Do you keep a loaded handgun in your gunsafe?

**Mike Irwin** · June 20, 2010, 12:49 PM

I recently bought a full-size gunsafe and have transferred almost all of my collection to it.

I've decided that I'm going to keep a loaded, ready to go handgun in the safe at all times, just in case I'm ever surprised unarmed, or disarmed, and someone tries to force me to open the safe, I at least have a fighting chance.

Do any of you do the same thing?

Stumper · June 20, 2010, 12:52 PM

yes

Rich Miranda · June 20, 2010, 01:06 PM

Mike, I think that's a very good idea. I think it's just another part of being prepared. Yes, the chances are low that we'll ever need that loaded gun in there, but one never knows. I don't yet own a full size safe, but when I do, I will do as you do.

Obviously, guns should be stored unloaded. But guns that are intended for HD or SD are an exception. An extra HD gun in the safe can't hurt.

gilfo · June 20, 2010, 01:09 PM

I keep my magazines loaded and inserted in the gun. All I would have to do is rack the slide. Hope I have enough time to do that.

Webleymkv · June 20, 2010, 01:24 PM

No, I don't keep a loaded gun in the safe. I do, however, keep a couple of loaded revolvers, a loaded rifle, and a loaded shotgun outside of the safe since there are no small children or people unfamiliar with safe firearms handling in my home.

fiznat · June 20, 2010, 01:33 PM

Hey guys, excuse the noob question, but should there be any concern with wearing out the spring in the magazine when doing this over long periods?

Desertscout1 · June 20, 2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Do any of you do the same thing?

Nope, I wear mine

stevedscross · June 20, 2010, 03:47 PM

Fiznat
No there is not a concern of wearing out a spring. You see because of the way a spring is made leaving it unloaded or loaded it does not matter. I leave most of my magazines for my AR15's fully loaded. The Pistols that I use for personal defense are the same way. All fully loaded. It does make it nicer to go to the range to not have to load magazines before shooting. I just load them after I get home from the range. Though with pistols I have to first unload the Defense rounds then load them with range ammo.
I have heard of stories of people loading their magazine then leaving it for 40 years. when the original owner died the inheritor wanted to see if the gun would still feed. Sure enough it ran like a champ.
So to answer you it does not wear out a spring to be loaded for very long periods of time.

**Mike Irwin** · June 20, 2010, 04:42 PM

"Nope, I wear mine"

If I wore all of mine, I'd gain another 100+ pounds.

I can't wear them all at once.

And, if something happens that I don't have one on me, or it's taken from me, that doesn't leave me in a very good place.

IZinterrogator · June 20, 2010, 04:48 PM

I keep one pistol loaded by the bed and one or two loaded in the safe, plus a few loaded rifle mags on top of the safe. I used to keep one rifle loaded, but then the collection expanded to the point where i didn't have room for that anymore.

Desertscout1 · June 20, 2010, 05:33 PM

The OP said A loaded handgun. Not all that you own

dapperdon · June 20, 2010, 06:05 PM

Absolutely!! I have (2) loaded in my safe and easy to reach when it is opened.

Pahoo · June 20, 2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Do any of you do the same thing?

I sure do and for basically the same reasons you listed. One important point is keep track of which one is loaded. I have loaded ones outside as well.

Be Safe ane Prepared !!!

orionengnr · June 20, 2010, 06:58 PM

I have several carry pistols/revolvers. All are loaded and placed on one shelf, with the appropriate holster placed immediately behind, and appropriate reloads placed in close proximity.

troy_mclure · June 20, 2010, 07:25 PM

i keep most of my guns loaded, weather safed or not.

i see no reason not to.

Stiofan · June 20, 2010, 07:58 PM

The only reason not to is if your house catches on fire you have the chance of killing a fireman putting it out. Chambered rounds will fire out of overheated guns, and it's hard to remember where they all are when you are running out the door!

I'm not a fireman, but I have known a few who have mentioned this.

Having the gun in a safe shouldn't be a problem though, even if it cooks off.

redstategunnut · June 20, 2010, 08:28 PM

I leave all my Glocks loaded in the safe, as well as the snubbie. The rifles have loaded magazines inserted, but no round chambered. The shotgun is "patrol ready."

Edward429451 · June 20, 2010, 08:30 PM

Well then, with all due respect to Firemen...let them be careful with guns they run across while pursuing thier duties. They are guns and are very dangerous. To answer the OP's question, yes.

rantingredneck · June 20, 2010, 08:41 PM

Here's my system.

Rifles in safe, unloaded.
Shotguns in safe, tube loaded chamber empty.
Handguns in safe, loaded/chambered.

So, yes. The handguns are all loaded.

Morning routine is choose one, holster it and leave. No administrative handling loading/unloading each morning/evening.

Dr. Strangelove · June 20, 2010, 10:49 PM

Yep, I leave one or two loaded and in the safe.

**Shane Tuttle** · June 20, 2010, 11:11 PM

I see it as no different as a person using a GunVault at their bedside with a loaded gun in it. One can say it's dangerous to have one loaded. But my rebuttal woud be: So? My belief is all guns are ALWAYS loaded per Cooper's Rule #1. That's my mindset and that's my wife's. So, if they're physically loaded or my mindset is such, then I automatically operate/handling them as such. There are no kids in my house. So logic dictates to have a handgun ready to go.

The long of the short....Yes.

dhowie · June 20, 2010, 11:41 PM

I have a smaller safe for my handguns, and yes, some of them are loaded. Unfortunately, I don't remember which ones (CRS syndrome)

I don't really worry about it. I live alone, and I have at least twenty handguns laying around the house in plain sight. All of them are loaded. The only one I know exactly where it is is the 1911 I carried today (next to my wallet and keys); it will probably be a different one tomorrow. I also have 8 (I think) long guns in a vertical rack beside my bed: shotguns, full autos, and a couple of suppressed rifles. I know they are loaded! If I had to defend myself against a surprise invasion, I'd grab one of the suppressed rifles first. I say "What did you say? I didn't hear you." enough as it is.

27Veer · June 21, 2010, 12:21 AM

Yes, actually 2, a J frame and a Det Spec.

GodblessAmerica · June 21, 2010, 12:27 AM

Yes, absolutely. I think a loaded handgun or two in the big safe is another layer of defense. I have two in mine, both are extremely reliable and coincidentally have an understated appearance (Sig P220 and Springfield XD 45). I deliberately put them below the "eye candy" on the shelves above, figuring that an average perp would be distracted by the bling briefly, giving a few more seconds for engagement.

bigghoss · June 21, 2010, 01:44 AM

I keep all my carry guns loaded all the time, even though I only carry two at a time.

June 20, 2010, 12:52 PM	#2
Stumper Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 438	yes __________________ "Let us speak courteously, deal fairly, and keep ourselves armed and ready." Theodore Roosevelt "If only God has magic, how does Santa get down the chimney?" Natalie Peters age 4

June 20, 2010, 01:06 PM	#3
Rich Miranda Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2008 Location: San Antonio, not San Antone... Posts: 1,203	Mike, I think that's a very good idea. I think it's just another part of being prepared. Yes, the chances are low that we'll ever need that loaded gun in there, but one never knows. I don't yet own a full size safe, but when I do, I will do as you do. Obviously, guns should be stored unloaded. But guns that are intended for HD or SD are an exception. An extra HD gun in the safe can't hurt. __________________ Read this!: I collect .38 Special and .357 Mag cartridges and I will PAY CASH for the headstamps I don't already have! Please PM me. Please donate blood, plasma, and platelets - people's lives literally depend on it.

June 20, 2010, 04:42 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	"Nope, I wear mine" If I wore all of mine, I'd gain another 100+ pounds. I can't wear them all at once. And, if something happens that I don't have one on me, or it's taken from me, that doesn't leave me in a very good place. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 20, 2010, 04:48 PM	#10
IZinterrogator Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2004 Location: Prescott Valley, AZ Posts: 2,457	I keep one pistol loaded by the bed and one or two loaded in the safe, plus a few loaded rifle mags on top of the safe. I used to keep one rifle loaded, but then the collection expanded to the point where i didn't have room for that anymore. __________________ "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!” - Samuel Adams

June 20, 2010, 05:33 PM	#11
Desertscout1 Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: NM Posts: 421	The OP said A loaded handgun. Not all that you own __________________ Desertscout Southwest Shooting Authority Colts and Kimbers are what you show your friends. Glocks are what you show your enemies.

June 20, 2010, 12:49 PM	#1
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Do you keep a loaded handgun in your gunsafe? I recently bought a full-size gunsafe and have transferred almost all of my collection to it. I've decided that I'm going to keep a loaded, ready to go handgun in the safe at all times, just in case I'm ever surprised unarmed, or disarmed, and someone tries to force me to open the safe, I at least have a fighting chance. Do any of you do the same thing? __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 20, 2010, 01:09 PM	#4
gilfo Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Posts: 307	I keep my magazines loaded and inserted in the gun. All I would have to do is rack the slide. Hope I have enough time to do that.

June 20, 2010, 01:24 PM	#5
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	No, I don't keep a loaded gun in the safe. I do, however, keep a couple of loaded revolvers, a loaded rifle, and a loaded shotgun outside of the safe since there are no small children or people unfamiliar with safe firearms handling in my home.

June 20, 2010, 01:33 PM	#6
fiznat Junior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Posts: 9	Hey guys, excuse the noob question, but should there be any concern with wearing out the spring in the magazine when doing this over long periods?

June 20, 2010, 03:47 PM	#8
stevedscross Member Join Date: June 5, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 48	Fiznat No there is not a concern of wearing out a spring. You see because of the way a spring is made leaving it unloaded or loaded it does not matter. I leave most of my magazines for my AR15's fully loaded. The Pistols that I use for personal defense are the same way. All fully loaded. It does make it nicer to go to the range to not have to load magazines before shooting. I just load them after I get home from the range. Though with pistols I have to first unload the Defense rounds then load them with range ammo. I have heard of stories of people loading their magazine then leaving it for 40 years. when the original owner died the inheritor wanted to see if the gun would still feed. Sure enough it ran like a champ. So to answer you it does not wear out a spring to be loaded for very long periods of time.

June 20, 2010, 06:05 PM	#12
dapperdon Junior Member Join Date: December 4, 2007 Posts: 12	Absolutely!! I have (2) loaded in my safe and easy to reach when it is opened.

June 20, 2010, 06:58 PM	#14
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	Yes... I have several carry pistols/revolvers. All are loaded and placed on one shelf, with the appropriate holster placed immediately behind, and appropriate reloads placed in close proximity.

June 20, 2010, 07:25 PM	#15
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	i keep most of my guns loaded, weather safed or not. i see no reason not to. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

June 20, 2010, 07:58 PM	#16
Stiofan Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2006 Location: Panhandle, Idaho Posts: 714	The only reason not to is if your house catches on fire you have the chance of killing a fireman putting it out. Chambered rounds will fire out of overheated guns, and it's hard to remember where they all are when you are running out the door! I'm not a fireman, but I have known a few who have mentioned this. Having the gun in a safe shouldn't be a problem though, even if it cooks off.

June 20, 2010, 08:28 PM	#17
redstategunnut Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2009 Location: see name Posts: 405	I leave all my Glocks loaded in the safe, as well as the snubbie. The rifles have loaded magazines inserted, but no round chambered. The shotgun is "patrol ready."

June 20, 2010, 08:30 PM	#18
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Well then, with all due respect to Firemen...let them be careful with guns they run across while pursuing thier duties. They are guns and are very dangerous. To answer the OP's question, yes.

June 20, 2010, 08:41 PM	#19
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Here's my system. Rifles in safe, unloaded. Shotguns in safe, tube loaded chamber empty. Handguns in safe, loaded/chambered. So, yes. The handguns are all loaded. Morning routine is choose one, holster it and leave. No administrative handling loading/unloading each morning/evening. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

June 20, 2010, 10:49 PM	#20
Dr. Strangelove Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 1,436	Yep, I leave one or two loaded and in the safe.

June 20, 2010, 11:11 PM	#21
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	I see it as no different as a person using a GunVault at their bedside with a loaded gun in it. One can say it's dangerous to have one loaded. But my rebuttal woud be: So? My belief is all guns are ALWAYS loaded per Cooper's Rule #1. That's my mindset and that's my wife's. So, if they're physically loaded or my mindset is such, then I automatically operate/handling them as such. There are no kids in my house. So logic dictates to have a handgun ready to go. The long of the short....Yes. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

June 20, 2010, 11:41 PM	#22
dhowie Junior Member Join Date: June 14, 2009 Location: Cleveland, Texas Posts: 4	I have a smaller safe for my handguns, and yes, some of them are loaded. Unfortunately, I don't remember which ones (CRS syndrome) I don't really worry about it. I live alone, and I have at least twenty handguns laying around the house in plain sight. All of them are loaded. The only one I know exactly where it is is the 1911 I carried today (next to my wallet and keys); it will probably be a different one tomorrow. I also have 8 (I think) long guns in a vertical rack beside my bed: shotguns, full autos, and a couple of suppressed rifles. I know they are loaded! If I had to defend myself against a surprise invasion, I'd grab one of the suppressed rifles first. I say "What did you say? I didn't hear you." enough as it is.

June 21, 2010, 12:21 AM	#23
27Veer Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2009 Location: Las Cruces Posts: 117	Yes, actually 2, a J frame and a Det Spec.

June 21, 2010, 12:27 AM	#24
GodblessAmerica Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Posts: 162	Yes, absolutely. I think a loaded handgun or two in the big safe is another layer of defense. I have two in mine, both are extremely reliable and coincidentally have an understated appearance (Sig P220 and Springfield XD 45). I deliberately put them below the "eye candy" on the shelves above, figuring that an average perp would be distracted by the bling briefly, giving a few more seconds for engagement.

June 21, 2010, 01:44 AM	#25
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	I keep all my carry guns loaded all the time, even though I only carry two at a time. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.