Do I need a gun safe?

[inletman]

Have no children or grandchildren living with us now. My son thinks I should have a gun safe...because doesn't want his children seeing guns when visiting. I have 7 pistols, and , of course all unloaded except self defense gun by bed. When kids visit (not often- too far with both parents working-twice a yr.- we visit them. When they are here , I put guns in closet up on top shelf in our bedroom closet - I have to get on stool to get them up there ,so they could not reach them. Beyond that, we can lock our bedroom- so that would seem to solve problem. What do you think?

If you think I do need a safe...any suggestions of certain safe to hold the 7 guns?

[dragon813gt]

Personally I think it?s the responsibility of every gun owner to keep them locked up.  If someone breaks into your home you don?t want them having easy access to them.  One of the locking wood gun cabinets is better than nothing.  The ones I use for self defense are all in quick access safes when not in my possession.  Mine are locked up to prevent theft as much as they are to prevent my children from accessing them.

[swede69]

YES, you do.

[The Guardian]

I would just get a solid oak chest of an appropriate size.....put a lock on it and put the guns in it when necessary.....easy-peasy. When guests leave take them out or not..... Pinterest has all sorts of ideas for gun storage, some pretty creative....others very traditional.

[Walt Sherrill]

I also no longer have children or grand children around that might want to play with loaded weapons, but...  A gun safe is ALSO a way of protecting valuable property.  More than one person I've known has had guns stolen while they were away from home.    That's an expensive and devastating loss, and one that might not be fully (or properly) covered by some homeowner's insurance.

I have a small gun safe in my bedroom closet, bolted to the floor -- and that gun is in my bedside table each night.  I also have a similar small gun safe in our downstairs den, for quick access if I should ever need it.   Both of these safes are fire resistant.  I also have electronic hearing protection in the bedside table.

The rest of my guns, mostly handguns and several .22 rifles, are kept in a larger, fully fireproof safe.  I also  keep a few pieces of valuable jewelry and a few important documents in that safe.   Other important documents are kept in small fireproof safes elsewhere in the house -- these safes could be forced opened relatively easily, but they're intended to be fire protection, not theft protection -- there's not much in them that would entice a thief looking for smaller things easily grabbed and quickly sold.   (I wish I had safes big enough to  hold TVs, Computers, etc.  But that's what  home security system are for...)

[Blackwatch]

My 2 cents - purchase a safe and renewable dehumidifier. That way you can protect your guns, other valueable items and documents in a secured, low humidity environment.

As for type/size of safe it depends on how much space you have and if you intend to have a rifle in the future.

[cntrydawwwg]

I?m along the lines that a lockable cabinet/safe of some kind is a must have. Both for curious children, and would be thieves.
   Only you can make the choice on type and size, or if you even need one. I grew up knowing exactly where dad?s firearms were, and which ones were loaded. Never even thought about touching without permission. After becoming a father myself, realized times have changed and kids (no matter how well they are taught) just think and act differently. For better or worse, started locking everything up.
    For years all I could afford was a lockable wood cabinet, and a quick entry safe for bedside pistol. Recently upgraded to a cheaper Stack-on metal safe to replace the wood cabinet.  Little stronger than their cabinets, not as fancy as the more expensive brands. (Not fireproof)
   Will it stop someone targeting my firearms, probably not. Will it stop a quick smash and grab, hope so. Will it stop curious hands, absolutely.

[timetofly]

I recently bought a Gun Concentrator, I mean Gun Safe.  My reasons were;

First it was time to store heirloom firearms so that hopefully they would survive a fire. 

Second, to make it a little more work for thieves to get the firearms. 

Third and most importantly, to stop a child from getting a firearm and accidentally shooting themselves or another child.  I keep ammo and firearms away from each other, but children can be so resourceful in being able to get into trouble without realizing the danger until it's too late.  I also have a FSD on all of my firearms as a second line of defense for kids.  I live by myself with no children visiting my home, but I still would not be able to live with myself if any?hing happened ?o a child.  FSDs are a pain in the rear end, but I'll happily put up with that pain to stop a child from being hurt.

Just my point of view and anyone is free to disagree with i?. 

[Underwhere]

You can figure out how best to keep guns away from children. A safe is a easy and common suggestion. It doesn't mean it's the only one. So long as the wrong people can't get hold of it, you've done your part (comply with your local laws of course)

There are some states that require trigger locks while stored at home without a safe. Thats certainly an option that renders the guns useless even if found by a child.

Keeping them out of reach is dependent on the capabilities of the kids. If they are old enough to climb then a closet may be an issue. You be the judge of that.

For what it's worth I have seen children surprisingly adept at getting into stuff.

At the end if the day don't let someone's unfounded anxiety drive your actions. Be rational and you'll make the right call.

[bang bang]

welcome,

unless you are home 24/7/365 then i can see not wanting one.  But who knows what will happen if you are gone.  would you like to see those guns on the street in someone else hands maybe using them on someone or even you ?

Even your bedside gun should be secure.  I totaly understand you want it handy, but consider will you be that coherent if someone sneaks in?   how many times have you been woken up suddenly and be in that zone where your hearing is more defied and you have those binders on.   Its takes a second to figure out whats going on.

You can get one of those gun vaults and secure it to your bed frame or someplace handy.

also, you have no idea on who talks about your guns. Sometimes it may slip out someplace where someone is hearing things.

[armoredman]

My $.02 - I would recommend it if you can afford it. Even a cheap gun locker bolted down will make it more of a hassle than it's worth for your local meth heads. If you can buy GOOD, then buy good - I do not regret a penny I spent on my safe.

[Mrs Armoredman]

   Yes do get one. I am glad my husband Mr. A got his safe. He keeps things secure and that gives me peace of mind. My son is 18 and we have no grand kids but get one if you can and protect yourself.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

When I first started acquiring firearms I was continually worried about leaving home with those guns vulnerable to theft. Don't think it can't happen to you because it can.
I bought a top quality safe and the peace of mind it brought me was worth every dollar.

[Earl Keese]

I think it's a good idea to have one. Buy one at least a little larger than you need. They have a way of filling up.

[BKmetz]

I bought my first gun safe back in March. Before then I had guns stored in closets. I had ammo stored in cabinets. Now everything is in one very safe location, away from curious grandchildren and whoever. My home protection pistol is stored in one of those quick opening mini 'Handgun Vault' safes. I bought a medium size safe on sale for under $700. Someone somewhere always has them on sale. I was able to get free delivery but had to hire a couple of guys to move it into my basement. Even with the labor costs I was still under $1k. $1k, that's about what a nice 1911 costs.

A gun safe also stores more than guns. I also have all my legal papers in it, will, birth certificates, marriage license, passports, deed, recent tax returns, wife's jewelry & my watches, and some cash.

A gun safe isn't a guaranty against fire, water damage, or theft, but it should protect your valuables long enough for the fire dept to get to your home and get a handle on any, God forbid, event. Also, one should still have their firearms insured regardless of the safe. A total loss of a home due to fire or water damage will still render the contents of a gun safe ruined. Thieves will pry open the door on a cheap safe and cut a side panel off with a die grinder on an expensive safe. Just something to keep in mind.