Every 36 hours, on average, a press article of an unintentional shooting involving minors is published. Every year, at least 100 children are murdered in unintentional shootings in America, according to Everytown, a group dedicated to preventing gun violence. That's two children every week. Guns should be maintained securely to prevent unintentional shootings. So, let's look at how we can store our firearms safely.
The First Steps
You must approach guns by satisfying three categories: safety, short- and long-term storage.
You want to be able to react swiftly to a threat, which means having a handgun or long gun on hand. You might want to prepare an ammo stash for the long haul as well. Above all, you don't want children or others to have access to your firearms.
Short-Term Storage
1) In Your Holster
Credit: Envato Elements/ YuriArcursPeopleImages
A holster is a holder for a small gun that is worn on a belt around a person's waist or a shoulder strap. Nothing prepares you better for a self-defense situation than simply carrying your weapon. If you're new to guns, you'll need to acquire some training and practice on the range. You can practice with the help of Easyshot shooting targets that are available in a variety of colors and sizes to improve your shooting skills. Meanwhile, get in the habit of carrying your firearm holstered. It will assist you in becoming a more confident shooter.
2) Portable Gun Safes
Credit: Envato Elements/ BlackWhaleMedia
A portable gun safe is a secure storage container that can hold one or more firearms. This style of safe is portable, making it ideal for concealing firearms at the home, office, under a vehicle seat, and other places. If you opt to purchase one, you will benefit from various features, including the fact that it is meant to safeguard firearms against theft and damage.
Because children cannot access them, portable gun safes are ideal for them. It's crucial to remember that while portable gun safes aren't completely secure, they do come with a locking system that makes it more difficult for intruders to gain access.
3) Hard Gun Cases
Credit: Envato Elements/ fxquadro
To keep your weapon safe, hard gun cases contain a robust outside shell made of durable polymers and metals, as well as a foam internal lining. Soft gun cases provide less protection for your firearm than hard rifle and handgun cases. A hard case, with its robust outer shell and inside padding to insulate your pistol, may be the best option for long-distance transport.
4) Soft Gun Cases
Credit: Envato Elements/ rushay1977
Nylon and ripstop textiles are used to make soft gun casings that are both flexible and sturdy. For further protection, the insides are cushioned with soft padding. Soft gun cases are more convenient to carry and manage than hard rifle cases, although they usually provide less protection. Soft gun cases, in general, provide enough protection and silent operation, making them excellent for hunters in particular.
Long-Term Storage
1) Trigger Locks
Credit: Envato Elements/ joebelanger
Trigger locks are a simple and inexpensive way to prohibit an unauthorized user from loading or firing a pistol. Most new firearms now come with a trigger lock. These locks are available in a variety of sizes and forms. A trigger shoe clamps down around the trigger or trigger housing to prevent it from being moved. These gadgets should never be fitted on loaded weapons since they come into direct contact with the trigger.
2) Cabinet with Locking Security
Credit: Envato Elements/ magraphics
Steel security cabinets are a wonderful alternative to bulky and pricey gun safes. Some gun cabinets provide great theft protection. They're smaller than a safe and are ideal for someone stockpiling in an apartment, cellar, small bedroom, or closet.
To provide fire protection, some cabinets are insulated.
3) Gun Safes
Credit: Envato Elements/ FabrikaPhoto
The most secure gun storage solution available to the average gun owner is a gun safe. In terms of preventing illegal access to firearms, a simple, no-frills safe is preferable to any other storage option covered thus far.
Safes are an efficient theft deterrent since they have separate racks and lined interiors to protect the finish of the guns. The weight of a gun safe, as well as the exterior box's heavy-gauge steel, the sophisticated locking mechanism, and the possibility to clamp the safe directly to a concrete slab, all work together to thwart burglars. Safes can give additional protection against flooding, fires, and other disasters in addition to fulfilling the three-fold objective of safe firearms storage.
Where Should Guns for Home Defense be Stored?
1) The Master Suite
While the evidence suggests that this is the worst place to store valuables, it is also a place where you sleep a lot. In a safe under your bed, keep one to two firearms. That is all that is required.
2) The Kitchen Pantry
This is a great spot for a gun safe because most burglars avoid the kitchen. This is also a room where people spend a significant amount of their time during the day. If you are in the kitchen during a possible burglary, you will have easy access to a firearm.
3) A Closet Near the Front Door
This is an excellent place to keep firearms. These closets go unnoticed by thieves. If someone you don't recognize knocks on the door, you'll have very rapid access to a gun in that closet.
4) Guest Bedroom
This is a great place to store guns. Guest rooms are usually overlooked by thieves.
How to Store Ammunition Safely
1) Away from Heat and Ignition Sources
Never keep ammo next to a furnace, stove, oven, microwave, hot bulb or lamp, fireplace, or even the basement gas line. Keep munitions away from appliances, outlets, electrical sources, and other places in the house where fires are most prone to start.
2) Keep It Out of the Reach of Minors
A primer can ignite if it is tampered with or mishandled. Even if a live round is not ignited in a firing chamber, it is still lethal. Keep it out of reach of youngsters. Many ammo containers are unlocked. Keep it out of reach of children in a high-up location or locked room in this situation.
3) Separated From Firearms
Ammunition that isn't intended for self-defense or everyday carry should be kept separate from guns. You wouldn't want a burglar or a child to have easy access to ammo if they got their hands on a pistol.
Checklist for Gun Storage Supplies
Grease or Gun Oil
Grease is the finest protection against moisture and corrosion for long-term storage. For everyday carry handguns and short-term storage, a consistent application of oil is preferable.
Brush Made of Brass Wire
After shooting, you'll need one to clean your guns. It's also helpful for eliminating surface rust before oxidation and pitting cause damage to your weaponry.
Packets of Silica Gel
Place a silica desiccant in your lockbox or safe at all times. They absorb moisture and can be reused after drying.
Gun Sock
Using a wool or cotton gun sock to further protect your guns against moisture, temperature changes, and physical harm is a simple way to do so.
Summary
Just as most gun owners buy a gun for protection, all gun owners should invest in a good safe to prevent (or at least reduce the risk of) gun theft and keep their firearms out of the hands of unauthorized individuals. Whatever your storage needs or budget, we're confident you'll be able to locate a secure gun storage solution that meets your needs.