[shoddy]

so, Im a new gun owner. picked up our 12 gauge shot gun a few days ago. I was wondering how most of you are storing your shotguns with home defense as a consideration. I was thinking that if I loaded the magazine and put the cable lock through the chamber so that it couldn't be cocked, that it would be safe to stow in this manner and would be available for quick deployment if the need arrises.

 

[fixitfred]

Safety should always be your main consideration. Why do you feel the need to lock your shotgun?

How quick is a deployment if you have to unlock a cable lock? Have you ever misplaced keys you use on a daily basis? What's the chances you'll misplace your cable lock keys.

 

[Mad Scientist]

I have mine fully loaded with one in the chamber and the safety switch on. However I do NOT have children in our home, so there is no need for further safety concerns.

A cable lock will slow you down and give an intruder an advantage against you. There are better solutions, such as concealed furniture, tactical walls, etc.

 

[fixitfred]

As a new shotgun owner let me strongly recommend a few things. Become familiar with your new shotgun with a disassembly and cleaning, yes cleaning of a new shotgun. reassemble and lube and verify proper functioning. Make sure you shoot it and verify it functions properly and you operate it properly. Shoot the load you plan on using for self defense.

If you haven't taken any safety training make sure you do.

 

[shoddy]

I did clean the gun. concerned for safety because I do have an 8 year old boy. However, I have let him handle the gun unloaded to make sure that he is comfortable around it and when we go shooting he will be there to experience. He should know and respect the weapon and know what to expect. That said, I was once 8 and know what insatiable curiosity can be. Even if it slows me down I'd rather have the lock on the gun. I do plan on going shooting soon to get more familiar with the gun.

 

[NHTom]

You might get a rifle safe with an electronic lock. It's faster than fumbling w/ key and you don't have to twist a dial. I don't have long guns so for me it's not an issue.

There are "pistol vaults" where you don't even have to see the numbers. Perhaps larger safes have the same thing.

 

[Stamps6]

When I had kids at home, I never had a gun loaded anywhere. I had a loaded magazine for what ever pistol I had in the bedroom. I never used a shotgun for bedroom protection. Kids will mess with your stuff sometime and you can bet on it. I think the cable lock is a good idea but I think there may be better locks that don’t require keys.

 

[Stamps6]

My son just bought one of these. Holds his AR and 1911. It is lockable and quick. $300.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Looks like someone broke into that one!

 

[Stamps6]

I think that’s a foam interior

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Sure looks like broken glass to me!

 

[Fitasc Shooter]

I keep mine "cruiser ready' Hammer down on an empty chamber, mag full; all I need to do is rack and shoot...............shotguns, even with safeties on, are NOT drop proof

 

[deputy]

i keep mine cruiser safe as well.........but you have a kid.......you must go with what you think is the best as you know your boy the best.........
then take into account any firends the boy may have to come and visit. You can not trust everybody and you can't always be around to watch.

there will be a lot of suggestions, but you known your situtation better than any of us and your house. I would use it as an excuse to buy a security cabinet.......for future gun purchases, ammo, valuables etc, etc.

security cabinets run between one to two hundred dollars and can store more than just guns.......they will deter probably 90% of thieves.....whom are amateurs and want to smash and grab. They will definately go a long way keeping little fingers off the collection.....

if you want to go with the 5$ lock that will work too......but you are still giving them hands-on access.

you can put it up high......they will climb.
you can hide it......they will find it.

educating and putting the fear of God into your son.............priceless.

 

[shoddy]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Hopefully we are going shooting as a family. get the boy used to seeing it and seeing it in action so that he doesn't have any more curiosity...well, not after one session. I thought about the same lock I have but in combination trim so that I dont have to worry about a key. Eventually a gun safe for further rifles or arms, ammo and if its fireproof even important documents.

Im thinking I would like a handgun next. Any Suggestions? We aren't the hunter types, not yet anyways, more like campers at the moment.

 

[deputy]

a 4" 357 revolver is a good jack of all trades handgun.......loaded with 38 special target wadcutters it is pleasant to learn the basics and will still be effective....you can throttle up on the ammo power level as you see fit........Ruger GP100 as an example

or go the 22 rimfire route.....Ruger Single Six convertible would be my choice.....not necessarily yours........
the 22 LR offers cheap practice ammo, minimal recoil, and one heck of a good time by all........pop in the 22 mag cylinder for serious social occasions......way better than nothing.

 

[Stamps6]

I agree 1000% with Deputy on these suggestions. I raised a son and i was in almost the same boat as you. I did my best to take him shooting and hunting with me and he became very responsible around guns. It cost me a small fortune in guns fir him over the years but it was money well spent. He’s 30 now and hunts and fishes more than I ever did. He’s on about a dozen pro staffs from Orvis to Filson.

 

[fixitfred]

Looks like someone broke into that one!

I think that’s a foam interior

Sure looks like broken glass to me!

It looks like foam but in the pic it looks photo shopped. It looks like the gun sitting in the foam cutout was obliterated with the black paintbrush tool for whatever reason.