Owning a firearm is a big responsibility, and part of that burden goes far beyond safely handling it. You’ve got to know that your firearms are properly stored when not in use.
Firearms “accidents” occur every day where unsupervised children gain access to a gun and they either shoot themselves or a friend. One could dive into state and national statistics to prove a point, but we’re all familiar enough with the tragic issue that it is enough to say that firearms should be stored properly to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Some states mandate by law that firearms be stored in a manner that prevents access by children. States with more dense urban populations tend to have stricter laws governing gun storage, and Maryland is a good example. The Old Line State’s law specifies that any loaded gun that is or could be within reach of a person under 16 years of age must be kept in a manner where it cannot be accessed. Violating Maryland’s law is a misdemeanor and could land a violator in jail for 11 months and 29 days, plus a $1,000 fine. Other states have even more strict laws, while others have none and rely of their citizens’ common sense.
Let’s dig into some gun storage solutions you may wish to consider.
At Home
Let’s find a gun storage solution for your first gun. Several options exist for single handgun storage that prevent access by unauthorized people, while giving you quick access. Small metal gun “safes,” like Hornady’s RAPiD Safe series, allows the old reliable key entry as well as RFID entry technology. The radio frequency ID tags are imbedded into a key fob, or stickers that can be stuck to something like the back of your cell phone. Some models, like the 2700KP also incorporate a programmable biometric electronic key pad. This model fits most 1911-sized pistols and 4-inch revolvers. The exterior dimensions measure 12.7 inches long, 8.7 inches wide, and 2.9 inches tall. Since it is built from hefty 14 gauge steel, it’s pretty tamper-proof and secure.
If you’re looking for safe storage for your long gun, Hornady offers a few more options. Their AR Gunlocker is a 50-pound 16-gauge steel safe that measures 42 inches tall, by 15.25 inches wide and 6.75 inches thick. Up to two AR-style shorter tactical-length rifles will fit in this safe. It can be slide under a bed or mounted in a closet, and it includes a cable lock for added security.
This safe also allows quick access via RFID stickers, an RFID key fob, an RFID wrist band, or the old-reliable barrel key. You’ll need to plan to place this unit near an electrical outlet to power up the RFID features if the unit’s batteries go dead. This unit also exceeds ASTM International safety standards for child and pry resistance, lock strength, drop/pick/saw tests and hinge attack resistance.
At the other end of the spectrum of home gun storage are custom-built affairs that hide in plain sight. They serve as bed-side night stands, but have some hidden features. One I recently tried out uses an RFID chip imbedded in a credit card-sized piece of plastic. Pass the card over the lock area on the table top to unlock it, which then slides forward to expose a hidden compartment. The same lock mechanism is used in an accompanying full-length vanity mirror, which hides enough space for a half dozen long guns.
As a beginning gun owner, there’s some help from manufacturers that won’t cost you a dime. Practically every firearm that’s sold these days comes with some sort of trigger or action lock. Liability suits brought about this change several years ago. Every gun manufacturer wants to be sure that you receive at least a basic trigger-locking or action-locking device. Use these devices when storing your weapons and it will give you some peace of mind.
Investment Protection
Now that we’ve covered some security basics, it’s time to delve into protecting your firearms investment. A clean, well-oiled gun is the first step in protecting it from rust and corrosion. Aside from keeping it in top working condition, the money you’ve spent on your firearm is typically sizable.
It’s worth the effort to store it in a dry environment when not in use. Sometimes that’s not possible, if you live in areas with high humidity. Tossing a few desiccant capsules or packages into your gun safe or locker will help absorb moisture and keep firearms rust free. These can be found on Ebay, or repurpose the ones that come packed in things like new electronics. “Golden Rod” electric dehumidifiers do a great job keeping humidity down in larger metal safes.
Concealment & Quick Access
One aspect of firearms security and storage is concealment. Either rudimentary or sophisticated, hiding your guns can help keep them out of the wrong hands. But, keep in mind that you should keep them within easy access. The concept of concealing a firearm while keeping it highly accessible has been around for a long time. Colt’s “Shopkeeper Special” Model 1877 revolver often had a hole drilled in the front sight blade for a very good reason. Merchants would tie a string through the front sight and suspend it behind a counter display out of sight of patrons, but within easy reach from the cash register.
Today, just a few minutes on a web browser and you’ll find any number of concealment accessories. Things like furniture with hidden compartments, or wall-mounted mirrors or shelves that incorporate hiding places. Look around your home and you’ll find some interesting places can serve as safe, quick-access points for firearms storage.
On the Road
Another important area to consider for firearms storage, at least on a temporary basis, is in your automobile. Long gone is the day when a gun rack in the rear window of a pickup truck is a viable choice. Not only will it get attention of police, it will invite thieves, too. Most handguns transported in vehicles get tossed into center consoles or dash compartments. Where it’s legal to transport in this manner, it’s barely acceptable. In some states, like Illinois, you’ll run afoul of the law carrying a firearm in this manner. The Land of Lincoln, and other states, specify that guns be locked in trunks or at least out of reach of the passenger compartment… and unloaded.
In those states that issue handgun carry permits, vehicle storage solutions exist that satisfy the concerns of safety, security and quick access. Hornady’s RAPiD Vehicle Safe is a good example. These can be mounted in the vehicle within easy reach of the driver, and they can be cable locked to prevent safe removal from the car. The quick push of a button and passing a RFID key fob or sticker over the top of the device will trigger its spring-activated lid giving quick access. Be sure to check your state’s firearms transportation laws before carrying a firearm in your vehicle. If you are traveling, be aware that traveling into a state with stricter gun laws put the responsibility on you to know their laws and abide by them.
Long gun storage in a vehicle for ready access is another consideration. My every-day driver is a farm truck, so I nearly always keep an AR-type rifle close at hand. As I write this it is calving season and predators can be a problem during this vulnerable time of the year. The handiest gun case for accessible vehicle transport is Crooked Horn Outfitters’ Renegade Ridge Tactical Liberator case. It hangs behind the front seat’s head rest. Slung behind the passenger seat, I can reach it in seconds. If I’m driving across a pasture to feed cattle and a coyote shows up, I’m ready for business at a moment’s notice.
What I really like about the Renegade Ridge case is that it doesn’t look like a gun case. I live a short drive from Nashville, and musicians are as common there as fleas on a hound’s ear. Its shape makes it look like a short guitar case or a tennis racket case, so nobody thinks anything when they see it hanging in the back seat of my truck.
Sadly, Crooked Horn Outfitters discontinued this item recently, but Blackhawk also makes a line of discreet transport gun cases that are worth checking out. If you’ve got a folding-stock AK, then Armageddon Gear’s case gets the nod.
Keep some of these gun storage ideas in mind and you’ll have peace of mind that you’re being safe, secure, and ready.
Child Safety
Even if you’ve carefully considered your own firearms storage, there’s a good chance that your own children will have friend’s parents who are not quite as careful. Teaching children what to do when confronted with finding a gun is the first line of defense in firearms safety.
Organizations like the National Rifle Association have programs dedicated to teaching gun safety at a child’s level. Their Eddie Eagle program promotes what to do in such a situation. Teach children these four step to keep them safe:
STOP!
This first step is crucial. Stopping first allows your child the time he or she needs to remember the rest of the safety instructions.
Don’t Touch
A firearm that is not touched or disturbed is unlikely to be fired and otherwise endanger your child or other people.
Run Away
This removes the temptation to touch the firearm as well as the danger that another person may negligently cause it to fire.
Tell a Grown-up
Children should seek a trustworthy adult, neighbor, relative or teacher – if a parent or guardian is not available.
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