Modern firearms are powerful tools that experienced shooters
understand need to be treated with respect. While a gun is in use, we carefully
follow a set of common sense rules to keep everyone safe. But how do we
practice firearms safety when the shooting or hunting sessions are over? Most
of the guns folks own will spend the majority of their working life at rest,
placed in one state of storage or another, until the next shooting event. Since
they remain powerful tools between trips to the range, it’s very important to
store them properly.
A wide variety of safe gun storage accessories and
containers are currently available. However, there is no universal solution to
fill every role, or to fit every budget. Safe storage options are intended to
perform one or more of the following tasks, which they do with varying degrees
of effectiveness depending on how much money you’re willing to spend:
1. Prevent a gun from firing
2. Protect a gun from physical damage
3. Act as a theft deterrent
It’s much easier to consider the pros and cons of each
storage system when they can be compared side by side. The following discussion
is a walkthrough of the most common safe gun storage options, starting with the
least expensive:
Soft-Side and Hard-Side Gun Cases ($10- $150):
Most sporting goods stores have entire aisles dedicated to
affordable handgun, rifle, and shotgun cases. The options available range from
padded fabric sleeves to rugged foam-lined plastic cases. The primary role of
this kind of affordable carry case is to protect guns from physical damage.
While they do a good job of preventing dings and scratches, their role as a
security device is relatively limited.
Strong Boxes and Metallic Gun Cases ($25 – $350):
In an effort to strike a balance between the security
offered by a locking gun cabinet and the portability of a gun case, several
companies offer portable strong boxes and metallic gun cases. Metal gun cases
usually incorporate a reliable locking system or the means to attach heavy
padlocks. Strong boxes, usually intended for handguns, offer mounting systems
for permanent attachment to a fixed surface. Some boxes are fitted with
quick-opening locking mechanisms, including electronic push-button access and
fingerprint scanners.
Locking Steel Gun Cabinets ($150 – $450):
Remember that grand wooden gun display case that your
great-uncle had in his den? Looking through the engraved glass panes of the
double doors, you could see his beautiful vintage shotgun collection. Sometimes
he would retrieve that little brass key to open the doors so you could get a
better look. While this kind of locking gun cabinet looks wonderful, it does
not offer any truly viable level of safe gun storage, accept against small
children. To secure firearms, a locking steel gun cabinet is a more secure
choice.
Gun Safes ($500 – $2,500+):
Simply stated, gun safes are the most secure gun storage
option available to the average gun owner. Even the basic units have terrific
advantages over any of the other gun storage units described so far. A locked
safe will definitely prevent a gun from being handled or loaded. The
upholstered interior and built-in gun racks will help to protect the finish of
the firearms while allowing air to circulate. And, best of all, they are an
effective theft deterrent.