Proper gun storage is critical in ensuring the safety of your firearms at home and protecting your loved ones from accidents or unauthorized access, while being ready to defend yourself from home invasion threats.

Introduction to Secure Firearm Storage

At Defensive Mindset Training, we believe that secure firearm storage is a crucial aspect of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership. Not only does proper storage help prevent accidents, but it also keeps firearms out of the wrong hands. Using either a long term storage gun safe or a quick access safe are simple and effective storage methods. Therefore, we urge all gun owners to take the necessary steps to ensure their firearms are stored safely.

Implementing Firearm Storage Safety Measures at Home

Implementing proper firearm storage safety measures at home is crucial to prevent accidental discharges, theft, or access by unauthorized individuals. According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation study, 4 out of 10 firearm owners leave a loaded firearm unlocked and easily accessible in their homes. As a result, the chance of unintentional shootings rises, especially for children. Proper firearm storage in a locked safe or case can also deter theft, as most residential burglars target unsecured firearms that can fetch significant amounts in the illegal market. In addition, securing firearms can prevent access by individuals with mental health issues or those who may use them for self-harm or harm others. As responsible firearm owners, we must promote gun safety and protect ourselves and our families, while still maintaining the ability to defend ourselves when needed.

Types of Firearm Storage Options

As an expert firearm training company, we understand the importance of firearm storage options for safety and security. Here is a comprehensive list of firearm storage options that you can use to protect your firearms:

Gun Safes:

Gun safes are one of the most popular and effective firearm storage options. They come in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Many gun safes have tamper-resistant locks, are fire-resistant, and can store multiple firearms and accessories. Your long term storage safe should be heavy, metal, and bolted to the floor. If you are leaving your house for longer than twenty-four hours, all firearms not in your direct possession should be in this safe. Many of these safes are fire-resistant, and some are water-resistant as well. The higher quality the safe, the longer it will last in a house fire… and the harder it will be to break into. You should save up and purchase a safe that is the highest quality you can afford.

Gun Cabinets:

Gun cabinets were a popular storage option in generations past. They come in various sizes and designs. They offer the most basic safety features as gun safes, but are less expensive and less secure, often having only a simple lock and pane of glass as security. Gun cabinets can be made from different types of wood, have glass doors or solid doors, and can be locked, but generally with simple key locks that aren’t as robust as a traditional gun safe. Ideally, firearms placed in this type of safe should be for display purposes, such as relic firearms, classic hunting shotguns, and rifles, or heirlooms. Gun cabinets should be protected by another layer of security, such as a home alarm system and other robbery deterrents.

Quick Access Safes:

Quick access safes can be either portable or stationary. Quick access safes are small, lightweight, perfect for handguns that are used in home defense. They come in digital, biometric, and mechanical versions. Defensive Mindset Training recommends mechanical versions of these quick access safes rather than digital or biometric, as they run forever without batteries and can be accessed by any authorized person by simply sharing the code.

Portable models are ideal for those who need to transport their firearms frequently. Gun owners should have a portable safe in their vehicles, secured to the frame such as under the driver’s seat, to keep the firearm secured when they cannot bring a gun into a specific location like a government building or school.

Quick access safes are also invaluable tools for your home defense strategy. These safes can be kept close to defense areas or places where a quick response is needed, for example in the nightstand drawer next to your bed. So in the event of a home invasion at night, the defensive firearm can be quickly accessed. Firearms stored in these quick access safes for home defense should be stored in Condition 3, meaning there are no live rounds in the chamber, but rounds are kept in the magazine in the well of the handgun to be made ready quickly. This means that part of your practice with this safe is the deployment process, a significant part of your Home Defense Plan. The details of this plan are available for study and practice via our online training site Defender University.

Trigger Locks:

Trigger locks devices prevent the weapon from being fired by locking the trigger, however they also render the firearm useless in an emergency. Your ability to undo a trigger lock of any type under extreme stress is very limited, making these “safety” measures little more than impediments to your ability to defend yourself and your home. For this reason, Defensive Mindset Training does not recommend these as a primary safety measure for firearm storage when the gun is not in use but instead recommends high quality long term storage safes or quick access safes.

Biometric Locks:

Biometric locks may offer a high level of security and speed of access by using fingerprint recognition technology to provide access to your firearms. However they are also prone to error, require you to maintain battery power, and can be hard to use when you’re in the dark, confused by the chaos of a home invasion threat. To be effective they would also need to be set up for multiple persons, such as you and your spouse. Considering all these drawbacks, Defensive Mindset Training does not recommend Biometric Locks but instead recommends mechanical quick access safes as described above.

Firearm storage is crucial for maintaining safety and security in your home. Choosing the right storage option is essential to ensure your firearm is in good condition and safe from unauthorized access. Consider all of the above options to select the best storage solutions based on your needs. As always, follow all legal and safety requirements when storing your firearms.

Properly Storing Ammunition and Accessories

Ammunition not directly needed for home defense should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Ideally it should be kept in a locked container or safe to prevent unauthorized access. It’s essential to regularly inspect ammunition for signs of damage or deterioration, including dents, rust, or discoloration. Accessories such as extra magazines should also be stored securely, with consideration to potential damage from moisture or impact. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent deterioration of your gear and ensure your equipment is ready to use when needed.

Firearm Storage Safety Tips for Families with Children

Ensuring that your guns are not accessible to children is one of the most critical aspects of safe gun storage. It is crucial that you think through your safety plan. Consider the location of all quick access and long term storage safes, keeping in mind the age and mobility of your children. Understand that you can train your children that certain areas of your home are off limits to them, but you cannot train their friends. Vigilance and responsibility are necessary. Children should be taught to follow gun safety rules, such as not touching firearms without adult permission, treating every gun as potentially dangerous, and immediately informing adults if they find a firearm. By implementing these simple safety measures, we can protect our children and create a safer environment.

Additional Security Measures for Enhanced Protection

In addition to our top-notch firearms and self-defense training programs, we believe it is crucial to implement additional security measures in your home for enhanced protection. For example, beyond simply storing your firearms and ammunition securely, you may want to consider investing in high-quality locks for doors and windows, security film for ground floor windows, installing security cameras, lights, and alarms, and being aware of your surroundings. You should also have a preparedness plan in place for emergencies, such as natural disasters or violent attacks. With these added layers of security, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected in any situation.

Resources for Further Firearm Storage Guidance

At Defensive Mindset Training, we believe that firearm ownership comes with great responsibility. Proper storage of your guns is essential to protect your family, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure your firearms are in good condition. That's why we offer a range of resources to help you master the art of firearm storage.

Our revolutionary Defender University program offers online courses led by our elite-level instructors. These courses include comprehensive lessons on firearm storage, from choosing the right safe to securing your ammunition. In addition, our in-person training covers practical techniques for storage, cleaning, and maintenance. These trainings go beyond the essential firearms training and preparedness that DMT is known for.

To supplement our training, we also provide a range of training tools, including informative DVDs. These tools are designed to fit any budget and provide the necessary level of protection for your firearms.

By taking advantage of our resources for firearm storage guidance, you can ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. With Defensive Mindset Training, you can be confident in your ability to handle, store, and maintain your firearms safely.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and resources and how we can help you become a responsible firearm owner!