Hiding a Shotgun?

[bondjames628]

Hey folks. I just started my sophomore year of college and I'm living in my own apartment. As of now I'm only 20 years old and thus cannot buy/possess/carry a handgun (unfortunately) in the state of Alabama. However, I still would like to keep my home and myself protected with a firearm. The only option that leaves me with is a shotgun. I'm looking at a Mossberg 500 with the defender barrel or simply replacing my current shotgun with a shorter barrel. Anyways, I have a little bit of a problem. I live in mainly a student housing apartment community so my bedroom door locks; however, living in an apartment entitles maintenance, pest control, etc. to unlock and enter my room at different times (usually when I'm at school) to perform their work. I'm looking for a way to secure my shotgun in a way that it can be accessible to me if (God forbid) I ever need it, but not obvious that I have a gun in the room that can subsequently be stolen. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

-Taylor

 

[ohgrady]

Do you have a big closet?
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=593357
You could likely mount this inside the closet as opposed to mounting it in the wall between studs. It wouldn't be quick access in case of an emergency, but it would be a place to secure your firearm during periods while you aren't home.

 

[bondjames628]

No, just a small closet. And there's not much room for an extra cabinet or anything like that since there are pre-installed shelves in it

 

[il_10]

http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/gun-possession-use-laws/alabama.htm

Check your actual state code. In most states possession of a handgun is legal at age 18, and though it's not the actual code, this site suggests it's that way in Al. Purchase from an FFL may be illegal until you're 21, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a FTF handgun purchase is illegal.

 

[bondjames628]

Well I use and shoot a Glock 30 that I bought and it will be handed over to me when I turn 21 for concealed carry, but for now my parents own it/possess it; and even if it is true that I could've had the gun at 18, that isn't going to fly with my parents anyways, sorry. The shotgun is just barely going to be OK with them. Also, I can't imagine the legal garbage that would pile up if I did have to defend myself with a handgun at 20 on top of what would already go on even if I hadn't. So let's just stick to me having a shotgun for now as I mentioned in the OP.

 

[bushmaster1313]

If you are living in campus housing check if you are allowed a gun on school property.

 

[h20fowl]

A quick and easy solution that comes to mind is.

Use a heavy duty clothes hanger, piece of rope and a jacket. Take one end of the rope and securely tie it to the hanger take the other end and tie it to the grip of the stock using a slip knot. Hang it in the closet and put a jacket over it. If needed in a hurry throw open the coat yank the loose end of the slip knot and away you go. For the hanger i would use a heavy duty wire hanger that you can bend the hook around the clothes rod so it wont fall off when you yank on it. Not secure but it is hidden and a lot better than just slipping it under the bed.

 

[BMW2]

http://www.the-backup.com/ goes between the mattress and box spring, just throw a blanket over it and your good. I'd probably use a cable lock to secure it to the bed frame when your not home.

 

[david_the_greek]

Just make sure the building is not University owned.... don't want to hear about a THR'er on the news!

 

[oldbanjo]

My Mossberg 500 w/PG is in a bag that one of those wire frame chairs go in. I cut the strap off the bag, melted a little hole in the bag for the sling swivel and use a detachable sling, I can shoot my gun with the bag on the sling, then put the bag back over gun and tie it on my Motorcycle and go home. Also the bag helps keep the gun clean on the dirt road I live on.

 

[Readyrod]

Get a Stoeger sxs. They come apart very fast. Just take it apart and stash it in a good spot when you are not in.

 

[ultradoc]

h2ofowl has a good idea there. i have 'the backup' bed side mount. on mine i have to be sure the sheets/covers covers everything.

 

[oneounceload]

How about just putting it under your mattress when you are not there and standing it next to your bed while you are? I seriously doubt maintenance folks are going to snoop THAT much - most have to be bonded, licensed and insured. make sure you have a photo and the serial number somewhere in case something does happen

 

[Guns and more]

No, just a small closet. And there's not much room for an extra cabinet or anything like that since there are pre-installed shelves in it

If it is legal for you to have the shotgun, here's what I would do.
Mount some hooks above the closet door inside the closet.
No one ever looks above the inside of the closet door.
Next option, fashion some hooks from flat aluminum to go between the mattress and box springs. Hang the gun on the side of the bed, and cover it with the duvet (?). That thing that looks like a skirt for the box spring. Someone would have to lift the bed skirt to see it.
Next option. A lock box under the bed.

 

[Azb]

Keep in mind that you can still be burgled. Anyone want to list the top three places burglars look for valuables?

1:Under the bed, under the mattress
2:In the closet
3:Top dresser drawer

I've seen a lot of break ins, and there are a few things that are almost always a given:

The bed is flipped
All the stuff hanging in the closet or on shelves is on the floor
All the drawers are dumped on the floor

Consider this while you choose your hiding place.

Try to think outside the box.

Az

 

[Azb]

I like the in wall safe recommended above. But keep in mind that it can be easily opened with a crowbar or even a large screwdriver.

Hide it.

Do not just install it where it can be easily seen, or behind some clothes in your closet.

It will keep out the maintenance people (probably) but you always have to consider a burglary.

Az

 

[Tacbandit]

bondjames628...after satisfying all legal responsibilities, statutes, etc...you might give this a try. However, remember that it's not a safe, and would still be subject and vulnerable in a burglary, etc. The only advantage would be that it's readily available, but not in plain sight...I like what H20fowl suggested about the closet, as well... just might be the way to go...or take a look at this, below...
www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=590224

 

[Mudinyeri]

Assuming it is legal for you to have a shotgun in your apartment ... check this out: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=590224



One warning: a 39" gun will not fit without modifying the butt stock mount.

Edit: Oops, looks like the same item recommended by Tacbandit

 

[El Clerkino]

love the hide-a-frame. solved my solution.

 

[MaggiesPapaw]

>>>>As of now I'm only 20 years old and thus cannot buy/possess/carry a handgun (unfortunately) in the state of Alabama.<<<<<

Not totally accurate. Depending on the county in which you live, you may be able to get a permit. If you are under 21, the sheriff of the county usually have to personally approve it, but it can be done. I got my first permit at 19 (LONG time ago), and have a friend who just turned 21 and has had a permit for over a year. She was also a reserve police officer at 20.
A handgun can be legally gifted to you under the age of 21.
Give the sheriff's department in your county a call and check it out. You just may be pleasantly surprised.
Having it in the dorm is likely a totally different story (depending n the school).

 

[bondjames628]

Woah guys, lots of info here; I like it! And just to clarify everyone's concerns: I am NOT living on campus. I live in an apartment off-campus; they just tailor to University students. I'm digging "The Back Up" product that was suggest by BMW2. My bed sits higher off the ground and is pushed up against an outside wall. I could definitely have the gun hidden on that side under the bed skirt so the likelihood of someone finding it is lessened. Guns and More, I like the idea of the hooks above the closet door. Albeit not hidden, some of the best hidden things are "hiding" in plain sight. I'm also really liking the Hide-a-Frame mentioned by two of you above. I've got some empty wall space anyways; so I can kill two birds with one stone (and I'm pretty sure the Mossberg 590A1 Mariner would fit in there).

I'm thinking above the closet door or the Back Up holder on the side of the bed are going to be my best bets. Thanks you guys for all the help; if you've got more ideas definitely keep them coming! And @MaggiesPapaw, I understand that; I've actually looked into it and talked to numerous law enforcement officials about it. As far as I understand it you have to have a legitimate reason for them to sign off on a concealed carry permit for those under 21 years old. I think "I want it to protect myself" would be too cliché, even though its true. Above all else my parents still aren't gonna let me bring my Glock here; already tried that route, haha.

 

[Mudinyeri]

If you decide to purchase the Hide-a-frame PM me and I'll give you exact measurements from the butt rest to the opposite frame. My Stoeger Coach Gun fits perfectly. My Mossberg 930 SPX won't fit without modifications to the Hide-a-frame.