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Category: Guns

What to Look for in a Bedside Gun Safe and Why

Posted on by Josh Kinser

how to choose the right bedside gun safe

There’s no shortage of bedside gun safes on the market, and they come in all shapes, sizes, attachments, and with technology like biometrics.  But not all bedside gun safes are created equal, and some may malfunction when you need them most, during a break in.

A thicker gun safe may look more symmetrical as it fills a space, but if the door cannot open all the way it could stop you from reaching your firearm in time.  You may be leaning towards an under the bed option vs one that attaches to your nightstand. 

While that is a great option some people find their bed height or design does not accommodate for that. Others incorporate both, a safe under the bed for a long gun with the addition of a handgun safe at their bedside.  And some gun storage companies like us at SecureIt create innovative designs including our fastbox 47 so you can have access and storage under the bed.

This post covers the most common types of bedside gun safes, what to look for, and what to consider when purchasing one.  In order for us to consider the safe to be a good bedside option it must meet the following criteria:

  • Can fit next to a bed
  • Has easy access for emergency use
  • Does not hinder the users ability to access the firearm
  • Must have a locking mechanism so it is a safe vs. a display case

One thing we decided not to do is mix this with a traditional handgun safe as rifles and other items could be stored in a bedside safe, the size and storage capacity able to be stored bedside changes based on the size of the room.  

This guide is based on practical experience as one of the countries leading manufacturers of gun safes, as well as feedback from customers, and our on-staff gun experts.  Each section is double fact checked and we put each scenario to the test.

Biometric and Fingerprint Bedside Gun Safes

These look and sound cool!  Who doesn’t love technology and being able to safeguard your guns from being accessed by kids and burglars if you’re not in the room?  But with technology comes a price, reliability.  When you’re stressed, anxious, panicked, or caught off guard your hands and fingers sweat.  It is a medical term called hyperhidrosis, you can read more here at the Mayo Clinic website.

The wetness on them can prevent biometric readers from unlocking and your firearms will not be there to protect you.  In the event of a threat situation, when seconds matter most, your bedside gun safe needs to be reliable. This is an argument many are making for app based locking mechanisms.

If your phone or tablet aren’t in reach, or it is on a nightstand and gets knocked to the floor, or your hands are sweaty, you delay your ability to unlock the safe and access your firearm.  And biometric gun safes are notorious for needing regular cleaning, so if you procrastinate, this option is not for you.

Pros:

  • Keeps your guns out of kids and intruders hands
  • You don’t have to worry about missing keys or pin codes
  • Technology is cool

Cons:

  • Sweaty and wet fingers cause malfunctions
  • If the power supply runs out you cannot access your firearms
  • They tend to be more expensive because technology is an upsell
  • In constant need of cleaning

Under the Bed

If you have your heart set on storing your firearms under your bed, and protection is the goal, make sure the safe can open towards you and that you do not have too many items below your bed.  This way you can access it when you need it and quickly.

If you live in a city apartment where space is limited, make sure the safe fits under or next to your bed by measuring the area first and then looking at the manufacturer specs.  You can go with a fancy design, biometrics, etc… as protection is secondary.  This is where lines like our Fast Box safes come in handy.

Pros:

  • Does not get in the way of your home decor
  • Harder for guests and children to find
  • Lets you hide your favorite pieces away from the main safe in case of burglary

Cons:

  • The door can get blocked by other items preventing access during a breakin if you are disorganized with additional clutter.
  • Depending on your physical ability, it may be harder to climb under your bed vs. being next to your bed making it less accessible

Side of the Desk

Sometimes the only space you have is the side of your desk.  Whether it’s hidden as part of the desk or bolted to the side, this style of storage unit is appealing because it is unexpected by an intruder and blends in with your bedroom.  

Pros:

  • You maintain the element of surprise
  • Extra space under your bed for storage
  • It can be level with your arm reach as you roll over for quick access

Cons:

  • Limited space for storage
  • You have to modify your desk which can be expensive or make it non-repairable
  • Once you move, the safe may no longer fit the new room layout

Hidden on Top of a Desk or Dresser

There’s nothing cooler than seeing a lamp or sculpture that is actually your firearm storage unit “hidden in plain sight”.  You have the element of surprise with style or functionality for your bedroom.  And if it is on top of your desk and someone would break in, you can reach your piece from your bed or quickly from your seated position while working or studying.

Pros:

  • The element of surprise
  • Easy access whether you’re working or sleeping
  • It doubles as a light or design element for multi-purpose use

Cons:

  • They normally only hold one firearm
  • In plain sight safes are not always fast access.
  • Kids may learn about it and show it off to their friends putting people at risk
  • Easy to move if the intruder or person finds out what it truly is

Free Standing

Sometimes a classic free standing gun safe or stackable gun safe is the perfect bedside option.  If you have the space next to your bed you’ll be able to store multiple guns as well as have a place to rest a glass of water or put a lamp for extra light in your room.  

Pros:

  • The most storage available for bedside gun safes
  • Can double as a tabletop for books, lamps, or other items you keep close while sleeping
  • Easy to hide with a table cloth or design element

Cons:

  • Takes up additional space
  • It’s an extra piece of furniture you’ll need to be accustomed too, and avoid in the middle of the night
  • It is not hidden so intruders will know exactly where your guns are stored

Bedside gun safes are your line of defense during a nighttime home invasion.  Knowing which type fits your space and provides you with the right security is an additional line of defense to protect yourself and your loved ones.  If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to our blog for more posts just like it.

Pistol, AR-15, Shotgun – The best for home defense is?

Posted on by Josh Kinser

Pistol, AR-15, Shotgun - The best for home defense is?

Considering a pistol, AR – 15, or a shotgun for your primary home defense weapon? Great choices! And each can be effective depending on the type of home you have, how much space you have, the room you need protection in, and what is or is not allowed by law. As states begin banning specific weaponry, your options may become limited, but there is always a proper backup.

Space is one of the most important aspects when deciding which of these firearms is right for your home defense needs. If you live in an apartment and only have space for a hidden gun safe for example, chances are it can store a pistol so you won’t have access to an AR or shotgun. And if there is space in a closet by the front door for a traditional gun safe you can access, your AR – 15 is able to be there when you need it most.

This guide takes the following into consideration when recommending how to choose between these three firearms for home defense:

  • Room size
  • Rural, urban, suburban dwelling
  • Type of gun safe that fits in the space
  • Length of room and or distance
  • Ease of refilling ammo
  • Amount of rounds per loading

Comparing the AR-15, a standard pistol, and a shotgun.

AR-15 Rifle Standard Pistol Standard Shotgun
Penetration Medium (because fragmentation) Strong Strong
Magazine capacity 30 rounds 15 rounds 5 Shells
Length 36″ 4.5″ 22″ – 28″
Accuracy Medium-High (pointability) Medium High
Turning corners Difficult Simple Difficult
Points of contact 4 2 4
Easy to Control if Hand-to-Hand Fighting No Yes No

AR-15s dominate when it comes to home defense because the capacity is higher than a pistol or shotgun, it is lightweight, and much like a pistol, the AR-15 has comfortable grips. And just like a pistol, the controls can be maneuvered by a single hand. Much like a shotgun, AR-15’s are not as effective if you live in a home with narrow hallways, corners, or you’re in a room like a bedroom with furniture that can block your ability to aim and angle. That’s where pistols come in.

For next to your bed, in an office, or spaces without much distance between yourself and the intruder, pistols are better for home defense than shotguns or AR-15s. If the intruder gets close to you the pistol can be used to bludgeon them during hand-to-hand combat while not hindering your mobility like a larger gun. Not to mention you can control and hold the pistol with one hand compared to your long guns which could wind up in control of the attacker.

Don’t count a shotgun out for home defense when comparing them to AR-15s and pistols. Yes, they only hold five shells, but they’re easy to reload and the accuracy and penetration give you control of the situation when there is enough distance between you and the intruder. If you live in rural spaces, and a trail cam detects a disturbance, shotguns can be quite helpful as you can control the situation from a safe distance. And in a larger room with things you do not want destroyed, the accuracy and aim compared to an AR-15 or pistol will keep you and your home better put together.

There’s pros and cons to each firearm, so a good rule of thumb is for crowded rooms with furniture, tight spaces, and where you could wind up in a fist fight with an intruder, go pistol. If there is space to angle and you have wide hallways, AR – 15s are your best bet for home defense. If you need accuracy, want full penetration, or need distance, go with a standard shotgun.

Did you find this guide to home defense helpful? Join the Pack for more just like it.

How to Remove Rust From Guns

Posted on by Josh Kinser

Rust is an unfortunate problem that many gun owners face. The reason for rust can range anywhere where accidental water exposure to not storing your gun properly. Rust is an issue because it can lead to corrosion which can make the firearm unsafe to use. But good news, it is easy to get rid of and this guide will teach you how to remove rust from your guns. And this works for all types of firearms including handguns, long guns, and even antique firearms.

To get started you will need a few items.

  • Gun oil

  • Bronze brushes

  • Bore brushes

  • Eye protection

  • Protective gloves

  • Clean cloth

 

The Steps to Remove Rust From a Gun

  1. Disassemble your firearm and verify that the gun is unloaded with all ammunition stored in another room.
    Pro-tip: It is a great idea to have a small magnetic bowl or tray to store the smaller parts of the gun. A lost spring can be frustrating and leave your firearm nonfunctional.

  2. Visually inspect all the surfaces to find all spots of rust. Do not let any go because they are small or don’t seem too bad. It must all be removed.

  3. Apply a light coat of oil to the rusted areas. 

  4. Using the bronze brush, scrub the area and the rust will come off the surface.
    Pro-tip: If the gun is deeply rusted, you may need a chemical rust remover.

  5. Once the rust is scrubbed free, wipe the entire surface off with a clean rag.

 

Once the rust is removed, it is a good idea to do a complete inspection of the firearm by checking for excessive wear or other issues that may have gone undetected. While you have the gun disassembled, it is also the perfect opportunity to deep clean the gun and oil all the surfaces as a way to prevent future rust development.

Rust forming on guns can be a real problem both aesthetically and functionally. Although it is inevitable, you can delay rusting by performing regular maintenance and oiling of the metal surfaces. You can also try dry bags and dehumidifiers to slow down how often it happens.

Choosing the right gun storage solution like a high-quality gun safe and having a cleaning routine is critical to preserving our day-to-day guns as well as our antique collections. And that’s it! Now you are ready to keep your guns rust-free.