When you hear the words “firearm safety,” many things may come to mind. Understanding how to properly hold your firearm, grasping the basics of a great first shot, and knowing when and where to use a firearm are all components of firearm safety. But what about safe storage?
Being responsible with your firearms includes safely storing your guns when they aren’t in use at your home. While there are multiple ways to do so, you need to find a storage solution that works for you and your lifestyle. Be sure to consider your family, accessibility, available space, and the number of firearms you need to store, amongst other factors.
So what’s the best way to safely store your firearm? We will let you decide. But to help make the decision easier, we’re breaking down four ways to securely store your guns at home that you may want to consider before making a decision.
Cases
Gun Cases are readily available at sporting goods stores, online retailers, and at gun ranges like Morr in a wide variety of selections. Cases range in shape, size, and material, and there are options designed to fit every type and make of commercial firearm. Cases are designed to protect one or more firearms from physical damage.
Most soft and hard-sided cases are used to lock firearms during transportation to and from the range or other shooting events. Locked gun cases are a big step up from simply putting your gun away in a drawer or closet. However, their usefulness as safe storage devices is limited by the materials from which they are made. Ordinary-edged tools can quickly defeat the soft fabrics and plastics used in these cases. This storage option is affordable, compact, and easy to store, making it a good option for first-time firearm owners and those who are ready to take the first step in safe gun storage.
Pricing: $25-200
Trigger Locks and Cables
Trigger locks and gun cables are two safe firearm storage options that effectively make the firearm inoperable. A trigger lock is just what it sounds like – a lock that physically covers and prevents the trigger from being engaged on your firearm. A cable can secure the firearm in many different circumstances. The cable can be thread through the grip in the magazine well or through the barrel. This ensures that as long as the cable is in place, the firearm can’t be used. While these options can prevent use, you may still want to consider an additional locked area to store your guns out of reach.
Pricing: $5-30
Lockboxes
Lockboxes are one of the more accessible solutions for safe firearm storage. A single-firearm lockbox doesn’t take up a whole lot of space, but it does provide security and protection to your firearm. Most lockboxes utilize a key or a combination, but some higher-end options can use fingerprint detection, keypads, or RFID chips and cards. While laws differ from state to state, a lockbox is an essential tool for the safe transport and storage of your firearm.
Firearms are stolen from vehicles regularly and a lockbox provides an additional level of protection. If you are a concealed carry owner and stop at a government building like the post office or a school, you will need to leave your firearm in your vehicle. These gun vaults generally come with a cable that can be secured around a seat post or other structural post. They go a long way in preventing a smash and grab robbery.
Pricing: $40-250
Safes and Cabinets
If you are an owner of multiple firearms, a better option than individual lockboxes for each firearm is a central storage location in a safe or cabinet. These can range in size from the size of a small shoebox to a large floor-to-ceiling cabinet. Depending on your needs and budget, there are gun safes for just about anyone. Whatever size safe or cabinet you’re looking for, you can rest assured your firearms will be secured from unwanted access. These safes generally also provide some protection in a fire. They are generally rated for a level of fire resistance that buys time until the fire department can respond. They are also great for storage of other valuables like jewelry and important papers.
Pricing: $100-$3,000+
Morr Can Help
Safety is the main focus for our team at Morr Range. From safety courses and educational sessions to our retail store full of safe storage options, we prioritize educating our customers and community on secure firearm handling and overall safety. If you have questions about what storage option may work best for your needs, connect with our team! We are always happy to answer your questions and share insight.
