The terrifying haul includes a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, like the weapon used by Martin Bryant in the Port Arthur massacre, an AK-47, as brandished in the Paris terror attacks, and even a pen pistol, which can kill someone with barely a sound.

The tidal wave of guns hitting Victoria's streets has prompted police to set up a new team of investigators to crack down on the illicit firearm trade after 34 non-fatal shootings so far this year alone.

The team of 10 officers will be deployed by the armed crime squad to run operations across the state to stop the trafficking and manufacture of illegal weapons, including 3D-printed guns.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said some of the weapons uncovered in the past year were frighteningly powerful.

"They're high calibre, a lot of them are automatic, and this is the type of weaponry that is out there in the community today," he said.

While the weapons are often used by criminals in targeted attacks, Mr Fontana said there was the chance the public could get hurt as a result of indiscriminate use.

Detective Inspector Stephen Clarke, from the armed crime squad, said the team would employ analysts and detectives to track where firearms were originating from before coming into Victoria.

He said the squad often lacked the resources to uncover the history of a weapon, something he hoped the new team would assist with.

"There are plenty of guns out in the community, the problem has been in some ways our limited capacity to conduct those investigations," he said.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said there was evidence of more military-style guns being seized. Police say the weapons are being used in drive-by shootings.

"This is a really important new squad. It is about bringing down firearm crime in our community but particularly focused on those criminals who are accessing illicit firearms," she said​.

As part of the crackdown, police have also been given new powers, including firearms prohibition orders that will allow them to target people who pose a threat to the public from accessing guns.

It will also be easier for police to lay charges for firearm possession, while the penalty for theft of a gun has been increased from 10 to 15 years' jail.

- The Age