Deputy Premier John Barilaro has been accused by Labor of encouraging vigilantes and seeking to foster "an American-style guns culture" after calling for an inquiry into the issue of self-defence using a firearm.

Mr Barilaro, who is Nationals leader, has written to the Legislative Assembly committee on Law and Safety seeking an inquiry into the operation of the Firearms Act "in relation to persons who believe they are reasonably and proportionately responding to a threat imposed on themselves of their family".

Deputy Premier John Barilaro is being criticised by Labor for wanting an inquiry into self defence using a firearm Credit:Karleen Minney

The issue emerged before October's Cootamundra and Murray byelections at which the Nationals fought off the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.

Farmer David Dunstan was woken at 3.30am by a knock on the door of his family home near Albury by an 18-year-old man holding a knife and a large piece of wood.