Geared To Defend: Keep Your Guns Stored Safely at Home

By Robert Sadowski

Storing a loaded pistol in the nightstand drawer to keep it nearby in case of a home intrusion isn’t a safe idea. Think of your child or grandchild exploring your bedroom and accidentally gaining access to your fireararm. The conse­quences could be deadly.

Beyond that, there are also a number of legal considerations involving the proper storage of firearms. While laws differ by state, the law in some states and larger cities requires that owners secure their guns. Some states also have Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws, which provide that if a minor accesses a firearm, the respon­sible adult who failed to adequately secure the gun is liable for any harm or damages done by the minor.

The smart thing to do is to safely lock your guns away when you aren’t carrying or using them.

Despite these safety concerns, there are still many gun owners who are hesitant to keep their guns under lock and key. Why? They’re fearful they won’t be able to get to a gun in time should they need it to defend themselves or their family.

Easy access to your gun while keeping it secure for safety and legal reasons might seem like an oxymoron, but in-home firearm storage manufacturers have designed high-tech options that allow just that. Here are some easy-access, high-tech storage options that can provide peace of mind, keep you in compli­ance with the law and still allow quick access to your gun.

SECUREIT FAST BOX MODEL 47

The SecureIt Fast Box is an economical under-bed or vertical closet safe that stores your long gun. While it’s lightweight at only 39 pounds, it’s also rugged. You can use the programmable push buttons to open the safe door and access your firearm. It also has a key override in case you forget your code. A 9-volt battery powers the keypad. ($297-$323)

VAULTEK SLIDER SERIES – WI-FI

The Vaultek Slider Series – WI-FI offers rapid deployment and presents a stored firearm in the ready position in fractions of a second. The 16-gauge steel Slider features a door that can be opened in 0.3 seconds. It holds one handgun and a spare magazine, and can be mounted on a wall, behind or on the side of a nightstand or nearly any space in your home. It has a slim vertical design so it doesn’t take up much space. Access is via a keypad or biometric scanner capable of storing up to 20 unique fingerprints. You can even purchase a Wi-Fi enabled Nano key (a small key that works like a panic button). The cool thing about the Slider is the app, which allows you to monitor the vault as well as track when the safe was opened. ($290)

SNAPSAFE UNDER BED SAFE

The SnapSafe Under Bed Safe stays out of sight under your bed, yet you have access to your firearm in an instant. You also have the space to secure other valuable items. The safe comes in three sizes, medium, large and extra-large, so if an AR-15 or shotgun is your choice for home defense, you can safely store and access your long guns as well. Access to the safe is via digital keypad or back-up keys. It runs on four AA batteries. A 5-foot cable allows you to anchor the safe to the bed frame or it can also be bolted to the floor. ($479)

HORNADY RAPID SAFE NIGHT GUARD

This safe can sit on your nightstand because it’s disguised to look like an LED clock. Not only is it a clock, but it has a drawer that holds a handgun and small valuables as well. The Night Guard uses RFID technology, which is a form of wireless communication. Hornady provides four RFID tags: a key fob, a wristwatch band and two adhesive decals. To open the drawer, just place the RFID tag near the face of the safe and the spring-loaded drawer opens. You can also program the keypad, and there are back up keys. There are even USB ports to charge your cell phone. It runs on four AA batteries or plugs into an AC outlet. ($334)

V-LINE TOP DRAW XD-HANDGUN SAFE

The V-Line Top Draw XD accommodates up to two pistols depending on their size and is easily accessible with a programmable push button mechanism that does not require batteries. It’s fitted with a heavy-duty internal cover lock that defies prying and tampering. The 16-gauge steel box cover opens on the top and can be attached inside a nightstand drawer. ($250)

Legal Takeway

Many states now require “proper” storage of firearms to prevent children or others who should not be in possession of a gun from accessing them. Gun owners can be held liable under some state and local laws if a gun they own is improperly accessed and used in the commission of a crime. Make sure you have a way to securely store your firearms when not in use.