Albany [Georgia] police officer wounded by gun kept under pillow

[k-frame]

Is beneath a pillow an optimal place to keep a handgun while sleeping? Not being critical, just curious about pros and cons of doing so and the chances of an ND or AD.

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=93656

 

[jlbraun]

It would make me damn nervous.

 

[GILROY]

Not a good idea. One bad dream could tragically turn into a reality nightmare. If I did, it would be in a good retention holster for sure.

 

[don_hamer]

I think it's a bad idea. Anything could happen when you are sleeping. My hands are all over my pillow and underneath it while I'm sleeping.

 

[hacksaw]

Now thats just just stupid right there, I don't care who ya are...

 

[WolfMansDad]

Beneath your pillow is a fine place to keep your pistol if you think you might need it in the middle of the night. I've done it many times, living in less-than-savory neighborhoods.

A holster is a good idea, to keep you from gripping the gun in your sleep. If you're really nervous about it, leave the chamber empty. Oh, and make sure it is pointing away from you and anybody else. The four rules still apply when you are asleep.

Once, when I was in ROTC, we were ordered to sleep with our M-16s inside our sleeping bags. Sarge came through in the middle of the night and stole every rifle he could pick up, just to teach us a lesson. I had an uncomfortable night, but I still had my rifle in the morning.

 

[CannonFodder]

Hmm.

A loaded firearm next to my head with next to no real control but able to be affected by someone lacking full consciousness.

Yeah, that sounds like a great bloody idea.

 

[foghornl]

My story:

I lived in a well......less than savory aprtment complex way back yonder. My only handgun (actually my only gun) was a 7-1/2" barrel SUper Blackhawk Ruger....the one with the square trigger guard. I kept it under my pillow. Got up one morning, started making the bed, and moved pillow. There was the Blackhawk, COCKED!


doesn't begin to describe what I felt right then.

Went out that day and bought a snap-over-the-hammer "western style" holster.

 

[oobray]

If you're really nervous about it, leave the chamber empty

This would totally negate the assumed benifits of having it under your pillow. I think I could grab a gun off my nightstand faster than retreiving if from under the pillow and racking the slide.
I think if you insist on having a gun under your pillow, you should have it in a holster that is attached to the mattress/headboard etc. that way you can firmly remove it. But, on top the night stand, loaded is better.

 

[Don Lu]

The four rules still apply when you are asleep.

If you are asleep, you can't be sure any of the 4 rules are being done...definatley not a good idea. You may do it for your whole life and never have an AD or ND, but that doesnt make it safe...I know people who drink and drive and never had an accident..know people who smoked but didnt die of cancer...NOT A GOOD IDEA ! we also have to be careful about the advice we give...someone may actually listen to you.

 

[ziadel]

I do that. Condition 1 1911 in a holster.

I did it for a few months with an empty chamber but still cocked and locked, no problems.


I never saw the big deal, I wouldnt think twice about just laying down with the thing strapped onto me.

 

[jeff-10]

Once, when I was in ROTC, we were ordered to sleep with our M-16s inside our sleeping bags.

3 years as a 11 Bravo, and while issued one, I always brought mine in my sleeping bag. For the majority of the time I was issued one it had a M203 attached.

If I kept a loaded gun under my pillow I doubt I'd be long for this world.