Owning a weapon is one of the many liberties America and many countries around the world enjoy. Having a weapon allows for self-defense for the average citizen. Although do not forget guns are still very dangerous weapons, and they
should be stored away when not in use. Many still use the normal solution, which is a gun safe, as it is both functional and very secure.
You will never hear someone say, “Thank god, I had my guns locked up when an intruder came into my house.” Instead, you will most likely hear, “Thank god, I could get to my guns quickly.” The only issues are that these gun safes are very conspicuous to the outside observer and slightly difficult to get to quickly if an emergency situation occurs. For those wanting something a little more suited to their needs, then there are definitely other options. Below we will be looking into the best way to store guns without a safe.
What other Options are there?
While the gun safe is the most well-known option to store your guns, there are other secret hiding places for guns in both orthodox and unorthodox options. For example, the most used alternative to the gun safe is a gun lock box, a hollowed out book, a false wall, a false electrical outlet, ventilation system, false flooring, behind picture frames, and even in pottery. While some may think these are not viable options, this is not the case. As long as they are kept in an inconspicuous place these alternative storage areas are just as secure.
A Lock Box
The first option readily available is a lock box. These storage boxes are not very costly and run around 60-70 dollars. Usually, this type of item is used for important documents of money safe keeping. But this type of item can just as easily be used to store a weapon and bullets. This is also one of the more safer security storage devices as it is much smaller and acts as a portable safe you could conceivably carry. These lock boxes usually come equipped with a small lock or pin number combination in order to unlock. Most people prefer this type of lock box due to its security level provided in a small item. However, it falls short when compared to other options as there is little to no way to store larger or medium sized fire arms. Bullets can also be slightly cumbersome and can be stored in a limited quantity or the lock box might weigh too much to carry around.
These lock boxes usually come equipped with a small lock or pin number combination in order to unlock. Most people prefer this type of lock box due to its security level provided in a small item. However, it falls short when compared to other options as there is little to no way to store larger or medium sized fire arms. Bullets can also be slightly cumbersome and can be stored in a limited quantity or the lock box might weigh too much to carry around.
These lock boxes usually come equipped with a small lock or pin number combination in order to unlock. Most people prefer this type of lock box due to its security level provided in a small item. However, it falls short when compared to other options as there is little to no way to store larger or medium sized fire arms. Bullets can also be slightly cumbersome and can be stored in a limited quantity or the lock box might weigh too much to carry around.
False Flooring, Wall, Electrical Outlet
This type of storing your weapon is slightly strange, as you will be needing to create a hole or use a preexisting one in your house. This can be the most costly option, as buying the materials or the items can be around the price tag of 70-200 dollars.
The main types of safe keeping are effective but mildly awkward. For example, trying to grab a gun from a false electrical socket might not only leave you with an exposed back, but it will take time to correctly take out your gun and load it correctly. Not to say this is completely without merit, however, as it is is so well hidden it will take someone with a trained eye to catch it.
A false wall or flooring are both useful in their own right due to the fact that they can hold larger guns, more bullets, and are slightly more inconspicuous. Unless someone goes over your house with a magnifying glass, and constantly check for hollow spaces, there would be no way to tell the difference between the floor and falsity. This goes the same for the wall. This would probably be the best choice for those who want their own personal armory with them at arms reach.
Behind or inside Hollowed Out Items
Yet another alternative storage area, is it probably one of the cheapest choices as there is nothing to really buy in most cases. In the off chance, there is something to buy, it would most likely be some tape or stick on velcro. The best examples of hollowed out items are those that are found within the common living room, a love seat, large pots, a thick recliner, or even your sofa. It is even possible to put guns within bed frames or underneath mattresses as well.
These are the best options for the idea of “hiding in plain sight”. As long as these weapons are hidden away and unloaded, it is very simple to hide these items with little to no issues. The only issue is that once again getting to these items are limited to the container and place in which they are held. Other than that, these are great places to use when you would like to have a couple of weapons within reach.
Ventilation System
This is arguably the best type of safe keeping next to a gun safe, it also is virtually free. The only thing necessary is a screwdriver and a step ladder. All modern day houses either have ventilation systems or an air conditioner. As such, the vents that are found throughout your house can be used for guarding your guns.
With most vents at around the size of a 12″x6″ rectangular box, is the perfect size for holding all types of items, from attachments to bullets, to large or small guns. They also provide a perfect safety net as they are usually high above the ground, out of reach of children and some adults. Although the only issue can be seen in once again accessibility, as trying to reach and grab an item might be slightly difficult on a day to day basis, or on a night, or even during an emergency.
Final Thoughts
When trying to safely hide your guns, safety, accessibility, and realistic expectations must be taken into account. You will not be able to fit a shotgun into your lock box, but you could hide it within your bed frame! So if you think your money and prepping should go into something different than rest assured you these options are more than one. As for picking the best kind of safety area and how to store guns long term, it is up to your own discretion.
