Firearm Storage

Where do you store your firearms? Properly storing your firearms keeps them safe, secure, and protected. There are so many options it is difficult in deciding which option is right for your needs and wants.

There are safes, racks, and mounting systems. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. I’m going to go through some of each of those and weigh in with my own firearms storage methods.

Safes

There are probably as many types of safes out there as there are kinds of ammo. The main types are fire, security, and quick access.

Fire safes are large and store multiple firearms. These safes are designed to protect your firearms from theft and fire damage. These safes can withstand hours in a fire. Each safe has its own rating, you should get one that will stand up to the type of fire you are most likely to have. Also you should majorly oversize this safe. I think you should get one that is 10 guns larger than what you have at a minimum. These safes do not account for firearms with scopes, which take up extra room. Also a 24 gun safe only holds 24 guns, that is all. These can range from $800-2,500 and weigh over 800 pounds.

Security safes are similar to fire safes, although they do not protect against fire, just theft and damage. These safes are made of a thinner metal and are mostly just to lock them up. These safes come in several sizes, starting out at pistol size and going up. Some of these safes are in the wall mounted, some are free standing just like fire safes. Just like the fire safes you should over size the safe when purchasing. These safes are much cheaper than fire safes ranging in the $200-500 range.

Quick access safes are generally only large enough for 1-2 pistols. These safes are to secure your loaded pistols from others and still give you quick access. These firearms safes have a simple 4 button combination and a spring loaded door to allow rapid access to your pistol. These safes are in the $50-200 price range.

Racks

Gun racks are a popular firearm storage method. A gun rack is normally wooden and holds 3-5 firearms. The rack is mounted on the wall, generally high enough to keep the firearms out of the reach of children. Some firearm racks have a locking mechanism, some do not. Gun racks generally cost about $50 each.

I have found a new type of gun rack that is for a single firearm, pistol or rifle, and locks. The Ridgeback Rack is a all metal rack that is custom made for your specific firearm model. I have tried to get a rack from them to test, or give away and have not been able to. They are a small company with a tight budget. One day I hope to get one and give it a review.

Mounting Systems

There are a few firearms mounts coming to the market. These are kinda new and not the easiest to find. These are to mount holsters in discrete locations where they will be out of sight. Tiger Holster Systems makes my favorite, their pistol plate holder system requires no holster and will fit a variety of firearms. You can see my review of the bed side version of that holster here. There are also many other systems that allow you to mount firearms in your vehicles.

I think everyone should have a combination of these methods for their firearms storage. If you have children a fire safe combined with a quick access safe is perfect. If you do not have children a bedside mount and a fire safe are a great combo. I think a fire safe is a must for your firearms.

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