Tips On Responsible Firearm Storage

A VOLUNTARY SERVICE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO KEEP THEIR FIREARMS AND LOVED ONES SAFE

TIPS ON RESPONSIBLE FIREARM STORAGE

EACH HOME HAS ITS OWN NEEDS AND DIFFERENT WAYS TAHT MAKE SENSE TO KEEP THEIR FIREARMS SECURE

There are many ways to secure guns within a home. If you have a unique situation and have further questions, reach out to any of the STFS partnering locations and ask for their suggestions.

TRIGGER LOCKS

A trigger lock or gun lock is used to disable a firearm and prevent it from being fired. Simple trigger locks cover the entire trigger guard area from both sides. Cable locks loop through the cylinder on a revolver, or through the ejection port and magazine well on a semi-automatic pistol. Both prevent the action from functioning.

Pros:

• It prevents your gun from being fired
• A simple cable lock can be an effective deterrent to children
• They are readily available in many places inexpensively or free

Cons:

• It does not prevent theft or access, it only prevents operation
• It can be cumbersome to remove when needed

GUN CASES

Many handguns now come in lockable gun cases. Hard plastic cases often have one or more holes for using a padlock to prevent access. It is less common for a rifle to come in a lockable case, but they are available at most sporting good stores and any gun store.

Pros:

• Plastic gun cases are typically inexpensive
• Common padlocks or combination locks may be used
• It is an effective way to keep guns away from children and other unauthorized people

Cons:

• Most gun cases are made of plastic. This makes the gun inaccessible, but it is still at risk of theft
• They don't allow for quick access in case of an emergency

STRONG BOXES AND SECURITY CASES

Strong boxes and security cases are a more secure option to a basic gun case. They are still portable, but they are much more difficult to break or break into. Many offer fast access entry, like biometric and mechanical locks. This makes them ideal for home defense firearms.

Pros:

• Strong boxes provide greater security against unauthorized access
• They are constructed of metal or other tamper-resistant materials
• Many offer digital, biometric, or mechanical combination lock access
• It is portable for ease of transport or travel
• Many offer a cable attachment to anchor it in place to prevent theft
• Many offer fast access for home defense firearms
• It is an effective way to keep guns away from children and other unauthorized people

Cons:

• It is portable, which still allows for easy theft of the entire box

LOCKING STEEL GUN CABINETS

A locking gun cabinet is indented to be stored in a single, stationary location. They are built from metal or other tamper-resistant materials. Most come with features that allow the cabinet to be anchored to the wall or floor.

Pros:

• A locking cabinet safely stores multiple firearms of all types and sizes
• Simpler and lighter than a gun safe
• It is easier to relocate if you change residences
• More affordable than a gun safe
• It is an effective way to keep guns away from children and other unauthorized people

Cons:

• It is not as secure as a gun safe
• It does not offer fire protection as a gun safe may provide

GUN SAFES

A gun safe is a great way to protect your firearms against unauthorized access, theft, fire and other natural disasters. They are the highest level of security you can have in your home. They are more expensive than other options and difficult to relocate.

Pros:

• A gun safe secures multiple firearms of different types and sizes
• They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a larger number of firearms
• They offer fire protection
• Many safes offer biometric access, as well as combination or rotary locks
• They offer the best protection against theft and unauthorized access
• It is an effective way to keep guns away from children

Cons:

• They are a significant expense

• They are very heavy, which makes them difficult to relocate

• The size and weight of a safe mean it may not be located in a convenient location for emergency access