Guns and firearms must be safely stored to avoid them falling into the wrong hands, whether that be of children or thieves. When storing your weapons, you must consider the best safety apparatus for your particular inventory and situation, as well as Western Australian laws on firearm storage.
Gun safes
There are plenty of different types of gun safes which correspond to the different types of firearms. For handguns and alike, there are smaller options available, which typically have two or more compartments. They can also be fitted to walls, under tables, or to the floor. For information on mounting your safe, contact your local mobile locksmith here.
Larger safes are available for shotguns, rifles, and other large firearms. If you have a collection of firearms, there are safes capable of holding multiple guns of varying sizes, which are similar to military grade lockers.
Gun safes are designed specifically with firearms in mind, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to access your weapon in an emergency, as they have quick-access options which don’t compromise security. Most gun safes are fire resistant too, so your collection will be secured in the event of a fire.
Newer models also have the option of a digital lock instead of a combination or traditional key lock, which are particularly safe from potential burglars.
Lockers and cabinets
The main differences between a gun safe and a gun locker or cabinet lie in the thickness of the steel and the locking mechanism. Most gun safes offer about 14 gauge of steel or better, making them pretty much impenetrable, so thieves can’t cut into the safe. They also tend to have a true lock on the outside, whereas cabinets have temporary locks such as padlocks that can be opened with a key.
If you don’t have to worry about kids trying to rifle through your gun collection, a gun cabinet may be a good option. Because they are less secure than gun safes, they tend to be cheaper and more customisable. They’re also more lightweight and portable, so if you’re often moving or changing your living arrangements, a gun cabinet could be right for you. However, if you do decide on a gun cabinet over a safe, you should have iron clad safety measures in place to prevent burglary, and consider installing a security system, or if you already have one, conducting regular maintenance on it.
There are a few theft prevention tips outlined in the WA Police’s “Firearm Storage Requirements” brochure that you should keep in mind:
- Conceal your cabinet so it is not noticeable if your home is burgled
- Install an alarm system at your home to reduce your risk of burglary
- Install door and window locks – and use them – even when you are home (for lock installation in your home call your local mobile locksmith at Hashtag Locksmiths.)
- Cabinet keys should not be left anywhere someone could find them. It’s best to keep firearm storage keys on your person.
- If your cabinet is located within a shed or workshop, ensure that any tools that may be used to cut open a safe are not accessible.
Deciding on the safest storage solution for your firearms can be tough, so remember to consider your budget, who has access to your home, your home security systems and whether or not you have a good, safe spot to have your safe fitted, or if you’d need a more portable option.