Storing guns safely is an important topic to discuss - however, how one chooses to safely store a gun is completely up to that individual. This topic doesn't have a set of rules to be followed or guidelines - it is completely situation dependent. That being said, I will provide some brief suggestions and open it up to all of you for discussion.
I think the first question to answer is "why do you keep guns in your house"? Maybe you are holding on to some family heirlooms or antiques that are never used. Perhaps you have some rifles you use just during hunting season. Or perhaps you keep guns in your home to defend yourself, your family, and your property. Gun storage is a touchy topic because everyone has an opinion on it and what works for one may not for another.
For example, perhaps you are a hunter and use your rifle a few weeks a year. You have kids in the home so you choose to lock your rifles in a safe. On the other hand, someone who keeps a gun in the home specifically for self defense would be putting their safety in jeopardy by requiring the extra steps of retrieving a gun from the safe before being able to use it.
So, you've made the decision that you want to securely store your firearms. What are your options? There are many different products on the market to help with this. I'm going to focus on three "systems" of securing firearms. Within each "system" there are a multitude of options, configurations, etc. that need to be taken into consideration.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are mostly used with semi-automatic handguns. As the name suggests, it is metal cable with a lock on the end. This cable is inserted into a handgun (that must first be unloaded and the action opened) by running one end of the cable through the barrel and out of the ejection port. The cable is then locked. This device will absolutely prevent the handgun from being loaded or fired, as the cable itself is blocking both the barrel and the action. I rate this type of device least secure because it doesn't prevent someone from grabbing your gun, running off with it, and cutting the cable off.
Gun Cabinets
Gun cabinets are a close second to cable locks in being the least secured. Most quality gun cabinets will have a lock on the door where your rifles go, as well as several lockable drawers for your ammo and supplies. They are more secure than cable locks in that it is harder for someone to run off with the entire cabinet, but are typically made with glass doors so that your rifles can be shown off to company. Unfortunately, this doesn't prevent someone from smashing the glass and making off with your hardware.
Gun Safes
Gun safes are arguably the most secure way to store guns and keep them out of the hands of unwanted users. Gun safes are big, bulky, and made of metal. They are extremely heavy and virtually impossible to move without substantial assistance. The locking mechanism on the safe can vary (turn dial, combination, fingerprint, etc.) but typically whichever method is used, this will be your most secure bet. In addition, many gun safes are built to withstand heat and fire, protecting your firearms. The downside is that in the event of an emergency, precious seconds can be lost trying to open your safe.
The most important thing to evaluate is your reasoning for keeping firearms in your home and how you need to specifically secure them in your specific situation. One size absolutely does not fit all. For some, it makes most sense to keep their guns loaded and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. For many others, it will make sense to store your firearms and ammunition separately.
If I could make one suggestion to parents who have guns in their home with children - educate and expose. The best way to keep kids safe around guns is to educate them and expose them to guns. Curiosity killed the cat, and curiosity makes kids snoop around when their parents are away. Educate and expose when you feel your kids are old enough. Teach your children to respect firearms and how to handle them safely. Drill the 4 Fundamental Firearms Rules with them. And most importantly, enjoy the experience of shooting with your children.
One final suggestion on safe storage. Remember to be mindful of extended stays away from home, during a vacation or whatever else. You do not want someone to break into your home while your away on vacation (and informing the world of your absence from home via Facebook) and steal your firearms. If you carry a firearm on your person, do not leave it locked in a car unless you absolutely have to. Look for my next blog post on what records you should keep and what to do in the event of a lost or stolen firearm.
How do you store your firearms? Do you have any unique ways or storage methods?