GUNSMARTS: How to Safely Store Firearms

As a gun owner, not only should you know and understand the basic rules of firearm safety, you should also be prepared to safely store your gun(s). That means whenever firearms are not in your direct control, they should be secured properly. Check out this Smith & Wesson GUNSMARTS video on how to safely store your firearm.

When talking about safely storing firearms, it’s important to note there is a difference between hiding a gun and securing it. Tucking a pistol, rifle or shotgun away out of reach is not a responsible solution. You may think you have found a great hiding spot, but it could be discovered and used by those who could harm themselves and others.

If you choose not to secure your firearms and don’t have ongoing discussions about firearm safety in the home with your family members, you do increase the odds for an accident to happen. It’s simple. Locking up your guns prevents unauthorized access. Even if you don’t have children in your home, securing your firearms helps prevent discovery and theft

Common Ways to Safely Store Firearms

• Gun locks – This option includes trigger guard locks and cable locks. New firearms ship with free cable gun locks but if you don’t have one visit ProjectChildsafe.org to learn how you can find a free safety kit.
• Handgun or single firearm vault safes – This type of safe is ideal for nightstands or drawers and is often chosen by gun owners who own a single firearm. Ideally, these safes should be properly secured to the floor or furniture.
• Large gun safes – Sturdy, metal cabinets, and large firearm safes help you store multiple firearms and other valuables. Many offer firearm protection as well.
• Vault doors – Some gun owners opt to convert a closet or room into a safe space for their firearms. Using a vault door secured to a door frame, their safe storage option is built right into their home.

Available with keys or manual combinations or even electronic keypads and biometric technology that recognize individual fingerprints, there’s a safe storage option for every preference and price point. Investing in a storage option that fits your needs should be one of the first accessories you purchase for your firearm.

Finally, firearms that are not in use should be stored and unloaded. As an additional safety step, store your ammunition separately as well. That said, it’s important to always remember the first rule of firearm safety and that’s to treat all guns as if they are loaded at all times. Never assume a firearm is unloaded even if it’s in your safe. The bottom line, securing your firearms combined with firearm safety education is a valuable investment that makes you and your home safer. Download a copy of the firearm safety rules here.