Home Security, How Many, and Safes?

[Lonest@r]

I have been thinking about purchasing one of those budget SAMS Winchester safes, seems like decent safe for money, and a few questions came to mind?

How many firearms before justification of safe purchase? (1,2,3, 12)

Safe vs. Safety vs. Home Security? (Theft vs. Kids vs. Defense)

Other Considerations: other valuables, important documents, future potential purchases, future inheritance? (fire protection and future firearms)

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

1 gun + kids/theft = enough cause to buy a safe

its your responsibility as a gun owner to keep the gun out of the wrong hands, mainly your kids if you have 'em. plus a safe can store other valuables.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I think most of the RSCs (residential security containers, since we rarely deal with actual "safes") are good precautions for kids or smash and grab thieves. Once you get past those onto someone that comes prepared to break into your RSC, that's probably where the more high end units will give your better protection (thicker walls, drill protection, etc).
I don't know if there is a certain number of firearms where it becomes a good idea but I'd say probably 10% or greater of the value of your guns should be spent on a RSC. Some members here like ab1jsomething and cbr900 are safe experts.

 

[Lonest@r]

1 gun + kids/theft = enough cause to buy a safe

And what about Home Defense?

Gun(s) + kids = unsafe
Gun(s) in safe = useless for protection

I remember as a kid having unlocked loaded guns in the home, but as a parent I realize how 'exploratory' my kids are, at least until they can comprehend the dangers.

This was the cause of my questioning.... Seems opinions are mixed.

Theft seems to be the best justification, but then who safes and un-safes their home defense weapons everytime they leave?

 

[Librarian]

And what about Home Defense?

Gun(s) + kids = unsafe
Gun(s) in safe = useless for protection

I remember as a kid having unlocked loaded guns in the home, but as a parent I realize how 'exploratory' my kids are, at least until they can comprehend the dangers.

This was the cause of my questioning.... Seems opinions are mixed.

There are such things as 'quick access' storage, such as several of the GunVault models, and then there is the practice of carrying on your person rather than leaving a firearm in a 'convenient place' but exposed to unauthorized users.

Theft seems to be the best justification, but then who safes and un-safes their home defense weapons everytime they leave?

Based on what I read here and other places, a fair number do exactly that.

 

[GregGry]

Theft seems to be the best justification, but then who safes and un-safes their home defense weapons everytime they leave?

I can be in my RSC within 3 seconds to put my pistol/shotgun in it. When I leave for work I pop my firearm in it, and when I come home I take it out. Its not a big deal at all.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Everything but my carry guns are in the safe. At least two of my three carry guns have been within three feet of me for nine months, except for when at the courthouse or an elementary school.

I bought a pistol lock box, an RSC, and will continue to upgrade as my collection becomes worth it. The old units will still be used. I have plenty of things I'd like locked up when I'm not home like ammo, spare mags, cameras, expensive watches, important papers, etc.

 

[Grey_Mana]

+1 for safing and unsafing. If I'm not wearing it or holding it, my gun is under lock. Lock the safe when I leave, open it when I arrive. I thought everyone slept right beside an open pistol safe, with an unlocked shotgun locker in the closet?

If leaving the safe door physically open bothers you, most safes will let you unlock and leave the door shut, which then adds only a moment to accessing the gun.

If you don't have a safe, are you relying on the gun-locks to keep them secure? Taking them on and off seems like more of a hassle than opening a safe.

 

[camxrr]

When I'm home I always carry. When we go out I lock them up. When we come back I unlock and carry. At bed time all the guns are locked up except for my 45 which is never more than 2 feet from me.

As for the kids, I have 4 daughters and 3 of them know how to work my 45. If I'm out of town they have some protection. I believe in keeping the kids safe from playing with guns but also believe in them having the chance to protect themselves if, God forbid, something were to ever happen and mom is not able to respond.

I also think that how we raise our kids has alot to do with gun safety. I am a loving but very strict parent and this shows in the childrens character. I have explained the dangers and seriousness of their actions with guns. Of course not all kids have the same level of understanding and maturity and thus expect many here to disagree with me on this but hey, just my .2 cents.

 

[Lonest@r]

Don't take this personal, just play devils advocate to help make logical decision....

I can be in my RSC within 3 seconds to put my pistol/shotgun in it. When I leave for work I pop my firearm in it, Its not a big deal at all.

Maybe if safe is in bedroom, I plan to have mine in basement..

If leaving the safe door physically open bothers you, most safes will let you unlock and leave the door shut, which then adds only a moment to accessing the gun.

Doesn't that defeat purpose of a safe, only takes one time to forget to lock it back....

I also think that how we raise our kids has alot to do with gun safety.

Agreed...

I have plenty of things I'd like locked up when I'm not home like ammo, spare mags, cameras, expensive watches, important papers, etc.

Guess that would be my primary reason..

 

[Flame Red]

I have that Sam's RSC. It is a good deal and like the others said, just protection from my own kids and the smash and grab guys.

I am at the point now where it is fulled to the gills. Every once in a while I see a deal on a bigger more secure safe, and I am very tempted. Was at Gander Mountain the other day and they seemed to have a great deal on a really large safe on clearance. And every once in a while I see a nice safe come up on in the forum classifieds. I never seem to have the dough when they show up.

Was at the gun shop the other day and the owner said he wanted to upgrade his safe. I said I might be interested in his old one until he quoted me more than retail for it!

 

[Kingcreek]

a lot of variable situations but folks would be best served by a practical combination of all of these layers:
1.building/structure/grounds security (doors,locks, lighting, etc)
2.detection/deterance (monitored home security system, dogs, etc)
3.locking safe or security cabinet
4.concealment of accessible HD weapons

without providing details, I choose to utilize all of the above. IMO, relying ONLY on a security cabinet or any one part of the system is foolish. I can have most of my firearms secured in the safe and still have quick access to a few that are within the house but are reasonably concealed, childproof, and ready for me or the spouse to use if needed.

 

[GregGry]

Maybe if safe is in bedroom, I plan to have mine in basement..

Well the reality is is you want secure storage your going to have to adapt your habits to allow for such a thing.

 

[jeffreyfrog]

Know who you let in your home. 90% of all home burglaries are committed by someone who has been in the home in the recent past. Most are by amateurs who turn out to be juveniles and it happens in the mid afternoon. Car prowls on the other hand happen at night when the car is parked on the street.
Basic intrusion systems involve window and door sensors that are activated by opening them.
Other than yourselves, what is in your home that you wish to protect? What items could be stolen. Highly desirable items such as TV's stereos and computers are the primary targets besides cash.


Home Security Systems

 

[nrthwoods]

How many guns do you have? At any rate, I'm assuming that you've got one you would primarily use for HD purposes. A safe is a good investment, especially with kids in the house. Even kids that are competant with them. In your situation perhaps a safe in the basement (not sure why it's in the basement, if one of your concerns is HD), where you wanted it, and one of the GunVault safes at your bedside for your defensive weapon, should it be a handgun. That way you'll be able to keep it secure, while rapidly accessible to you, and have the rest secured where it is in your best interest.

Now I'm curious. Might I ask what type of firearm you would use in a home defense situation?

 

[sourdough44]

I have 2 safes. All of the center-fires(except one) are in there. I don't like spending the $ one them but feel much better once everything is locked up. I agree about theft from 'familiar' faces. A close relative came up missing a few guns years ago, he has an idea who but no proof.

 

[aprayinbear]

One more thought


Probably the best security we have is good neighbors. Too many of us don't even know the people next door. Interestingly, I've found this to be the case even when I've lived in "crime-ridden" areas. So use whatever security systems you can afford, but don't forget to shake hands with a few of the folks who live around you.

Reminds me of a time when I was in college in a large city when one morning early I hear the screams of a woman being attacked on the street. By the time I was out the door, at least five others had called the police and ran out to help the woman as well. One fellow (shaggiest looking guy on the block) came running in his bare feet waving a cap and ball revolver. The police showed up in a few, the offender was taken away, and the woman was spared any serious physical harm.

PS I'm new to the site so a big hello to everyone here!

All The Best

 

[Duke of Doubt]

That's awesome. Was Wyatt's cap and ball loaded?

 

[43171C]

To Lock or Not to Lock

Been reading the post here and can't say I disagree with any. But look at it the way I see it. True, I have no children at home, the last one left the nest about 23 years ago and all 4 of them were brought up with guns, loaded and unloaded. They were taught to respect them and to never handle them without proper supervision.
It is my thinking that if guns are kept away from our children they will grow up either uneducated on them or with the idea that they do not/will not need them. If this should happen we would leave the protection of our/their right to own and use the gun and those who would have us enpty handed will have an easy victory.
Just my thoughts over coffee this morning.
J.C.

 

[Rimmer]

It may not be your children that you need to worry about. It's their friends and their freinds, freinds that cause me concern and this includes adults.

You have no idea who all knows about what you have in your home. Case in point. Several years ago I was introduced to a couple at a social gathering. This guy starts talking about firearms and proceeds to ask me about my target rifles. I'm like ***? How's he know anything about me? Turns out his son heard it at school from a "Teacher" whose husband I have gone target shooting with.

Keeping what you have quiet isn't possible. Just lock everything down when your not around.
My rule is to;
1) Keep a photo record of every firearm along the serial # added to the photo.
2) Keep all ammo locked in a box, separate room from safe.
3) Cable or Trigger locks on each firearm.

At least IF/When my guns are taken they will have a tuff time using it for a while and I have copies of photo's I can hand to LE.

I have a CCW piece that does not leave my side or is within arms reach when I'm sleeping.

Just my 2¢

 

[winston smith]

My PDW is in a GunVault pistol box mounted under the top of my nightstand. It opens with the press of three of 5 buttons in the proper sequence.

The rest of my guns are in a safe. The safe is in a closet; I'm getting a larger safe that will be walled in so that you can't see it until I open it.

We don't talk about guns in front of my five year old daughter; OPSEC: you can't talk about what you don't know.

 

[pith43]

It all depends on what you are willing to lose. The point that I got a safe was when I got enough invested in guns, that I started to worry.

My newest safe is a RedHead, made by Prs Steel I believe, who make the same safe for Browning. Bass Pro's has them priced very reasonably lately. The little guy next to him is my fast access safe from DAC.

 

[phoenix79]

Not meaning to threadjack but I have a related question. We're about to but a house with no basement and not good place on the first floor for a standing gunsafe. What are your opinions on putting it in the garage? Good idea or bad idea?

 

[Rimmer]

Attached garage, sure. Just remember what humidity does in a garage.

 

[Guns and more]

Theft seems to be the best justification, but then who safes and un-safes their home defense weapons everytime they leave?

Me. That's why I like the electronic lock. Two seconds and I'm in.