As responsible gun owners, it is our duty to ensure that our firearms are stored securely, keeping them out of the hands of children, guests, and potential intruders while maintaining quick access when needed. In this article, I’ll walk you through how I store my firearms at home, in my vehicle, and while traveling, sharing the methods and tools I use to ensure both safety and readiness.
Home Storage
Daily Carry Storage
I split my time between my apartment and my girlfriend’s house, so I’ve tailored my firearm storage solutions to fit both locations:
- At My Apartment: I use the LifePod 2.0 Quick Access Safe by Vaultek, which is compact and reliable. It’s positioned on a hallway shelf near the entrance. When I come home, my carry gun goes directly into this safe, whether I’m using a pocket holster, belt holster, or Enigma system. This ensures my 8-year-old son cannot access the firearm while allowing me quick access if needed.
- At My Girlfriend’s House: Since my girlfriend has her 15-year-old son half the time, but he may only be present for a day or two during my visits, I use a StopBox Quick Access Safe to secure my firearm. If he’s not around during my stay, I may keep the firearm in a holster nearby for quick access. Both safes are portable, making them ideal for travel as well.
Long-Term Storage
- At My Apartment: For firearms I don’t carry daily, I use a Stack-On Safe that a friend gifted me years ago. It’s large enough to hold all my guns securely and has been a reliable solution for over a decade.
- At My Girlfriend’s House: I upgraded to the Blacksmith 6 Biometric Gun Safe [20% off coupon code: CarryBS20], which accommodates my AR-15, pistols, magazines, and ammo. This safe is bolted to wall studs for added security and provides easy biometric access without compromising on deterrence.
Nightstand Safes
When I’m asleep, quick access to my home defense firearm is critical. Here’s my setup:
- At My Apartment: I use a Vaultek VT Safe positioned on the bottom shelf of my nightstand. It holds my Glock 19 equipped with a Trijicon RMR HD and SureFire X300U.
- At My Girlfriend’s House: A Vaultek VT20i Quick Access Safe sits on my nightstand, housing a Springfield Armory Echelon Comp with a Trijicon RCR and SureFire X300U. Both guns are stored in long-term safes when the house is unoccupied.
Vehicle Storage
Temporary firearm storage in vehicles is essential but must be handled responsibly to prevent theft.
- In My Car: A Vaultek LifePod is secured under the driver’s seat and tethered to the seat post.
- In My Girlfriend’s Car: A Wincent quick-access safe is similarly secured. These safes are used only for short durations, such as when entering a location that prohibits firearms. Remember, never leave guns unsecured in your vehicle.
Traveling with Firearms
Flying with firearms requires adherence to TSA regulations. Here’s my approach:
- Primary Safe: The StopBox is my go-to for flying due to its mechanical lock and TSA compliance. It’s compact and allows for an external padlock.
- For Multiple Handguns: I use a Pelican Case that is still small enough to hide in a carry-on bag. This setup allows me to check only the carry-on bag, avoiding unnecessary attention.
When traveling, I place both the StopBox and Pelican Case inside a larger checked bag. To enhance security, I add AirTags to both the luggage and the gun case. The AirTag in the luggage acts as a decoy, while the one in the gun case is hidden as much as possible, such as taped behind foam or concealed in a corner. This provides an additional layer of discretion and ensures the safes are less conspicuous during transit.
Final Thoughts
Responsible gun ownership means keeping firearms out of unauthorized hands while ensuring quick access when needed. Whether at home, in your vehicle, or while traveling, proper storage solutions are a must. Let me know in the comments how you secure your firearms and what safes you recommend.
For more details on the safes mentioned and discounts, check out the links provided. Stay safe, and remember, preparedness is key.
