There has been a call for a review of New South Wales gun laws to clarify protections for people who use a firearm to protect their property, after a farmer used a rifle to subdue a man during a so-called citizen's arrest.

Nationals MP John Barilaro has asked the NSW Parliamentary Committee on Law and Safety to review gun laws after the incident.

A farmer used a .22 rifle to subdue a man who was allegedly trespassing on his property, and drove him to Albury Police Station in the southern Riverina.

"I just don't know what I should have done, what would have been the right way to do it," the farmer told Fairfax.

Police will allege the man was armed with a knife and a piece of wood.

The rifle was not loaded with ammunition, and was correctly registered.

But police then confiscated the farmer's three firearms, for which he had permits, and returned them a month later.

He is not expected to face any charges.

A police officer connected with the case said the property owner was still "pretty traumatised" by the incident.

We don't want American-style gun culture here: Foley

In his request for the review, Mr Barilaro has asked the committee to focus on "persons who believe they are reasonably and proportionately responding to a threat imposed on themselves or their family".

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro wants a review. ( AAP: Carol Cho )

He wants the committee to review similar incidents and find out the experience of other jurisdictions.

Mr Barilaro asked the committee to examine "how the law can protect victims of home invasion from becoming involved in the legal system".

NSW Labor leader Luke Foley said existing laws provided enough protection.

"I don't believe it's responsible for a political leader in our society to be sending out a message that taking up arms to defend your home and property is a thing that the state or the government would encourage," Mr Foley said.

Mr Foley said the inquiry undermined long-standing policy on gun laws in NSW.

"You know they're huffing and puffing about the Shooters' Party every day in Parliament, but to seek to compete with the Shooters' Party on the basis on weakening gun laws I think is a very irresponsible thing to do," Mr Foley said.

"We've had bi-partisan support for gun laws in Australia, I think it's one of the strongest things about our nation — we don't want an American-style gun culture here."