Gun storage

[MuskegonBrian]

I would like to secure my shotguns but can not afford a vault at this time. I do have lockable lockers in my insulated but unheated garage. My concern would be cold Michigan weather. They will be in a padded case. Will they be ok? Thanks.

 

[Hoganbeg]

I would take them out of the cases as the pads can hold moisture in contact with the metal. Consider also beefing up your perimeter security.

 

[revolverboy]

I don't know the laws in Michigan, but most places they need to be locked or secured. I'd go with a plastic case & pad locks or a cable lock & soft case. Check your state's pro gun organiziation. I'm sure there is one. They probably have info on their website about storage laws.

 

[White Doberman]

I would also encourage you to use trigger locks on all firearms that are not in use for personal protection.

 

[snatale42]

I don't know the laws in Michigan, but most places they need to be locked or secured. I'd go with a plastic case & pad locks or a cable lock & soft case. Check your state's pro gun organiziation. I'm sure there is one. They probably have info on their website about storage laws.

While it's a good idea to lock unused guns, most states don't have the lock laws like MA.

 

[revolverboy]

While it's a good idea to lock unused guns, most states don't have the lock laws like MA.

All states do not have similar laws, this is true. The OP was asking how to keep in them secure. Cable locks & soft cases are an inexspensive way to go. It keeps them secure and doesn't break the bank.

 

[MuskegonBrian]

Thanks for the replies. I understand the importance of securing my firearms, and they will be. But my concern is storing them in a cold area for extended amount of time. Any precautions I should take while they're locked up to protect then from the weather. They will be in a locked locker in a locked and insulated area but not heated. Thanks.

 

[jokerfive]

I think everyone is recommending you look at different lock options, so that you don't have to use the locker in the garage. At least that would be my recommendation. I'd be concerned about moisture gathering on the gun due to changing temperatures. I don't think the cold itself is an issue, more the fact the temperature won't be as stable as inside.

 

[RustyNut]

I'm in MN so it's about the same weather wise. I don't keep anything in the garage I don't want to get ruined or rusty. This includes air tools, drills, saws all, etc. I store them in the basement. Which in my case is cool and dry.

 

[mojoman]

I was looking on the homedepot website and they have some decent gun safe that want break the bank.

 

[missoak]

You can pick up a Stack On steel gun cabinet for around $100. They are a decent size, have a lock & will keep your guns secure.
Cold will not hurt your guns. But if it's 10 degrees in your garage, & you fire up a heater & change the temperature quickly, you will have condensation problems.

 

[tkrugen]

I am looking for a better way to safely but accessibly way secure my "Home Defense" 12 gauge. It it currently stored, unloaded, in a padded soft case with a locked cable ran through the action. Ammo is within close reach, but if the need arises, that weapon is stored in a manor that it isn't very quickly accessible. I have a S&W 9mm in a quick access safe that is easy to get to and ready to go, but I would much rather use my shotgun in a home defense situation. There are children wondering throughout the house during the day. I have a wall mount gun rack in storage, but it has not yet been hung up. It would to accessible and out of reach of the kids. I'm looking for a better alternative to store my weapon. Any Suggestions??

 

[wolf_fire]

I would like to secure my shotguns but can not afford a vault at this time. I do have lockable lockers in my insulated but unheated garage. My concern would be cold Michigan weather. They will be in a padded case. Will they be ok? Thanks.

Do NOT leave your firearms in a garage that is not climate controlled. They will become ruined due to temperature changes causing condensation. Also, the heat in the summer will not be good for your firearms.

A cable lock like the one I provided a link for would do the trick. Also, a trigger lock for each one would work too. I provided a link for that as well. Or you could get a case for each and use a TSA lock on it, again provided a link for those too.

Cable lock: Products - Adjustable Locking Cables - 8413DPF - Master Lock® Just loop them through the trigger guard of each shotgun.
Trigger lock: Products - Gun Locks - 90TRISPT - Master Lock® keyed alike so you don't have to have a key for each shotgun
TSA Lock for a case: Products - Luggage Locks - 4688D - Master Lock® Just lock your case with these, some cases will allow more than one shotgun in each.

 

[gunnerbob]

I would like to secure my shotguns but can not afford a vault at this time. I do have lockable lockers in my insulated but unheated garage. My concern would be cold Michigan weather. They will be in a padded case. Will they be ok? Thanks.

Put a healthy layer of grease on the metal parts (inside & out), slide 'em in storage bags, put them in the cases, throw in some desiccant and lock 'em up... they'll be good for years. Also, make sure it's difficult to break into your garage.