How to Lock Them Up?
For those of us who own guns the question of where and how to store them is one that deserves a lot of attention. Just leaning against the wall behind the door, or in a drawer, or hiding it under the bed is just a bad idea. Many people keep them in their closet (out of sight, out of mind). These tactics are cheap and convenient in some ways, but dangerous.
Federal law dictates that gun locks must be available wherever guns are sold. These locks are designed to prevent the firearm from being loaded or operated. Using these locking devices can add a level of safety to your home. They will not keep your guns out of the wrong hands, but they can help prevent shots from being fired.
Gun safes and cabinets are a better way to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
Locking gun cabinets can keep children out of your gun collection, but they are not sturdy enough to keep a determined adult from getting in. Cabinets are less expensive than safes, but they are not as secure. Cabinets are not fireproof, they are lighter weight, they have relatively flimsy hinges and locking mechanisms. All of this means that while they can help keep your kids safe they can’t help keep your guns safe. They will burn in a fire, can be easily carted away as a unit, and can be busted open in a matter of seconds with a crow bar.
A quality gun safe is the very best way to keep people safe from your guns and keep your guns safe from people. Most gun safes are fire proof so your investment will be protected in case of a house fire. Gun safes are HEAVY. While this means they are a lot of work to get into place, it also means a potential thief won’t be driving off with your entire collection. The locking mechanisms used in safes (even the less expensive ones) are much sturdier than on a gun cabinet. The locks are large and require a memorized code to operate. The bolts that engage to hold the door closed are large and very strong. The walls and doors of safes are much thicker, a crow bar will not pop them open.
While gun safes are the most expensive option here the added safety and security are well worth it! If you can not afford a safe right now use a cabinet or individual locks to store your guns in the mean time, but upgrade to a safe as soon as possible!
