Responsible storage prevents unauthorized access. Each gun owner defines who is unauthorized for their home. It can mean preventing access to young children, guests, and potential thieves. It can also mean preventing access from themselves in a crisis by asking a loved one to change the safe code or by other means.
Responsible storage is often carried out best by storing or staging your firearms in a safe or other locking device. Responsible storage is a big one because we know access matters. Storing firearms responsibly can prevent negative outcomes with firearms like suicide.
Walk the Talk America created this resource to draw attention to realistic firearm storage. Throughout our history working with healthcare organizations, we felt that some of these groups didn’t have realistic options for storing responsibly. For example, storing firearms and ammunition separately and using cable locks are not options for many gun owners.
We want gun owners to pick the responsible storage option that makes sense for them and their homes while also seeing the importance of storing responsibly. Most importantly, however you decide to store your firearm, practice accessing it as often as you train with it.
Ways To Store Responsibly
Lock Box
Lock boxes, a popular choice among gun owners, offer a reassuring balance between security and accessibility. They are designed to be smaller than larger safes, allowing you to stage your firearms in areas of your home, office, or vehicle for quick access. This means you can have peace of mind, knowing that your guns are secure yet readily available when needed. The convenience of lock boxes ensures that you are always prepared without compromising on safety.
Cable Lock
Cable locks come with the majority of handgun purchases since 2005. While they are an option for responsible storage, many gun owners prefer not to use them and opt for a safe or lock box. This is because it takes time to unlock the lock and have it ready for use. This often defeats the purpose when firearms are meant for defending one’s home, where quick access is vital.
Cable locks work by running a cable through the barrel or action of a firearm to prevent it from being accidentally fired. They require either a key or a combination to unlock. Some companies now include technology like motion detection and GPS tracking to cable locks.
Full-Sized Safe
Some firearms are larger and require a full-sized safe. They also protect firearms from dust and other elements. The downside to this option is the space needed in the home for this storage option and its associated costs. Gun owners do love them for their ability to store multiple firearms and ammunition securely.
Other Locking Devices
There are other secure storage locking devices out there, too! For example, there are options where you can lock the firearm using a key on a custom grip attachment, which prevents the gun from firing. Some devices look similar to holsters or racks and have biometric scanners that unlock them.