WHAT IS SAFE FIREARM STORAGE?
When not in use, all firearms should be kept unloaded and locked
Ammunition should be locked and stored separately
Don’t share combinations - store keys in a secure location
Keep guns secured during transport - guns in cars should be secured too
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR SAFE STORAGE?
A simple cable lock or trigger lock can cost less than $15 and can prevent the weapon from being fired
A wide variety of gun safes and lock boxes are available at retail stores and on-line
WHAT IF I KEEP A FIREARM IN MY HOME FOR PROTECTION?
You can and should lock up your gun. Safes and lockboxes using a punch code or a biometric swipe of the finger are designed to be opened in seconds.
INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE FOR INSTALLING CABLE AND TRIGGER LOCKS
Installing a cable lock: A video provided by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and the Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coalition
CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A FIREARM SAFE
There are a wide variety of firearm safes available that are designed to accommodate different types and numbers of firearms, how they will be used, where they will be located and who will be present in the home or vehicle. While price can obviously be a consideration, safety experts recommend a focus on quality, security and reliability.
Example of a good handgun safe
What type of firearm(s) do I own and what size are they?
Is it a long gun (rifle or shotgun) or a handgun? Make sure your safe or lockbox will fit the type of firearm(s) you own. A good rule of thumb is go larger than you might initially think. For example, a long gun safe may be advertised as fitting three rifles but that may not accommodate accessories such as scopes or slings.
Handguns come in many sizes ranging from a small sub-compact semi-auto to a large caliber revolver with a 6-inch barrel. Look for a safe that easily fits your firearm(s) without scraping against the sides of the box. It’s often a good idea to make a paper template of your firearm and test it against the inside dimensions of the safe.
How will I be using my firearm?
If you primarily use your firearm for hunting or target shooting, a standing safe with a combination locking mechanism may best fit your storage needs.
If you feel you need to have quick access to your handgun for home defense for example, then a handgun lockbox with a punch code or biometric locking mechanism is considered more appropriate.
Most modern handgun safes now use a mechanical or electronic punch code or a biometric fingerprint scanner or a combination of the two. A keyed backup should also be included.
A quality safe will include features to bolt or screw the box to the floor, wall, or cabinet. Safes for cars should include cables to secure the box to a metal part.
Where will the firearm and safe be located?
You can find different designs depending on whether you will be securing your firearm at home or transporting it in your vehicle. Note that many states have requirements that handguns in vehicles be out of sight and/or in the trunk or similar location.
Who will be most often present in my home or vehicle?
If there are children or young people in your home, a quality safe with a mechanical, electronic, or biometric locking mechanism is essential. Consider if you have regular visitors such as grandchildren or relatives. Most safety experts advise keeping your safe out of sight of the casual observer.
Remember, no lock or safe is foolproof. If a person in the household is having emotional troubles or is experiencing crisis, all firearms should be removed.
How do I find a good quality safe?
Some examples of major brands often found in sporting goods and outdoor stores include Vaultek, Fort Knox, Hornady, Stack-On, Sentry Safe, or Regal.
You may also want to check to see if the safe or locking device is certified as meeting the standards established by the California Department of Justice. You can often find this information on the sales box or the listed specifications.
Other considerations
Be sure to check the firearm laws and regulations for your state. A number of states have specific laws requiring secure storage, child access prevention and some have specifications for storage devices.
The gold standard for firearm safety in the home, especially when children are present, is to secure guns locked and unloaded and ammunition stored and locked separately.
If your safe employs batteries to operate the locking mechanism, be sure to regularly check to make sure the batteries are charged.
For especially valuable firearms, you probably want to look at fire-resistant ratings and burglary resistant features.
Gun safety with any locking device means you should regularly practice using it just as you would any tool.
If you will be traveling by air, make sure your safe meets the standards of the U.S. Transportation Security Agency (TSA). See https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition