Making the Case for Gun Safes

It’s no secret that firearms ownership requires a significant level of responsibility, not only for handling and operation, but for safe storage as well. For any household, properly securing your guns and ammo is critical for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the well-being of yourself and those around you.

 We’ll assume that everyone is on the same page when it comes to safe storage. Even if you live on your own, with little to no risk of another individual getting hold of your gun(s), there’s always a chance that someone could get access at some point. It could be a visitor, through a break-in or someone doing work around your home. Why take a chance especially when you consider the potential outcomes. Your firearm could be used by another to accidentally harm themselves or someone else that you know, or could be stolen and end-up on the street. Either way, it’s never going to end well.

So where does that leave you? A glassed-in case for your long guns isn’t really going to cut it as far as security goes. Portable gun cases are certainly better, but there are limitations. They’re certainly more affordable, lightweight and convenient, but the portability can be an issue when it comes to theft or unauthorized access. I had a friend recently find the case for his handgun in his garage showing signs of attempted forced opening. Turned out that his son and a neighbor kid had found it at the back of a closet and thought it might be a good idea to ‘have some fun’. It had been well hidden and was secure enough, but it kind of scared the heck out of him (he’s rethinking his storage approach). Portable cases certainly have their benefits, and can be a good choice depending on your own circumstances, but I’d be inclined to use them for transport only and leave the longer-term, secure storage to something more substantial. Also consider that ‘substantial’ doesn’t necessarily mean larger, as there are many smaller safe or vault models that are highly secure and that can be easily secured to walls and/or floors.

The Safer Choice

Here are a few reasons why owning a safe for your firearms makes a lot of sense.

Safety

As mentioned above, improperly stored firearms always pose a risk for unauthorized access to them. Keeping your guns out of the reach of others (especially children) should be of paramount concern, as the resulting harm that may be caused can be catastrophic.

Theft Prevention

Firearms are valuable items that are often targeted by thieves. Whether it’s a burglary at home or a break-in at your place of business, firearms left unsecured are easy targets for criminals. Due to the heavy-duty construction and materials, the overall weight (usually) and the reinforced locking mechanisms, gun safes serve as a serious deterrent to theft, making it significantly more difficult for bad guys to access your gear or move the unit altogether.

Legal Compliance

In some jurisdictions, there are legal requirements regarding the storage of firearms, primarily to prevent access by unauthorized individuals. A gun safe ensures compliance with these regulations, helping firearm owners avoid potential legal consequences.

Preserving Your Investment

Many gun safes are designed to offer protection against unexpected disasters such as fires or floods. Additionally, they serve to keep your equipment in good overall condition by providing an added layer of protection from accidental damage.

Capacity & Organization

Gun safes conveniently come in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate different types and quantities of firearms. They often include shelves, racks, and compartments for organizing guns, ammunition, and accessories, allowing for efficient storage and easy access.

 Speaking of Access…

Some may argue that a gun safe does not allow fast enough access to their firearms to suit their liking. I would tend to disagree with this notion, since the newer safe designs allow for fast and easy opening whenever the need arises. Luckily, sudden home invasion situations don’t happen all that often, but it’s always good to be prepared. With this in-mind, you should consider:

The Type of Gun Safe – many are designed with quick-open features such as biometric or electronic keypads which work well if the owner is under stress. Even combination or key-operated versions can still be accessed with relative speed.

Placement – the location of the gun safe within your home will absolutely affect response time. While the garage or basement may seem like a good idea, the chances of you effectively covering that distance (undetected) in an emergency are pretty slim. A good general rule is to keep it as close as is reasonable to where you sleep (allowing for space of course).

Training & Practice – even with the right equipment in-place, your ability to get to your safe and efficiently access your firearms isn’t going to develop on its own. Running regular drills in real time to build muscle memory and reduce reaction time will help with the process and provide peace-of-mind.

Ultimately, the importance of utilizing a gun safe for secure storage cannot be overstated. There are plenty of options on the market and it’s a small investment that pays big dividends.