, Abbott clash rumbles on

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his predecessor Tony Abbott publicly clashed in Parliament yesterday over claims the Government was prepared to swap changes to gun policy for support in the Senate.

What's the fuss about? Some Adler shotguns have a magazine capacity of seven rounds, with another round in the barrel

Some Adler shotguns have a magazine capacity of seven rounds, with another round in the barrel The weapon's lever action has been described as relatively fast moving, allowing shots to be fired in quick succession

The weapon's lever action has been described as relatively fast moving, allowing shots to be fired in quick succession Opponents are concerned if it gets into the wrong hands, it could lead to a tragic event like Port Arthur

Opponents are concerned if it gets into the wrong hands, it could lead to a tragic event like Port Arthur Advocates believe it will assist rural shooters with "feral pest destruction"

A senior Government source told the ABC the idea Mr Abbott was not aware of a deal with Senator Leyonhjelm to let an import ban on the high-capacity shotgun lapse was "rubbish".

Some Coalition MPs have also scoffed at Mr Abbott's claim that he had no knowledge of a deal while he was prime minister, saying it was inconceivable that his office would not have known.

The sunset clause amendment to the ban would have had to go through Mr Abbott's office and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, before being considered by the Government's Executive Council for approval.

Mr Turnbull confirmed on Friday the introduction of a sunset clause was not a Cabinet decision.

Gun amnesty coming up next year

Commonwealth, state and territory police ministers have agreed to hold a fresh national gun amnesty in the middle of 2017, to allow people to surrender unregistered firearms without penalty.

Weapons will not be bought back, and it will be up to each individual state to decide how to implement the plan.

Mr Keenan flagged that the ministers had reached in-principle agreement for an amnesty last month.

"The amnesty will provide an opportunity for people who, for whatever reason, are in possession of an unregistered firearm to hand it in without fear of being prosecuted," he said.

Mr Keenan also indicated the Commonwealth's intention to continue to pursue a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for gun smuggling offences.