If you were raised back in the ’50s or ’60s, you probably remember how your childhood was different from that of our children today. Back then, cars didn’t have safety belts, bikers rode their motorcycles without helmets. And if you grew in a hunting family, having different types of firearms was as natural as having utensils or cleaning detergents.
Today, things have changed. Most families around the world keep a gun in their homes to protect themselves. However, every year, the same guns have been reported to injure and kill thousands of people. This is largely contributed by poor gun handling.
The best way to protect your loved ones from being hurt or worse, killed by these guns is to store them safely. If you do not have to keep a gun at home, consider eliminating it to lower the risks of accidents and death.
There is no ideal way for everyone to store their guns because we are all different. Plus, we have guns to fulfill different needs. Whichever storage method you choose; it must be protective enough to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing and using the firearms. You have to define what “adequate protection” means to you.
Invest in Gun Storage for safety
One of the best ways to keep your loved ones safe at home is by investing in a gun storage system. At the end of the day, it all depends on the type of guns you own, your environment and how much money you are ready to invest. For instance, if you are a collector, you’ll be on the lookout for increased firearm storage capacity. If you are a competitor, you’ll need portability to make it easier for you to travel around. For those who keep firearms for security purposes at home, the speed of access is a critical factor.
According to some writer researches from UK Essay Help, firearms have several missions to fulfill. It’s up to you to take a step back and figure out which storage devices work best for you. Most of these devices are designed to provide several storage functions. First, they prevent unauthorized access and operation of firearms. Second, they protect the firearm from being physically damaged.
Types of Gun Storage
Some devices prevent firearms from being stolen. Similar to most products in the market, the more functions a storage system provides, the more you’ll have to pay for it. As the popular saying goes, you always get what you invest. Some of the best storage options include:
1. Trigger Locks
According to Research Paper Service reports, trigger Locks are not only simple to use but also a great option for preventing a gun from being accessed and used by an unauthorized user. Today, most gun manufacturers and retailers sell their guns with trigger locks inside the box.
These locks usually take a variety of forms. A trigger shoe clamps down the trigger housing thus preventing the gun from being used. Since these locks directly contact the trigger, they should never be installed on a loaded gun.
If a dedicated gun lock is unavailable, you should consider using an ordinary padlock. All you have to do is slip the hasp between the trigger guard and the backside of the trigger to prevent the firearm from cycling. Trigger locks are not expensive ($20 utmost) or even free if in community programs. They are very effective in preventing unauthorized use and accidents when installed properly. However, you should keep in mind that they don’t offer physical protection or prevent theft.
2. Gun Cases
Gun cases can be easily accessed at local sporting goods stores. They usually come in different shapes, materials, and sizes to fit different kinds of firearms available in the market. Case options vary from fabric sleeves to rugged plastic containers with prices ranging from $10 to$150. The main aim of this case is to protect firearms from physical damage.
Both soft and hard-side cases can be legally locked while transporting firearms to and from events. A padlock through a soft or hard case handle can do everything. It’s important to check with the local laws. Gun cases are easily portable, affordable and easy to store.
They’ll also help in keeping children away from firearms. While soft cases are affordable, they can be broken or easily stolen by thieves because they are designed to make the firearm portable and easy to handle.
3. Security boxes
Security cases are designed to provide gun owners with protection and anti-theft features while maintaining the portability. Their prices vary anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on the level of technology used in the system. People how want quick access to their firearms should consider investing in security cases.
As Michael Brooks, the report writer from best paper writing service and college paper writing service reviews, who has two children, says that it is extremely difficult to beat the lock options and configurations of strong boxes. Most of them usually have the No-Eyes electronic keypad enables the user to enter customized code through a simple touch. When this happens, the box can open anywhere at any time.
4. Locking cabinets
Lockable cabinets provide gun operators with adequate storage capacity and several configuration options which makes them better than security boxes. Locking steel gun cabinets are different from other gun safes in many different ways. They have a simple locking mechanism with no fire-resistant insulation.
The prices range from $150 to $450 depending on the weight. Since these cabinets are light enough to be moved from one place to another by two people, they can be used in apartment buildings or where a gun would be too heavy or large to install.
Gun safes
Gun safes are one of the most secure gun storage options available to most gun owners. A basic storage option is better than any of the storage options that we’ve discussed in preventing unauthorized access and use of firearms. They have lined interiors and dedicated racks to prevent unauthorized firearms access. Safes not only provide gun storage but also protection against fires, flooding, and disasters.
Remember, purchasing a gun safe represents a huge financial commitment with prices ranging from $500 to $2500. Therefore, it’s important to know which features matter to you most. Some of them include:
1. Safe size
The larger the safe, the more you’ll have to pay for it. Therefore, you can save a lot of money by only purchasing the required interior safe space. It’s common for first-time buyers to underestimate the space needed only for them to buy another one in the long run.
To avoid size problems, look at the items that are required to go into the safe. These could be guns, ammunition or magazines. Think of the guns and gear that you’re planning to buy in the future. You can also add non-shooting items such as jewelry, documents, and hard drives. Once you know what you’ll store, figure out the amount of space you’ll need and invest in the appropriate size.
2. Steel thickness
Findings from Help with dissertations show that the toughness of your safe will be determined by the steel thickness. The thicker the safe, the higher the price. Paying attention to the thickness of the shell and other components will make it easier for you to make informed decisions.
3. Fire rating
Since fires at home are quite common, it’s important to know the fire rating of the gun safe you want to invest in. The rating is determined by measuring internal temperatures and the period that the safe is exposed to fire. Remember, there is no regulated standard in the industry. Therefore, you’ll have to pay close attention to what the manufacturer is offering.
Your children are smarter than you think
Safe gun storage is more than just investing in the right security tools. The majority of parents usually underestimate their children’s ability to access firearms. Some researchers from resume writing services reported that more than three-quarters of first graders reported knowing where firearms were kept at home. You can prevent accidents at home by:
- Locking the gun in a safe and carrying the keys
- Unloading firearms and keeping them out of reach or sight
- Keeping ammunition away from heat and moisture
- Avoiding storing firearms under the bed, mattress or drawers.
Safety when using the gun
Since you’ve invested a lot of money on your firearm, chances are you’ll be using it over the weekends or evenings. When using your firearm, your safety should be your priority. Here are some of the ways to prevent accidents.
1. Always keep the muzzle pointed away
This is a basic rule that most people tend to ignore. You should avoid pointing your gun at things you don’t intend to shoot. This is extremely important, especially when loading or unloading the firearm. The safest direction is up or down depending on your environment. Make it a habit to know where your gun is pointing all the time.
2. Unload firearms after use
A firearm should only be loaded when actively using it. After use, unload and keep it locked in a safe place. As a firearm owner, it is your responsibility to prevent unauthorized adults and children from accessing firearms or ammunition. As Frank Miles from Do My Assignment, a father of three sons, noticed that unloading should also be done before handing the firearm to someone else. Do not assume that the firearm doesn’t contain ammunition. Always check!
3. Don’t rely on the gun’s safe
Treat the firearm as though it can fire even in safe mode. The safety of all guns is mechanical. And it is subject to error. Safety should never be substituted with common sense. Handle your firearm safely even when safety is on to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
As a firearm owner, it is your responsibility to keep your loved ones safe. Investing in the right safe and taking proper precautions is essential to prevent accidents and death. You need to know the type of safe that is ideal for you depending on the size of your firearms and environment. Further, you need to exercise caution when using your firearm by pointing the muzzle away and unloading it after use. By following these tips, you’ll not only prevent accidents but also learn how to use your firearm properly.