? about leaving a gun in an unsecured environment

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1894

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I haved moved into a less than desireable neighboorhood. My current collection includes:
LCP-on me always
Ruger SP101-with me most times (close when not on me - read: car)
Marlin 1894c-at home.

My concern is leaving the marlin at home. I have no way of preventing theiving when I'm not home. Also, in my previous situation, I was pleased with the 5 round offering of the Ruger. Now, I'd like an extra couple rounds. Thinking about tossing the Ruger and Marlin for a 1911.

Reasons: It fits me. I can shoot it well enough. I retain the privacy of what I'm doing. I can take it w/ me when I'm not home w/o everyone knowing I have a gun while I'm loading the truck for work. The end results of the differing rounds are comparable.

I figure a 1911 gives me the control and capacity I need (please, let's not argue this) and the portability. I lose the many benefits of a long gun.

Your thoughts?
 
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Tough call. I'd probably go with your plan, myself, if I were in your shoes. Or something like it.

Having the 1911 (or other service auto) as a primary and the LCP as a secondary would give me a little bit more "backup" if I was in a really rough neighborhood, and not leaving a firearm in the house would make me feel better if theft was commonplace.

Marlin 1894s are fairly common (as are other equivalent carbines) so you'll be able to replace it when things improve.
 
Assuming the Marlin has no particular emotional or family memories then seems like a good plan. Personally I prefer non-1911 platforms but if that works for you go for it.
 
Keep em all find a good safe for the Ruger and Marlin to live in and get yourself a quality 1911 (you don't have to spend a fortune on one, definitely <$1000.00 for a good shooter).IMO this should be done right away.;)
 
The 1911 doesn't do to much more than your 38 only holds 2-3 more rounds, weighs twice as much, twice as big, bullets a lot slower, but bigger that's a plus, the 1911's seem to be a little more picky on what ammo you use, if you want more ammo capacity and larger round and better reliability look to glock, Springfield XD or XDM.
 
Find a creative hiding place where a thief will probably not think to look. A good example is a space between the studs in the wall behind the refrigerator.
 
Realistic posts only please. I don.t have the cash for any improvements, etc.
 
What about the possibility of a carbine that is easily taken down? Depending on your state laws, folding stocks may also suffice.
 
Owen Sparks did give you a realistic post. When I lived in a rental unit I used a stud finder ($9.95 at Ace Hardware - circa 2004) and a borrowed jig saw (you can substitute that with a drill and a finishing saw) to locate the space between the studs and cut out a hole large enough to slip in an AR-15 at an angle then placed an air-conditioning return vent grill ($15 - again at Ace) over the hole. My total cost then was ~ $25.00, but I suspect that now it would be somewhat more.

No one, not even the landlord suspected the safe hiding place. It even served as a place to put cash and other valuables. If you can’t afford that you might as well go with your alternate plan, but I think the safety of your firearms in an unattended vehicle would not be much better than in your current living quarters.
 
1894, I'm not sure what your finances allow, so this may be unfeasable for you, but...

Have you considered an inexpensive gun safe/cabinet? Just something you can fasten to the floor/wall to stop a smash & grab thief? Something like this for instance? If not, some of the locker/cabinets can be found even cheaper.

And before you settle on a 1911 (not knocking the choice) have you considered a polymer pistol, say a Glock 19? You could carry 16 rounds, and pick one up for quite a bit less than the 1911, right?

Just a simple thought from me. Do what's best for you, and of course be safe!
 
^^^That. Plus, the tighter the finances, the more important caliber consolidation becomes (I'm assuming a .357 Marlin here, yes?)

I like the LCP/SP101 combo: real world carry beats "sometimes" carry guns, IMHO.

With the 3 guns you mention in hand, I'd spend the time, energy and dough on hardening up your apartment and stand pat on the guns.

Unless, of course, you just *have* to have a 1911. Can't fault that; just make sure you are committing for the right reasons.
 
'94,

Have you thought about how a lightweight secured gun contained might come into play? I'm thinking about something from Stack On that can secure your guns from the most casual thieves. Perhaps securing the container within the apartment will provide the next level of security.

I believe they also have wall safes.
 
I'm in Jax, FL.

I have a small safe for the pistols, but nothing to contain the rifle. About 2 years ago a friend had one of those Stack Ons that he lost the key to. It took us ~30 seconds to get into it with a 3 foot crowbar and an 8 lb sledge.

Owen, I'm sorry. Your suggestion was reasonable and I may have a place already.

I've thought about polymer pistols, but I have short fingers and can't find one as comfortable as the 1911. Also, I really dig them and have wanted one for a while now.
 
If you just want a 1911, get one.

Worried about your guns being stolen? Renters insurance. If someone wants something badly enough, they'll get it. A gun safe just isn't going to keep everyone out. It'll deter most theives, but not all.
 
Pull the refrigerator out, knock a hole in the sheetrock between two studs and vacume up the mess. Stash your Marlin there and put the refrigerator back. It will cost you nothing and thieves are not going to find it as long as you keep your mouth shut. If a riot breaks out you can get to it quickly.
 
Pull the refrigerator out, knock a hole in the sheetrock between two studs and vacume up the mess. Stash your Marlin there and put the refrigerator back. It will cost you nothing and thieves are not going to find it as long as you keep your mouth shut. If a riot breaks out you can get to it quickly.
Click to expand...

If you look some places sell actual "safes" (more like wall-mounted lock boxes - they're sheet metal). that fit between the studs. Not a lot of room but enough to hold a few guns, and they're cheap. Hide it behind a big poster and I'd be willing to be no one would find it during a quick smash and grab.
 
Pay 35 bucks and join the NRA. Not only will you enjoy the fact that your money is going to an organization that fights to protect your 2A, they also offer $2500 of insurance to cover theft or accidental loss of your firearms.
 
Marlin 1894s are fairly common (as are other equivalent carbines) so you'll be able to replace it when things improve.
Click to expand...

Sam - you must not have been looking for one recently - scarce as hen's teeth between CAS, hog hunting, etc.......

Renter and NRA insurance, hide it as best as you can where you live - i.e., NOT in the BR closet or under the bed
 
Thinking about the fridge thing...

Also, life member. Maybe I need to do some research on my benefits. All I've cares about so far was the lobbying.

I've replaced the screws in the door hinges and latch plates with some 3.5"deck screws. Bedroom door as well.

Have a buddy with a spare metal front door. If it fits, I may put it on the bedroom doorand key the lock to the front door.

Also got one of those masterlock door braces. But that doesn't help when I'm not home.

Just trying to buy time to wake up, call 911, and be ready. OI honestly don't think anything will happen. But, an ounce of prevention...
 
Anyone got some more inexpensive ideas on how to harden the place. 2nd floor, one entrance, no balcony.
 
Some banks will allow you to store handguns in a safe deposit box. Make sure to talk with a manager. Make sure to have the gun in a case while it is in the bank. A soft case will work, you don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. There are safe deposit boxes large enough to store a long gun but you can make payments on a safe for the service fee.
 
Never thought about that.:D I'm thinking about a bath trap behind the fridge.

This morning I put myself on a waiting list for a better, cheaper, and most importantly safer place.
 
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