The conversation around safe firearm storage sometimes feels like it’s become as controversial as global warming or healthcare. Buy why is that? Safely storing guns is something virtually every gun owner and non-gun owner can agree on. Yet, as more states enact “safe storage” or “child access prevention” laws, there has been some push back. It’s not that people oppose keeping guns out of the hands of children or criminals, but rather that they believe, as in so many other aspects of our lives, individuals—not the government—are best equipped to make the decisions that are right for them.
As of early 2024, 27 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of safe storage legislation on the books. These range from requiring all guns to be secured with a locking device or inside a safe when not in use, to penalizing owners only after an accidental shooting or theft occurs. Supporters argue these laws save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of children, thieves, and potential school shooters. Opponents, warn that government mandates on how firearms are stored within private homes infringe on constitutional and privacy rights.
Yet, politics aside, nearly every responsible gun owner agrees on one point—firearms should be stored safely and securely when not under immediate control. The challenge is doing so without sacrificing quick access in a defensive emergency. And with more states looking at implementing safe storage requirements, one thing is clear: How gun owners secure their firearms at home may no longer be just a matter of good practice—it could be the law.
For gun owners looking to become better informed about their state’s gun laws, learn safe firearm practices or even discover improved ways to keep their guns secure, U.S. LawShield offers its members a host of resources including free educational seminars, our recently launched gun law database and access to an attorney in your state who can answer your direct questions. But gun owners have another great resource as well, right in their own community, and that is their local firearms retailer.
The knowledgeable sales people at your local gun shop stand at the frontlines of educating and informing new and even experienced gun owners on safe practices, local gun laws and the latest innovations in firearms, ammunition, training and accessories including firearm storage technology. A retailer can show you a wide range of modern storage solutions that will meet both legal requirements and real-world defensive needs. Quick-access safes using biometric or RFID technology, for instance, can open in less than a second with a fingerprint or tag. Cable locks, wall safes and furniture-concealment designs offer added layers of protection that still keep firearms close at hand. With input from a knowledgeable retailer, you can then make the best decision for your situation.
Whether driven by new laws, a sense of responsibility or simple peace of mind, safe firearm storage goes beyond compliance—it’s just plain good sense. And in partnership with U.S. LawShield and your local retailer, we can all make our homes and communities a safer place to live.
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