Home Defense Handgun Storage?

[Manco]

As to a handgun safe, I think this one is the one I am getting http://www.ftknox.com/redesign/pistolboxes/. With the pushbuttons it offers the ease of an electronic safe, but the reliability of a combo safe. I have heard bad things about the fingerprint ones. This one seems easy to open, reliable(no electronics or batteries to fail) and pretty beefy.

I own and use one of these, and I think it's a great product. It is indeed easy and quick to operate, and is rather sturdily built for a pistol box (like a V-Line on steroids ). The proven Simplex lock design (same as on a V-Line) is reliable enough to be the sole means of access (which it is in this case), and being completely mechanical it requires no batteries, as you pointed out. In addition, the box is sized with better margins than some others I've seen (without being excessively large), and should be able to accommodate two or more "typical" full-sized pistols handily.

Its main drawbacks are that it is heavy and the lock makes some noise. However, the weight of its lid is compensated for by a gas spring (strut), and I doubt that a few clicking sounds are going to matter much in most scenarios. Normally its price would be a drawback, but it's pretty heavily discounted at the moment.

Not to impugn any choices made by others, but as popular and as well-liked as they are, personally I'm just not comfortable with electronic pistol boxes. I figure that if I need to keep a backup key handy in order to ensure reliable access, then I might as well save a hundred bucks or so and buy a simple keyed lockbox instead, skipping the electronics altogether. And while this has nothing to do with electronics per se, the electronic pistol boxes on the market are typically pretty flimsily built, it seems. A quick-access mechanical combination lock (on a robustly built box) is the most ideal solution for most folks, in my opinion.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

Question forLionhunter.I am from the other side of the country, the way you write it sounds like the old west. What is the need for the iron 24 hours a day ? No disrespect just a question. Thx

 

[x_wrench]

how about a thin (think automotive storage) gun safe fastened to the back side of your headboard? in our home, because of the way things are layed out, i have enough room for it. then the gun is very close, and easy for YOU to access. like others have said though, TAKE NO CHANCES WITH YOUR SONS LIFE! the chances of you needing to use the gun inside your own home are relatively small. if your child found a loaded gun, and it went off harming him or your wife, how would you ever live with the consequences?

 

[Shadow 7D]

gun proof your child and take precautions


BUT LETS BE REAL HERE

I your pool gated
is your laundry room locked
is your kitchen sink cabinate locked
is your bathroom locked
is your medicine drawer/chest/cabinate locked

Is there a single tab of 325+mg Tylonal out anywhere in your house....

I could go on, but the Point is, there are many more deadly objects in every house than a well stored gun, I'm not saying leave them out and let the kids play with them, but, lets get real here.

 

[SecurityPro]

The answer for me was www.thepistolpad.com as it lets me know that my personal defence pistol is always where I have placed it and that if anyone moves it they will set off my home electronic security system, sounding the sirens and sending a signal to responding law enforcement that "There is an emergency at my home and a gun has been deployed."

If I am home and I hear braking glass at 3:00 AM by grabbing my pistol off of the pistol pad in my nightstand I am doing three things simultaneously. 1. Arming myself. 2. Letting the intruder know he has been detected by the sirens going off. 3. Notifying law enforcement that I have an emergency and have deployed a gun.

80% of all of the firearms used in violent crimes are stolen out of our homes and businesses. This makes it impossible to remove my pistol from my home with letting me know and notifying law enforcement.

 

[vito]

I've been using the GunVault for several years and have thought of it as a balance between accessibility and security (since I often have young grandkids at the house). I keep it bolted onto a fixed shelf in my dresser. I have always assumed that it is relatively secure, never having tried to actually force it open. I have, unfortunately, a troubled teenager in the house that I would never allow unfettered gun access and have assumed that he also could not easily force open this gun safe. Has anyone out there ever tested the security of the GunVault, i.e., tried to force it open with a heavy screwdriver, claw hammer or pry bar? Reading this thread I am impressed with the Ft. Knox safe, especially in the way the lid overlaps the container and thus is more resident to attempts to force it open. Any thoughts on this?

 

[shootingthebreeze]

mickeyblueeyes, #52, that was my original point which got criticized from the get go and #53 possible (small) potential of gun use at home statistiaclly very small and I agree with that.

I'm more inclined to assess the threat level locally and globally relating to weapon activation.

 

[jshrop6004]

In response to the question "Are you so afraid?":

A guy ran a stop sign and was pulled over by a police officer. The driver handed him his driver’s license, registration and insurance card, plus his South Carolina concealed weapons permit. “I see your concealed weapons permit,” said the officer. “Are you carrying today?” “Yes,” said the driver. “Well then,” said the officer, “you better tell me what you got.” “Well, I have a .357 in my inside coat pocket. There’s a 9 mm semiauto in the glove box. And I have a .22 Magnum Derringer in my right boot,” said the driver. “OK,” said the officer. “Anything else?” “Yes,” said the driver. “There’s an AR15 and a shotgun in the trunk. That’s about it.” “Sir,” continued the officer, “are you on your way to or from a gun range?” “No,” answered the driver. “Well, then,” said the officer, “what in the world are you afraid of?” The driver deadpanned, “Not a thing. How about you?”

 

[jhco50]

My kids are gone now, but I have grandchildren. Mine is in a holster by my bed. I have not had a problem with any of the younger ones as I have spent time teaching them safety and they are familiar with firearms. They are not inquisitive and know that if they want to hold one or go shooting I will sit down with them or take them out shooting.

 

[reflex439]

I use a couple gun vaults, readily available, bolted and secure, that I can access in seconds. However children have no access to the contents. I feel extremely confident keeping readily available and loaded firearms handy with this solution. Even if they stumbled across them, they aren't getting in. Yet I have full and almost unimpeded access, about the same as a deep concealment holster draw. Its a very good compromise of access and safety IMO.

As for living in fear....

Do you fear driving, and because of that wear a seat belt? Or do you feel comfortable knowing that wearing a seat belt will help if the need ever arises.

Do you toss and turn at night because you bought smoke detectors and home fire insurance? Or do those things make you feel more comfortable knowing you have them just in case?

Does having adequate savings in the bank in case of financial hardship make you live in fear, and have restless nights? Or does having adequate savings in the bank to help you to sleep better at night?

I find it funny that in situations not related to firearms, preparation is respected and encouraged by most, and those that don't prepare are often seen as lazy or ignorant of real world risks. But when it comes to self defense, being prepared is frowned upon. We encourage preparation to protect our material property, which can be easily replaced. But when it comes to your life, or that of your loved ones, people are labeled as paranoid or gun nuts unless they just dial 911 and wait. In a home invasion when you and your family are alone, unarmed, and at grave risk at the sole discretion and mercy of your attacker, there is so much that can happen between calling 911 and waiting for the police to arrive. Ironic IMO.

I wear a seat belt and helmet. I buy smoke alarms and fire insurance. I secure my doors and windows. I provide for a decent savings account and retirement fund. I have emergency supplies in case of a natural disaster or storm. I bring overnight backpack and equipment on day hikes in the mountains. I carry jumper cables and winter clothes in my cars. I have a firearm and training to protect my family from an attack or home invasion. I have security lights on my property. I have an alarm to protect against burglary. I have backups of my data stored at my mothers house.

Call me paranoid, but I am not in fear at all. In fact, I sleep far more comfortably because of my preparedness