Bed side gun?

[WestonSmith]

Does anyone here have a loaded gun that is near you while you sleep? I have a Springfield XD that is cocked and ready that I put in the XD holster at about where my waistline is underneath my covers, and of course the muzzle points away from myself and roommate. The XD holster makes it so I can not accidentally pull the trigger in my sleep. I figure that if I put it on the nightstand next to my bed, I wont be able to grab it quick enough if something happens. I have read some news stories about various killers who attacked their victims during their sleep. I am afraid that if I have to reach so far to grab the firearm, it will make my body more vulnerable. Also since I have roommates, I want it to be out of their view and reach.

The thing that I am worried about is that if I ever do have to use this firearm at night, it would take two hands to operate it since I would have to slide the XD gear holster off of the gun that is protecting the trigger. Reading those news stories on killers attacking their victims in their bed, it might be a good idea to have at least one forearm available to give yourself some space from the killer (example: some of them will hit their victims head violently with a bat). My other concern is that when it is under the covers with me, it may get pushed around and I may not be able to feel around and find my Springfield XD quick enough.

For those of you who have a bedtime firearm, what do you do?

 

[Dionysusigma]

1911A1, cocked and locked, in a leather holster in a cigar box on the table next to the bed. Cigar box is large enough that I can find and open it without seeing, since I'm not exactly the most coordinated person when I've just woken up. Two reloads (dunno why I'd need two, but they're there) rest in the box as well.

Keep in mind, though, that most bad guys (try to) come into your home when you're not there.

 

[bpisler]

I keep some type of revolver in a holster
that been attached mattress high on the
side of my night stand.

 

[1 old 0311]

S&W 64 with Crimson Trace Laser Grips.

 

[Noxx]

686, the holster is attached to the rear of my bedside dresser for one handed access.

My personal best advice for peace of mind with your arms while you sleep, is to sleep with your (re-inforced) bedroom door securely locked. The noise of someone breaching that door should buy you the time to wake up and prepare yourself.

 

[Ala Dan]

Springer XD-F .45 ACP 4" service model, with a Streamlight TLR-1 attached;
and stoked with 185 grain Winchester SilverTip JHP's 14 times~!

 

[MikeRussell]

Dan Wesson Pointman7 (1911) loaded with 230gr JHP and one spare magazine.

 

[foghornl]

Springfield "GI-45" is the Bedside Table Companion, 4 mags total

Under bed is the Maverick 88

 

[230RN]

DA .357 wheelgun on floor in full-flap holster with 158gr flat points. (I discovered a long time ago that I sleep better with a mattress on the floor than in a bed. Primitive, I guess, but it works and I'm single.)

But I also figure a knife might sometimes be better in close-up encounters, so I keep one nearby on the other side of my "bed."

Sounds bloodthirsty, I guess, but a couple of years ago I found 10" butcher knives on sale in a dollar store and got six of them for general purposes. One for the kitchen, one for the bed, one for the glovebox, and the rest stored away for stocking stuffers or whatever.

Whenever I go out at night to get something from the car, visit the dumpster, etc., I carry a .380, a 6" kitchen knife, and a flashlight which I wave around looking for eyeballs.

It's dark as a bat's groin out there in the parking lot.

There have been mountain lion reports around here from time to time, and if jumped, I figure the knife might be better. I also think a couple of THRers would agree with that philosophy.

 

[Long Knife]

I just picked up a Mauser HSc in 7.65 which I've been packing around. It's a butey and in like new shape being made in the 40's. I've got S&B hardballs and Federal personal defense .32 autos to go with it.

 

[spartan55]

Winchester 1300 w/ tac light loaded with 00buck and two slugs in a side saddle,

Saftey off, round chambered, light on, mounted on a tripod sitting in the middle of the bedroom, pointing in the direction of the bedroom door, w/ a trip wire connected to the trigger, just in case, because I'm a heavy sleeper.
Just kidding of course

But seriously I do have the 1300

 

[MinnMooney]

Under the other pillow, not the one that I lay my pretty little head upon.
Springfield-Armory XD-45 Tactical w/HP's.
There's one in the chamber & a full clip in the butt with a Streamlight hooked to the bottom side. It's NOT in a holster. There are two full clips lying next to it and two hi-intensity flashlights on my nightstand.
All of that is for instant access but if I have an advance warning (& I will 'cause of my Eng. Setter) then I'll get to my safe with a Rem. pump 18" bbl with five 00 Buck shells loaded. If I want to get really nasty then I'll grab the Benelli Nova 12ga. loaded with 3 1/2" torpedoes (also 00 Buck).

 

[MHBushmaster]

Springfield XD40 (my CCW) loaded with Hornday Tap 165gr HP ammo residing in my galco leather carry holster on the bed side table.
Bushmaster M4 with an Eotech 552, a 30 rd mag loaded with M193 and M855 alternating
For my Wife: a Remington 870 with a mag extension holding 6 rounds of 2 3/4 copper plated buckshot.

Oh and a K-bar knife nearby

 

[sonofodin]

12 gauge next to the bed, cheap smith and wesson boot knife under the pillow.

Edit: My boxes of field knives are next to the bed, including a Kukri machete and a Cold Steel ODA.

 

[Fastlane]

I keep my 870 loaded with 00 buckshot, I sleep very well.

 

[scurtis_34471]

Springfield XD-40 Service loaded with 180gr Remington Golden Sabers in my bedside table drawer.

 

[glockman19]

Either A Glock 19 or 26 w/night sights, S&W 642 w/CTC 405's, or Kimber Custom II. All with Federal hydra Shok's

 

[McCall911]

Does anyone here have a loaded gun that is near you while you sleep?

Yes. Always.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Laying on the nightstand and leaning against the wall next to the bed.

 

[blo0dyhatchet]

I keep my Ruger P97 in the holster, clipped onto the drawer of my nightstand. With it clipped where it is, I would easily be able to grab with one hand and let it loose.

 

[Pitt762x54r]

I've always loves those little black powder cannons. I would just point it right at the door for all to see.


I a few feet from the bed is the Bersa .380 and the M44. Generally the Mossberg 500 is ready to rill with 00 buck just in case.

 

[Doggy Daddy]

Springfield XD .45 with tactical light, loaded with Gold Dots and with a spare mag next to it on the night stand. Also have a Surefire G-2 and a knife on the same stand. The wifey has another XD .45 on her side, along with The Judge loaded with alternating rounds of Gold Dot and .410 shotshells. I have no idea how many knives she has hidden nearby at any given time. No worries about being surprised - the 3 dogs in the room would raise Holy H377 before someone could get through the front door. Also have 3 loaded gun safes and 2 ammo cabinets in the room.

We sleep well.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

I suffer from night terrors and (on occasion) sleepwalk. So, no--it's not under the pillow.

It's nearby and easy, but can't be reached while in bed.

It takes me < 5 sec.s to arm myself from being undercover. It's a trade off of maybe 3 seconds that for me, is needed for safety.

 

[waterhouse]

I've got the guns withing easy reach, and the canine early alert system to wake me up.

 

[1911 guy]

3 options.

Immediately at my bedside is a 16" AR with locked mag and empty chamber. Kid can't operate charging handle (yet). C&L 1911 in dresser drawer. Kid can't open heavy wooden drawer (yet). "cruiser ready" 12 ga. in rack high enough my kid can't reach it (yet).

I'm planning on buying another small safe soon for the 1911, similar to the one my wife keeps her bedside Sig in. My son is 3 and the current safety measures will soon be inneffective.