Joyce backs Nationals shotgun detractors

Barnaby Joyce is standing behind two Nationals colleagues who have publicly lashed the Turnbull government's own shotgun import ban.

Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie and John 'Wacka' Williams voted with Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm on Monday night in an bid to overturn the government's import ban on the seven-shot Adler lever action shotgun.

"I've had discussions with both Wacka and Bridget but I respect their rights ... they gave cogent arguments as to why they believe the way they do," Mr Joyce told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

"People know that there's a price, obviously, if you're in the executive it costs you your job.

"But they've got their right, I understand their reasoning, and they expressed it and long may that be the way."

Mr Joyce refused to be drawn on his own views on Adler shotgun restrictions, insisting it was an issue for the states.

Cabinet ministers Fiona Nash, Matt Canavan and Nigel Scullion abstained from the vote, along with backbencher Barry O'Sullivan.

The attempt to allow the gun to be imported was defeated 45-7 in the Senate, with Labor and the Greens supporting the government.