Status of Loaded Guns in your home....

[marksman13]

Glock 21 stays loaded and out of reach of the toddler as does my pocket gun. Everything else is unloaded and locked in the safe.

Growing up in the country (still in the country) dad always had a loaded rifle or two standing in a corner by the front and back door. Generally speaking one was his Ruger 10/22 and the other was a Remington Nylon 66. These were more pest control than anything else. Dad never owned a safe, so the rest of his guns were stored unloaded in his closet or under his bed with the exception of an H&R 22 LR revolver which was loaded in a holster hanging on a gun belt over his bed post. We were taught from an early age to leave those guns alone. I keep mine locked in a safe though, because despite dad’s best efforts, we unloaded and played with those guns every chance we got. I’m not naive enough to believe my kids won’t do the same.

 

[Beck]

The argument that, "It's nobody's business" what we do with our guns (If we even own guns) kinda defeats the purpose of engaging in conversation on a gun forum.

I think the OP started a good topic. True, we never know who is reading the forums. Might even be new gun owners who need sound advice about gun safety. How to keep guns out of the wrong hands is part of that.

Sometimes there are simply different ways of doing things when it comes to responsible firearm ownership, and other times there's a right way and a wrong way. Having a discussion is the best way of sorting that out.

But that's easy for me so say because I lost all my guns in a boating accident last week. I may or may not dig my diving gear out of the attic and go looking for my guns in the river. I may or may not have an attic.

 

[cc-hangfire]

As Beck says above, “Sometimes there are simply different ways of doing things when it comes to responsible firearm ownership…”

This is a huge nation, from dense urban to isolated wilderness. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and so the correct firearm storage and staging for one isn’t appropriate for all. I knew the discussion thread on this topic would spool on and on, because there can be a lot of correct individual decisions; and Internet forums tend toward a lot of “my way is the only right way!” attitudes.

 

[Simple Shooter]

Yes, all the firearms that aren't in the safes are loaded; handguns in Condition 1, long guns in cruiser-ready.

We've had our rural home broken into twice (never went well for any of the intruders), the wife has been the victim of an assault, as has one of our children; I have had a hit put out on me by a criminal gang (and even been stalked by an ex-employee -- who was known to go armed -- whom I got fired).


There are any number of cases out there where this concept has been proven wrong. Obviously, if one has children in the household, or regular visitors, there are precautions and exceptions, but there's really no one-size-fits-all answer.

It's good to be retired, and at home almost all of the time...

But I understand that everyone has a different situation.

Coming up from my basement workshop to find the back door open and a stranger holding the loaded gun I left on the kitchen table isn’t my idea of optimal. Just like out on the street, it’s not your gun- you just brought it to the fight.

But as you said, everyone has a different situation and your is different than mine. The nice thing about a forum such as this is we can exchange ideas and make decisions based on our own experiences and circumstances.

 

[AJC1]

Had a friend in a very rural county who had various rifles leaning in the corners of several rooms in his home. They were all loaded and ready to fire. I don't even know if he engaged the safeties. His view was that if they weren't ready for immediate use then there was no point in having them.

My loaded ready to fire weapons are either in a finger tripped pistol safe or an electronic press lock combination stand up safe.

Who is excessive, me or my friend?

(BTW - I speak of him in the past tense as he has died of natural causes)

Well on Friday world wide jihad has been planned so in that case your friends solution is best...

 

[Hokkmike]

Well on Friday world wide jihad has been planned so in that case your friends solution is best...

That or mass looting.

 

[Jimfern]

Had a friend in a very rural county who had various rifles leaning in the corners of several rooms in his home. They were all loaded and ready to fire. I don't even know if he engaged the safeties. His view was that if they weren't ready for immediate use then there was no point in having them.

My loaded ready to fire weapons are either in a finger tripped pistol safe or an electronic press lock combination stand up safe.

Who is excessive, me or my friend?

(BTW - I speak of him in the past tense as he has died of natural causes)

If i felt the need to do as he did, I'd move. Sorry to hear he died.

 

[The Night Rider]

I'm going to give an opinion on one thing, when you're not at home I don't believe any of your guns should be out.

I don't have a lot of guns out to begin with, actually have one gun out but when we're leaving I check the safe and I make sure it's locked.

 

[dobedo]

A non-loaded gun for protection is about as worthless as can be you might as well sell it.

 

[AJC1]

I'm going to give an opinion on one thing, when you're not at home I don't believe any of your guns should be out.

I don't have a lot of guns out to begin with, actually have one gun out but when we're leaving I check the safe and I make sure it's locked.

That makes sense to me as well...

 

[Remington1911]

The argument that, "It's nobody's business" what we do with our guns (If we even own guns) kinda defeats the purpose of engaging in conversation on a gun forum.

I think the OP started a good topic. True, we never know who is reading the forums. Might even be new gun owners who need sound advice about gun safety. How to keep guns out of the wrong hands is part of that.

Sometimes there are simply different ways of doing things when it comes to responsible firearm ownership, and other times there's a right way and a wrong way. Having a discussion is the best way of sorting that out.

But that's easy for me so say because I lost all my guns in a boating accident last week. I may or may not dig my diving gear out of the attic and go looking for my guns in the river. I may or may not have an attic.

I hate to tell you this but we know exactly who is reading the gun forums, the people that come here with "legit" questions and seeking answers, and those that glow. That out of the way.

The first reply is the answer, depends on who is in your house......but that could extend into general ownership IMHO.

 

[Old Dog]

Coming up from my basement workshop to find the back door open and a stranger holding the loaded gun I left on the kitchen table isn’t my idea of optimal. Just like out on the street, it’s not your gun- you just brought it to the fight.

Just to be clear, speaking for only my situation, I live in a single-story house; my shop is in my garage, I have 25 acres of forest and a large body of water behind my property which is fenced and gated. I have 360 degrees of camera coverage around the buildings with monitors in the three rooms I spend most of my time in (including my shop); I get an alert any time a vehicle or pedestrian comes down my long driveway, which is off a rural road that dead ends just a bit down from my property. Outside doors are hardened, as are windows. All access points are alarmed (including windows) and my system announces when an outside door or window is opened. Motion sensor alarms in hallways and MBR. Then there is the other early warning system, two one-hundred-pound German Shepherd Dogs (professionally trained), at least one of whom is always in the house, and a very territorial (and loud) Lab mix.

So, what I am getting at is the obvious, that layered security measures for one's residence are essential if at any time(s) firearms remain inside the house while no residents are at home. No doubt no house is impregnable given enough time for a criminal to get in, but a reliable alarm system which will summon law enforcement and heavy safes can combine to make it too time-consuming and labor-intensive for even the most dedicated thieves to remain on the premises (plus, a good audible alarm will make intruders even more uncomfortable.

I hate to tell you this but we know exactly who is reading the gun forums, the people that come here with "legit" questions and seeking answers, and those that glow. That out of the way.

Well, there are some journalists out there who believe you might be right about the latter group (a certain AR-centric forum was mentioned in an Atlantic article about having extremist activity and thus a candidate for "special" monitoring). Just in case, the poster known as Old Dog states for the record that he, and any residents of his domicile, are in full compliance at all times with all federal and state laws regulating possession and storage of firearms.

 

[Styx]

Just to be clear, speaking for only my situation, I live in a single-story house; my shop is in my garage, I have 25 acres of forest and a large body of water behind my property which is fenced and gated. I have 360 degrees of camera coverage around the buildings with monitors in the three rooms I spend most of my time in (including my shop); I get an alert any time a vehicle or pedestrian comes down my long driveway, which is off a rural road that dead ends just a bit down from my property. Outside doors are hardened, as are windows. All access points are alarmed (including windows) and my system announces when an outside door or window is opened. Motion sensor alarms in hallways and MBR. Then there is the other early warning system, two one-hundred-pound German Shepherd Dogs (professionally trained), at least one of whom is always in the house, and a very territorial (and loud) Lab mix.

So, what I am getting at is the obvious, that layered security measures for one's residence are essential if at any time(s) firearms remain inside the house while no residents are at home. No doubt no house is impregnable given enough time for a criminal to get in, but a reliable alarm system which will summon law enforcement and heavy safes can combine to make it too time-consuming and labor-intensive for even the most dedicated thieves to remain on the premises (plus, a good audible alarm will make intruders even more uncomfortable.


Well, there are some journalists out there who believe you might be right about the latter group (a certain AR-centric forum was mentioned in an Atlantic article about having extremist activity and thus a candidate for "special" monitoring). Just in case, the poster known as Old Dog states for the record that he, and any residents of his domicile, are in full compliance at all times with all federal and state laws regulating possession and storage of firearms.

They think everyone on every gun forum are extremist.

 

[plainsdrifter]

My grown up boys got the combo to the safe where most are loaded but not in condition zero and they know it, so does the wife. The only condition one is the one on my person but I mostly carry a SP-101 .357 mag.
When I'm home the safe is unlocked and the two foremost guns you can grab is an AR556 and a Rem 870 tactical 12 ga, both loaded. Cus who want to try and fumble with loading if a situation might arise.

 

[tws3b2]

I keep a 5 shot revolver next to the bed as a discussion starter.
A 12 shot pistol near by for extended conversation.
A 17 round pistol within reach for lengthy discussions.
And, A 12 ga. For when it gets loud.
All are safe.

 

[Hokkmike]

Thanks all for your replies. Good "High Road" stuff....

 

[Beck]

I hate to tell you this...

I hate to hear it... because it does nothing to help me find my alleged attic. My mind is now going way, way back in time (more years than I care to admit) yes... way back to my first crime scene investigation class. The instructor said when investigating a crime scene, "don't forget to look up."

I may try that next in search of my attic. 99.9% of all attics are, "Up."

Seriously though, there are some things 99.9% of us agree on, such as the 10 fundamental firearm safe handing rules... or at least the fundamental 4 rules for those who can't count to 10. There are also the 8 safety rules for those somewhere in the middle

So in the spirit of balancing safety and reediness these are good discussions to have. This is a no size fits all situation. I know one thing... I want my guns (if I had any) to be ready for my use, not for someone to use against me.

 

[tark]

If you have cats in the house you don't need a gun at all. Just a laser pointer. Just put the dot on the intruder's face and the cats will do the rest.

This idea came from a meme posted from another member. It is not my idea, it is his, whoever he was. I take no credit for the originality of this idea...

But it sure paints an amusing image in my head. If you have ever watched cats go berserk and climb the curtains chasing that evil red dot...you know what I mean.

 

[hk940]

Four pistols, all have one in the chamber and full mags. one AR with mags. within two feet. Grand kids, son and DIL are over 800 miles away. Just me and the wife.

 

[The Night Rider]

If you have cats in the house you don't need a gun at all. Just a laser pointer. Just put the dot on the intruder's face and the cats will do the rest.

This idea came from a meme posted from another member. It is not my idea, it is his, whoever he was. I take no credit for the originality of this idea...

But it sure paints an amusing image in my head. If you have ever watched cats go berserk and climb the curtains chasing that evil red dot...you know what I mean.

Someone gave us one of those as a gift for Mutt. She has no interest

 

[Hokkmike]

My brave cat saw a mouse run across the floor. Next thing I knew he was sitting on top of the dresser, quivering.....

 

[DustyGmt]

I can't find exactly where but somebody posted something about home invasion crews and I just happened to see some doorbell camera footage where the guys will just walk up casually to the door like they are there for some legitimate reason, checking your air filters, delivery guy, car trouble and need to use a phone, etc and then if they can't get you to open the door they just begin taking turns kicking your door or take a sledge to the door, guy presents himself at your door alone but really around the corner others are waiting...

I definitely wouldn't want to have to run upstairs for my gun. If you haven't thought of it or don't prepare for the possibility when the first boot hits your door, do you really want to have to think at internet speed "my daughters in the other room but my gun is upstairs, run for the gun? Run for my daughter? You'll waste precious seconds if you arent set up and home invasions are quite common and lots of them are ruthless felons with no morals.the scene at the beginning of Law Abiding Citizen comes to mind.

 

[DesertFox]

Keep loaded pistol in each safe. Have several loaded and stashed around house. No kids, no friends, only wife to contend with.

Keep most magazines loaded and ready to go.

 

[Mike in Western Oregon]

We live out a bit (25 miles) from town. Just the wife and I and critters. I keep a shotgun tube loaded no round in the chamber, safety on, under the bed and my EDC is always with me- and I mean everywhere. To me, what’s the point of all this training, practice, reloading yadda yadda, if I am not prepared. I have met Murphy a few times in life and he always visits when I am least prepared. I love my home and wife and critters and if someone comes to do us harm, I would never forgive myself for not being ready. Also have a j frame loaded in a spot that is a half-way point to most things in the house. If we leave the house, all firearms are placed in the safe, except of course my edc.
PS: when ANY children or teenagers or adults I don’t know very well or trust yet, come for a visit, all firearms are put in the safe except my edc. Being 55 I still remember how crafty I was as a kid finding my Dad’s guns and ammo. I was taught well by him to respect firearms, but I was still a curious kid who wanted to make things go bang and blow stuff up (nothing’s changed for me there

 

[Ignition Override]

First, I've only read about one home invasion in our better suburbs (better= far from the hood(s) ), and the situation was quite unusual.
The home is in a Very expensive neighborhood.

Their home's electronic security system was inop. (didn't work), and they told their regular house cleaning crew about it . Really "smart", considering the homeowner's private business.
Also-the father owned either a jewelry store or other business which dealt with extremely valuable items, possibly rare coins, and naturally everybody knew about this. Context quite often - not always -can be the only objective for motivation among criminals.

Luckily none of the readers here have children who can stealthily observe how to find a father's hidden gun, or observe the button sequence on a panel.
When we were about 6/8, the next-door neighbor's father kept his revolver in a drawer, which the neighbor's son picked up once to show us, while the father was gone. The father's underestimation of how quiet and perceptive very young children can be (even 5 year-olds), plus intuitive, is so typical of even normally-intelligent adults.

We were quite fortunate that our 9 year-old neighbor did Not point the gun at us, and after just 3-5 seconds, immed. put it back in the drawer. Luckily we told our Dad, who said something to our neighbor- a career Rep from the MS Delta, in the MS State House in Jackson.