To Keep & Bear Arms: Safe and Secure Gun Storage

Just last week the Edmonson Voice reported, “Local police are investigating several recent burglaries in the county..”

Seems like we’re seeing more of this, and more often than not when criminals break into a home, one of the first things they look to steal are firearms.  When this happens, 2 disasters happen at once.  First, you’re deprived of your property.  Perhaps it was a family heirloom or your favorite hunting gun. At the very least it was probably valuable and its loss certainly has you upset.  Secondly, your gun is now in the hands of a criminal.  If you think about it long enough, that thought will be more upsetting than losing your property.   Picture the kind of person that breaks into someone else’s home and takes what isn’t theirs without remorse.  What do you suppose that kind of person is going to do with your gun?  He or she is either going to sell it, trade it, (possibly for drugs), or at worst, use it in the commission of another crime.

That being said, it seems clear that we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves, but to everyone in the community to try and store our firearms as safely and securely as possible.  Proper gun storage can also help prevent damage and depreciation of your firearms.  Here are a few suggestions:

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.

Another key in loss prevention is proper documentation of your firearms.  The ATF website offers a simple form to start a personal firearms log that will help you keep track of the information law enforcement will need to help you recover your guns in the event of theft.  Always report lost or stolen guns to law enforcement immediately.  You can find the form here:
https://www.atf.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pdf-files/atf-p-3312-8.pdf
References:
http://www.gunsandammo.com/home-featured/ga-basics-how-to-store-your-gun/#ixzz3Rkli7YUC

Thanks, and be sure to visit us at C & C Firearms in Brownsville. Visit our Facebook Page Here: 

This column is brought to you by C & C Firearms, Brownsville Ky. 270-597-1005.