Firearm Storage

Gun Cabinets

A traditional method of storing firearms, especially long guns, is to lock them in a glass-faced, wooden gun cabinet. This type of arrangement allows guns to be displayed, but it offers a minimum of security. Metal cabinets, equipped with either key or combination locks, are a step up from the "display" cabinet, but far from the more secure gun safe (described below). The degree of protection offered by such thin-walled containers is minimal against burglars equipped with pry bars, as their construction is similar to a typical metal office filing cabinet. Depending on the quality of the locking mechanism, they do provide more security against curious children.

Gun Safes

Gun safes are the most reliable and secure form of firearms storage. Even with gun safes, however, quality and construction vary in thickness of steel walls and durability of locking systems. High-end safes provide good security and storage options. Depending on size, they can be quite heavy, a deterrent in itself against children and all but the most determined and skilled intruders.