[click clack]

I am a Junior in college and currently live in a gated apartment. The majority of my firearms are in the safe back at my folk's house about 3 hours away. I dont really worry about anything happening in the apartments but I will be moving into a neighborhood where i KNOW there have been problems with break-ins and robberys. My dilemma is what to do about it... I have a few handguns that would fill the role wonderfully but they all are somewhat expensive and my real worry is the house getting broken into and the guns getting stolen while I am in class or something. So my real questions are:
---What is an inexpensive, reliable handgun?
---And what is an inexpensive and secure way to store said handgun?

As far as guns go, Ive been thinking a surplus cz-82 and those are going around $220.. I just a solid gun for as little money as possible to protect the house and occasionally plink with out in the woods since I wont have access to the majority of my guns.

thanks again,
cc

[Coyote3855]

CZ is a good choice for your needs.

[WNC Seabee]

Get an inexpensive office style desktop "safe" from Wal Mart. It won't keep anyone from sealing t, but will offer minimum protection from visitors and drunk buddies.

I'd get one of the trade-in SW Model 10s from Buds Gun Shop. $270 for a dead nuts reliable piece. Thatwy you won't have to worry about reliability with a surplus semi-auto.

[pete950]

You can't go wrong with the CZ 82 solid good shooting gun I have 2 and love them.

[MachIVshooter]

What is an inexpensive, reliable handgun?

Many choices, with the top contenders (IMO) being:

Ruger P-series (Used, ~$300)
S&W 3rd gen trade-ins (~$300-$350)
S&W Sigma (Used $200-$250)
S&W M10, as WNC seabee said
Used Tanfoglio TZ-75/TA90/TA95/Witness (~$250-$300 used)

And what is an inexpensive and secure way to store said handgun?

Well hidden. Seriously. It sounds like you'd be dealing with the smash-and-grab type more than anything. They're not going to take the time to search through every nook and cranny. Try to think like a dumb crook and imagine the least likely places they'd check for valuables. In the drawer beneath the stove, under a pot? Back of the top cupboard, behind the mac'n'cheese boxes?

[Rail Driver]

Many choices, with the top contenders (IMO) being:

Ruger P-series (Used, ~$300)
S&W 3rd gen trade-ins (~$300-$350)
S&W Sigma (Used $200-$250)
S&W M10, as WNC seabee said
Used Tanfoglio TZ-75/TA90/TA95/Witness (~$250-$300 used)



Well hidden. Seriously. It sounds like you'd be dealing with the smash-and-grab type more than anything. They're not going to take the time to search through every nook and cranny. Try to think like a dumb crook and imagine the least likely places they'd check for valuables. In the drawer beneath the stove, under a pot? Back of the top cupboard, behind the mac'n'cheese boxes?

A good friend of mine used to do consulting for a security company in Detroit. He recommends this:

http://www.asseenontvguys.com/Productimages/SECURITY_BREIFS_UNDERWEAR_PRANK.jpg
http://www.asseenontvguys.com/security-briefs.aspx

[tomrkba]

Just use one of the guns you already have. Spend the money on ammo. The cost of the gun is nothing compared to the possible legal costs involved with a defensive shooting.

Buy a small gun safe; there are many available.

[barstoolguru]

hide where they don't look if they break in; attics, kitchen cabinets, behind the couch if its against a wall, under the couch....etc

[Shoobee]

When I was in college I got a big footlocker, with a combo lock on it.

That's where I kept my S&W model 39.

If you drive to campus, another place to keep it is in your car.

[click clack]

I'd get one of the trade-in SW Model 10s from Buds Gun Shop. $270 for a dead nuts reliable piece
-- I wanted one of the round butt ones but they are sold out I guess. I might hold out for a little while to see if they get more. If not Im thinking the round butt or the CZ
He recommends this:
--LOL, i sure wouldnt snoop around a drawer if those were on top
Thanks for all the help thus far. I keep yall posted with my decision

[thefish]

Ask your landlord if you can install a small in wall safe in the closet. Tell him when u move out you will leave it and provide the key. You can probably find one for less than 100 bucks and install it yourself. Just check the framing before you do.

[BCRider]

At the new place you get in the questionable side of town maybe get a small single gun safe and then hide it in a spot that is well out of sight and somewhat difficult to access. And of course don't leave the ammo or holster around in the open where it'll encourage a thief to begin suspecting you've got more than is evident.

The old adage of "out of sight, out of mind" works better than a strong lockbox in plain sight every day.

If you go with this route I'd have no qualms about using one of your handguns you have at your parent's place at the new location. Just be sure you don't blab around that you shoot a lot or that you've got a firearm. Again, the old adage "loose lips sink ships" applies.

[Fremmer]

Go cheap with a used 38 or 357 revolver, that cz, or a makrov.