Gun-Storage

Gun Storage Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

ByAlan Roody

Owning a gun is a big responsibility. It’s not just about having it for protection, hunting, or collecting—it’s about making sure it’s stored safely and securely at all times. A lot of people think just putting a gun in a drawer or closet is fine, but that’s a huge mistake. Bad storage choices can lead to accidents, theft, or even legal trouble.

If you own a firearm or plan to get one, knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing the right way to store it. Let’s go over the biggest gun storage mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.

Leaving Guns Unsecured

One of the worst mistakes? Not locking up your gun at all. Some people think it’s safe enough to just keep their gun out of sight, like under a bed or in a nightstand. But that doesn’t actually stop someone from finding it, stealing it, or misusing it.

If you have kids in the house, unsecured firearms are extremely dangerous. Even if you think they don’t know where you hide it, kids are curious and can find things when you least expect it. The last thing you want is an accident that could have been prevented with proper storage.

The best way to secure your guns is to use a high-quality gun safe. If you want to keep your firearms out of the wrong hands, you should check out a reliable option to Securely Store Your Collection in a strong, well-built safe that protects against theft and accidents.

Using a Cheap or Weak Lock

Some people think using a simple gun lock or a low-quality safe is enough. But not all safes and locks are created equal.

  • Basic trigger locks can be removed with the right tools.
  • Thin metal cabinets can be pried open.
  • Weak safes won’t stop a determined thief.

If you’re serious about security, look for a safe that is made of solid steel and has a strong locking system. Combination locks, biometric scanners, and heavy-duty key locks are way more secure than cheap padlocks or flimsy storage boxes.

Storing Guns Loaded

Unless your firearm is for immediate home defense (and stored in a quick-access safe), keeping a gun loaded when it’s in storage is risky.

Here’s why:

  • If someone accidentally accesses the gun, a loaded firearm is instantly more dangerous.
  • If a gun is dropped, some models could discharge unintentionally.
  • A loaded gun sitting in storage for a long time can lead to spring wear in the magazine.

The safest way to store firearms is to keep them unloaded and store the ammunition separately. This lowers the chance of accidents and makes it harder for someone to misuse the gun if they somehow get to it.

Not Thinking About Fire or Water Damage

A lot of people focus on theft prevention, but they forget about other threats—like fire and water.

  • If your home catches fire, an unprotected gun could be damaged beyond repair.
  • If there’s a flood or high humidity, your guns could rust and lose their value.

That’s why it’s smart to get a fireproof and waterproof gun safe. These safes are built to withstand high temperatures and moisture, so your firearms stay protected no matter what happens.

Keeping All Guns in One Place

It might seem easier to store all your guns in the same safe, but that’s not always the best idea. If a thief finds your safe and manages to open it, they now have access to your entire collection.

Instead, consider spreading out your firearms:

  • Keep home defense weapons in a secure but quick-access safe.
  • Store valuable or rarely used firearms in a larger, high-security safe.
  • Keep some firearms in off-site storage if you have a large collection.

That way, even if one safe is compromised, not all your guns are at risk.

Forgetting to Maintain Your Safe

Even the best gun safe needs regular maintenance. If you just lock your guns away and forget about them, you might run into problems when you need them most.

Common maintenance mistakes include:

  • Not checking the lock mechanism—Electronic and combination locks can wear down over time.
  • Ignoring humidity control—Moisture inside the safe can lead to rust. Use dehumidifiers or silica gel packs to keep everything dry.
  • Forgetting to clean the guns—Even in a safe, dust and moisture can still cause problems.

Taking a few minutes every couple of months to inspect your safe and firearms can help prevent damage and keep everything in working order.

Not Telling Trusted Family Members Where Your Safe Is

A gun safe is great for security, but if something happens to you, will your family be able to access it?

If you’re the only one who knows the location and combination of your safe, your firearms could be stuck inside forever in case of an emergency. That’s why it’s a good idea to:

  • Tell a trusted family member where the safe is and how to open it.
  • Keep a backup key or access code in a secure place.
  • Update your will or estate plan so your firearms don’t get lost in legal confusion.

Being prepared doesn’t mean making your guns easy to access—it just means making sure the right person can get to them if needed.

The Right Way to Store Guns

Gun storage isn’t just about keeping firearms out of sight—it’s about making sure they are truly safe, secure, and protected from accidents, theft, and damage. Using a high-quality safe, keeping guns unloaded when possible, and storing ammunition separately are all smart ways to reduce risks. It’s also important to think about fireproof and waterproof protection, as well as maintaining the safe and checking firearms regularly.

Proper storage isn’t just a personal responsibility; it’s a way to protect your family and home.Taking the right steps now can prevent serious problems later, making sure your firearms stay in good condition and out of the wrong hands.

Similar Posts