Keeping guns at home can give you a greater sense of security and serve as an effective method for protecting your family and property. However, with gun ownership comes a responsibility to practice proper firearm safety. This includes taking precautions to ensure your weapons aren’t easily accessible to unauthorized users. To start storing your guns carefully, follow these steps.

How to Practice Safe Firearm Storage

1. Choose a Secure Location

Guns should remain locked up to ensure they don’t get into the wrong hands. There are many secure storage solutions available to help promote firearms safety, such as gun cabinets that allow you to showcase your collection but require a key to get inside.

Alternatively, lockboxes and special storage bags are compact and portable, making them convenient to stow and move around. Gun safes are also popular options, as they’re tough enough to withstand fires and physical force. They can only be opened by a combination, key, or digital lock.

2. Place Out of Reach

Once you decide what to keep your guns in, place this device in an inconspicuous spot. This should be somewhere that’s out of reach for children and not obvious to would-be criminals. Although the locks on storage cases are sturdy, this helps provide an additional layer of protection. Consider a high shelf or cabinet for smaller storage cases and less populated rooms for gun safes, such as the basement or bedroom closet.

3. Keep Ammunition Separate

A crucial part of firearm safety is storing guns unloaded to minimize the risk of an accident occurring if the weapon is being handled. Put your ammunition in a separate container and area of the home, and make sure it’s securely locked, as well. While this may be inconvenient for quick access, it'll help prevent others from finding your gun with available ammo nearby.

4. Use a Trigger Lock

Most modern firearms come with trigger locks when purchased. Using these devices makes guns inoperable so they can't be loaded or fired by anyone who doesn't have permission. A trigger shoe is one type of lock that pinches down around the trigger, making it impossible to pull back. Cable locks are another solution, which prohibit the action from cycling.

To learn more about firearm safety, turn to Runenation in Gilsum, NH. They offer various gun training courses designed to teach students the correct way to handle, use, and care for their weapons. These experienced instructors can also customize private sessions to sharpen your firearm skills and become more confident with shooting fundamentals. Call (781) 346-9839 to enroll, or visit their website to view their upcoming classes. You can also check out their YouTube channel for additional information.