Mr Butler, reading from the summary of facts, said Phillips, 22, entered the Dallison E C & Sons clothing store in Waverley some time after 10am with the rifle, and was located a short time later by police. The gun was not recovered.
Judge David Cameron did not want to sentence Phillips without knowing the location of the gun, real or not.
Ms Burlace said Phillips did not know the address of the friend whose house he'd put the alleged toy gun in, but said he could take officers there.
Mr Butler said it was not so simple once a defendant was in custody.
"We certainly can't take him out for a drive in the country," he said.
Judge Cameron put the matter off to Tuesday next week for the gun to be found.
"If you consider you can be of assistance then there will be an opportunity for you to talk with police," he told Phillips.