Whether you’re an experienced firearm owner or just beginning your journey, it’s crucial to understand that owning a weapon comes with a responsibility to store it safely and securely. Firearm storage isn’t just about protecting your investment—it also serves to prevent accidents, theft, and unauthorized use.
For beginners, storage may seem daunting. Some considerations such as accessibility, especially for those who keep weapons for home defense, add another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Thus, this article is for you if you’re a beginner gun owner. It explores the essential tips and strategies for storage to ensure you can safely and confidently handle your responsibilities. Read on to learn more.
1. Always Keep Your Firearms Unloaded
Storing your firearms unloaded reduces the risk of accidental discharges if improperly handled. Before storing, check each gun to ensure that it’s unloaded. This simple step can save lives and is considered an essential best practice for handling a firearm safely.
Generally, there are a few different ways to keep a weapon unloaded. One option is to use the trigger lock. It’s a device that fits over the trigger and prevents it from being pulled. Another option is to keep the gun in a locked container. It can be a safe, a lock box, or even a piece of furniture with a lockable door.
2. Choose The Best Storage Option
The importance of firearm storage options can’t be overstated. Guns are dangerous weapons and should always be kept safely and securely. This way, you can prevent accidental shootings, avoid theft, and reduce the risk of suicide.
Therefore, if you own a gun, take the time to choose a safe and secure storage option to ensure yourself and your family’s safety. The following are the many different types of storage solutions available:
- Wall mount: This type of storage is mounted on a wall. A gun wall mount prominently and securely displays your firearm, suitable for those who want easy access combined with a stylish display.
- Safe: This is the most secure type of gun storage. It’s made of thick metal and has complex locking mechanisms, making it very difficult for unauthorized people to access the guns inside. Suppose you’re looking for a balance between safety and accessibility. In that case, a quick access safe which uses biometrics, such as fingerprint identification or combination locks, ensures that only authorized users can access the weapon. A fire-resistant and water-resistant safe can also be a great choice if you want to protect your weapon from damage in a fire or flood.
- Cabinet: While not as secure as safes, these are still a good option for storing firearms. It’s typically made of wood or metal and has a locking mechanism.
- Case: This type of storage is designed to protect weapons from damage during transport. It can be a good option for storing guns at home if they won’t be used often.
Regardless of the storage option you choose, it must be kept safe and secure. Firearms should never be stored where children or unauthorized people can access them to avoid accidents and other safety hazards. If you have questions about storage, consult a gun safety instructor or other qualified professional.
2. Secure Ammunition Separately
Storing ammunition separately can add an extra step in making the gun operable. This could prove essential in preventing an accident should a child or an unauthorized person gain access to your gun.
To secure ammunition separately, you should consider the following:
- Stow it in a secure container. This could be a safe, a cabinet, or even an ammunition box—all of which should be locked.
- Keep it in a dry, cool place. Moisture can damage ammunition, so it’s essential to place it in a location where it’ll stay dry. A cool, dry place is also less likely to attract pests like rodents.
- Label your ammunition containers. This can help track what type of ammunition you have and when it was purchased. Labeling the containers with the date they were last used is also a good idea.
- Store ammunition out of reach of children. This is perhaps the most important tip of all. Children should never be allowed to handle ammunition, even if they know how to use a weapon safely.
Following these tips can help keep your ammunition safe and secure. This can prevent accidents and injuries and help deter unauthorized access.
3. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Humidity can lead to rust and corrosion, damaging firearms and rendering them inoperable over time. This is where using a dehumidifier in your storage becomes useful. It can help prevent moisture build-up, especially in more humid climates or during wet seasons.
However, to get the most out of your dehumidifier, make sure it’s large enough to cover the entire area where you’ll stow your gun. It should be able to reduce the humidity in the air to below 50% and it should have a filter that can remove dust and other particles from the air. This can help to protect your weapon from further damage.
4. Follow Local Laws and Regulations
Each jurisdiction may have different laws and regulations related to firearm storage. For example, some states require that weapons be stored in locked containers, while others may have rules around the type of locks or storage containers used. Understanding and complying with these gun laws is crucial for every weapon owner. Make sure to check with your state about the regulations for firearm storage to avoid legal troubles later.
Conclusion
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll ensure the secure storage of your firearm. Each step is vital in preventing accidents and unauthorized use, providing peace of mind for you, your family, and your community.
