Bedside storage: Best options?

L

Loffmar77

New member
Hey folks,

I don't have a handgun yet but I'm making preparations for a purchase in the near future. I want some feedback on how you folks store your handguns near your bedside (or otherwise.)

I currently have a Marlin .22 long rifle, and two other shotguns that I keep in a locker in my closet. I always feel that if there was ever an intruder that I would not have enough time to arm myself with one of my shotguns.

I've been looking at handgun safes (biometric and non) to keep in somewhat close proximity to my bedside. I was wondering what you folks have come across for do's and do not's.

I also have a 5 yr. old son. He tends to not get into things but I want to rule out any possibility of any accidental openings of the safe.

Thanks for your input guys!!
 
I have a GunVault and highly recommend them. Quick access, but secure enough the kiddos have no chance of getting in. I got the multi-deluxe (bigger & plugs in). They have biometric ones too. eBay has a few good deals. I found the best online prices 8 yrs ago on sportco.com. A friend just bought one there and is happy with his purchase.
 
No need to look further than GunVault. Open in less than 5 seconds, solid enough to keep out a 5 year old. Get the deluxe version with the light inside and the a/c adapter. Here's where I got mine:

GunVault

I would stay away from the biometric version, although I have nothing other than anecdotal information to say that - many reports that they are somewhat finicky - not something you need in a bad situation. The push button version works just fine every time.
 
I'm finally picking up my handgun today. I also have decided on the Barska Biometric top opening safe. It fits down in a night stand drawer. My office mate has one and loves it.
 
Why bother with "bedside storage" at all?? I keep a pistol on my nightstand because I might need it instantly, not in the 5 seconds it takes to get into whatever little safe you have there. To me it kind of defeats the purpose of having your pistol right there. When I get up in the morning that particular pistol goes into my gun safe that's in my closet.

It's one thing if that's your only secure storage (you said you have a locker), if not, it seems to me that a bedside safe only serves to make it that much more difficult to access your pistol when you really need it the most. Imagine being in a life-threatening situation and not being able to draw your pistol until after you've counted to 5-mississippi.
 
A note on your 5 yr old, educate your children about firearms, and a do not touch rule. I did this one on one with my grandchildren as I did with my own. When one of them comes in my reload room to see me, I ask, "what's the #1rule here" Education will help keep them from being so curious
 
B2Tall said:
Why bother with "bedside storage" at all?? I keep a pistol on my nightstand because I might need it instantly, not in the 5 seconds it takes to get into whatever little safe you have there. To me it kind of defeats the purpose of having your pistol right there. When I get up in the morning that particular pistol goes into my gun safe that's in my closet.

It's one thing if that's your only secure storage (you said you have a locker), if not, it seems to me that a bedside safe only serves to make it that much more difficult to access your pistol when you really need it the most. Imagine being in a life-threatening situation and not being able to draw your pistol until after you've counted to 5-mississippi.
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Well, yes, it is always better to be in the best possible state of readiness to respond, but there are trade offs. With my firearm in my bedside gunvault I don't have to worry about forgetting to lock it away the next morning. Plus kids do get out of bed sometimes and surprise their parents by sneaking up to their bed side. A kid could do that, find the gun on the nightstand, and leave with it without a parent ever waking up.

Yes, the gunvault does reduce my response time. So there are instances where a BG could sneak into my house and get the drop on me while I'm sleeping. But they can also do that while I'm taking a shower and I haven't yet figured out how to attach a waterproof quick access gun container to the shower wall.

I'm willing to take those chances as an offset to increasing the risk of tragedy from an unsecured weapon.

Of course, if I could get my spouse to stay up all night standing guard I wouldn't have to worry about it.
 
B2Tall said:
Why bother with "bedside storage" at all?? I keep a pistol on my nightstand because I might need it instantly, not in the 5 seconds it takes to get into whatever little safe you have there. To me it kind of defeats the purpose of having your pistol right there. When I get up in the morning that particular pistol goes into my gun safe that's in my closet.

It's one thing if that's your only secure storage (you said you have a locker), if not, it seems to me that a bedside safe only serves to make it that much more difficult to access your pistol when you really need it the most. Imagine being in a life-threatening situation and not being able to draw your pistol until after you've counted to 5-mississippi.
Click to expand...

Hard to fathom, for me, anyway, leaving a loaded lethal weapon on my nightstand with a 6 & 2 year old in the house. Heaven forbid they walk in & get curious.
 
nca_mm said:
Hard to fathom, for me, anyway, leaving a loaded lethal weapon on my nightstand with a 6 & 2 year old in the house. Heaven forbid they walk in & get curious.
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For some reason I missed the part where he said he had a small child in the house. I guess that or having a mentally unstable spouse or roommate would be good reasons!
 
I don't have any kids, so I just keep it in a shoebox next to the bed. A dog can also be a good early warning system if you are worried about the extra few seconds.
 
82FIST said:
I don't have any kids, so I just keep it in a shoebox next to the bed. A dog can also be a good early warning system if you are worried about the extra few seconds.
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Good call. Got one living in the house with us. His alertness & natural instinct to protect his "pack" & his "den" should provide enough time for me.
 
Harbour Freight

Harbour Freight has a small safe big enough to fit a couple handguns in. Electronic keypad on the front gives you super fast access. I got mine while it was on sale for about $30. I love it. I can leave the safe door open when i am in the room for fast access, then just shut the door when I leave. If there are other people in the house you either need to have your weapon on you or have it secured. When a pistol is discharged it is the owners responsibility. I am so tired of hearing that you have to have instant access to your pistol at all times. That might be fine if you live by yourself in a bunker but for the rest of us who live with others, safety precautions must be observed. I don't ever want to get a call saying someone was hurt with my handgun.
 
I do keep mine on the night table but agree that my 136 pound German Shepperd and 70 pound Pt Bull mix are my initial line of defense and early warning system. Sleep like a baby with them around.
 
I don't have any small children in the house. But when I dis-arm before going to bed, I put the handgun & spare mag in my top dresser drawer. I would have to get out of bed to grab it, but it's only a couple steps. The dresser is tall enough to prevent small kids from getting to it.
 
missoak said:
The dresser is tall enough to prevent small kids from getting to it.
Click to expand...

Yea, don't count on it.

Link Removed

"Police say the youngsters were in their mother’s bedroom while she was in another part of the house. Police say the woman had put the handgun on top of a chest of drawers, thinking the weapon was out of the children’s reach.
Police say the 4-year-old boy managed to get the gun and shoot his little brother."


Too many options starting at about $30.00 and up for this to happen. If you want quick access, it's available while keeping the kids safe.

 
this guy has a sweet set up
now even though i don't have children living with me i am seeing how a gun safe is still a really good idea and a reliable flashlight is good to have too
i have a cheap flashlight and really should get a better one and check out harbour freight thanks for the tip
be safe if you have children around secure it well in a safe for sure or never let that kid out your sight which is impossible.....
 
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