Keeping shotguns at ready for home defense

pdmoderator · December 8, 2001, 06:27 PM

Hi, all,

What's the best way to keep a shotgun at the ready for home defense?

Thanks,
- pdmoderator

cbjessee@NH · December 8, 2001, 06:52 PM

Depends on who else might be in your home (kids, spouse, etc.). My latest attempt will be a GunClamp (www.gunclamp.com), distributed by Hoppes in the USA. They tell me it will take a shotgun with side saddle, although I'm going to add another wall bracket to prevent the slide from being racked while it's locked down - I don't want anyone to be able to chamber and fire by racking the slide and jamming the trigger lock against the trigger, even if its just a hole in the ceiling.

Mossberg has another good wall mount, but it won't take a shotgun with side saddle.

Best option appears to be a RifleLocker (www.gunlocker.com), but I'm looking for alternatives while I save up that $500.

BRET

pdmoderator · December 8, 2001, 07:08 PM

ALLLLLLLLMOST what I had in mind... I was hoping for something with a Simplex lock, or similar, so I wouldn't have to fuss with keys.

- pdmoderator

M Gruber · December 9, 2001, 05:07 AM

I don't have kids....just guns, so I have the 1187 loaded (minus one) and the safe door open. Also have .45 in gunvault bedside.

The best part is the several motion sensors outside and in the house which activate certain small lights built into the side of my dresser. Chimes when any lit. If someone was walking the exterior of my home I'd know give or take 30 ft exactually where they are.

Last year was woken by the chime, "watched" something go through the side yard, around and into the garage via the back door. 1187 and I, with slug in hand, flanked the garage and light up (Surefire) the neighbors kid "looking for beer."
Scared the living **** out of him and sent him on his way to spread the word about the crazy bastard who lives here!

Mike

PS My car keys are on the safe door when I leave it open at night. Only once in 6 years have I got out to my driveway and realized the safe was left open.

cbjessee@NH · December 9, 2001, 07:55 AM

Just found http://www.knoxx.com/product/BreechLok.htm - looks interesting. If you can keep a key on your dog tags chain, your all set. I've ordered one and will report back.
BRET

dick w. holliday · December 9, 2001, 10:48 AM

keep my 590 under the couch with empty chamber-mag full and hammer down so all i have to do is shuck and shoot.....not recommended for houses with kids......Dick

AKA · December 9, 2001, 11:02 AM

I use a V-Line case with a Simplex lock. This just keeps people out unless they have tools or they can carry it off. It can be bolted down or to the wall.

If laid flat you could have a shotgun, handgun and carbine ready to at a touch.

I think I paid about $200.00 for mine a few years back.

pdmoderator · December 9, 2001, 11:53 AM

Thanks for your help!

If I do decide to add a shotgun, I think the V-Line cabinets or similar so far look like the best option for me.

I don't have kids but we occasionally get kids in the house. Plus if the house was to be broken into while I'm out, I would prefer not to have any firearms stolen. (Please take the valuable yard sale items instead.

)

Shoot straight,
- pdmoderator

Dave McC · December 9, 2001, 01:45 PM

An 870 or other good pump can be kept "Cruiser Ready". This is empty chamber, full mag, slide locked closed, safety on. It takes several separate actions to make this fire, actions that are hard for the untrained to do quickly. Doubt that last? Make sure your shotgun is empty, set it up cruiser ready, and see how long it takes a total novice to drop the hammer.

Cognescenti, OTOH, can make it go boom is a twinkling.

As for locks, safes, clamps, etc, there's some good ones out there, but each household has to decide what will be best for their particular situation.

Since I'm over 6', placing it over a closet door on the inside worked well when the kids were small.

We have to walk a very fine line on this. Providing absolute safety with quick access is one tough job. And, like other emergency equipment, we may need it right now.

Coronach · December 9, 2001, 05:03 PM

Quote:

I don't have kids but we occasionally get kids in the house. Plus if the house was to be broken into while I'm out, I would prefer not to have any firearms stolen.

Or worse, you could come home unexpectedly and find the guy still in the house, holding your gun. This has happened.

Mike

mjn · December 9, 2001, 08:53 PM

I said this on a similar thread a few days ago, but a padlock passed through the ejection and loading ports will ensure that the gun can't be fired because the action can't close. If you like, use it to lock the gun to an eyebolt.

pdmoderator · December 10, 2001, 11:47 AM

On second thought, I mailed the V-line folks and asked how thick the steel was that they used. The answer: 16 gauge. That's about 0.055 inches.

Anyone else see the movie "Breaking In" where the thief pulled a wall safe out of the wall and chopped the back open with a hatchet?

In contrast, the R&D Enterprises handgun box uses 3/16" steel (0.188 inches). I think that's pretty much hatchet-proof.

- pdmoderator

CMichael · December 12, 2001, 03:46 PM

I have no children yet.

I have my Mossberg Persuader in the closet.

The chamber is empty, the magazine is full, the trigger lock is on, and I hide the key. I hide it so the gun can't be used against me.

Michael

December 8, 2001, 06:27 PM	#1
pdmoderator Registration in progress Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,202	Keeping shotguns at ready for home defense Hi, all, What's the best way to keep a shotgun at the ready for home defense? Thanks, - pdmoderator

December 9, 2001, 11:02 AM	#7
AKA Junior Member Join Date: December 8, 2001 Location: Central VA Posts: 6	Shotgun Ready Case I use a V-Line case with a Simplex lock. This just keeps people out unless they have tools or they can carry it off. It can be bolted down or to the wall. If laid flat you could have a shotgun, handgun and carbine ready to at a touch. I think I paid about $200.00 for mine a few years back. __________________ VFW Member who never saw combat.

December 9, 2001, 11:53 AM	#8
pdmoderator Registration in progress Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,202	To all -- Thanks for your help! If I do decide to add a shotgun, I think the V-Line cabinets or similar so far look like the best option for me. I don't have kids but we occasionally get kids in the house. Plus if the house was to be broken into while I'm out, I would prefer not to have any firearms stolen. (Please take the valuable yard sale items instead. ) Shoot straight, - pdmoderator

December 10, 2001, 11:47 AM	#12
pdmoderator Registration in progress Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,202	V-line cabinets On second thought, I mailed the V-line folks and asked how thick the steel was that they used. The answer: 16 gauge. That's about 0.055 inches. Anyone else see the movie "Breaking In" where the thief pulled a wall safe out of the wall and chopped the back open with a hatchet? In contrast, the R&D Enterprises handgun box uses 3/16" steel (0.188 inches). I think that's pretty much hatchet-proof. - pdmoderator

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December 8, 2001, 06:52 PM	#2
cbjessee@NH Junior member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: Bedford, NH Posts: 72	Depends on who else might be in your home (kids, spouse, etc.). My latest attempt will be a GunClamp (www.gunclamp.com), distributed by Hoppes in the USA. They tell me it will take a shotgun with side saddle, although I'm going to add another wall bracket to prevent the slide from being racked while it's locked down - I don't want anyone to be able to chamber and fire by racking the slide and jamming the trigger lock against the trigger, even if its just a hole in the ceiling. Mossberg has another good wall mount, but it won't take a shotgun with side saddle. Best option appears to be a RifleLocker (www.gunlocker.com), but I'm looking for alternatives while I save up that $500. BRET

December 8, 2001, 07:08 PM	#3
pdmoderator Registration in progress Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,202	ALLLLLLLLMOST what I had in mind... I was hoping for something with a Simplex lock, or similar, so I wouldn't have to fuss with keys. - pdmoderator

December 9, 2001, 05:07 AM	#4
M Gruber Member Join Date: December 26, 2000 Posts: 71	I don't have kids....just guns, so I have the 1187 loaded (minus one) and the safe door open. Also have .45 in gunvault bedside. The best part is the several motion sensors outside and in the house which activate certain small lights built into the side of my dresser. Chimes when any lit. If someone was walking the exterior of my home I'd know give or take 30 ft exactually where they are. Last year was woken by the chime, "watched" something go through the side yard, around and into the garage via the back door. 1187 and I, with slug in hand, flanked the garage and light up (Surefire) the neighbors kid "looking for beer." Scared the living **** out of him and sent him on his way to spread the word about the crazy bastard who lives here! Mike PS My car keys are on the safe door when I leave it open at night. Only once in 6 years have I got out to my driveway and realized the safe was left open.

December 9, 2001, 07:55 AM	#5
cbjessee@NH Junior member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: Bedford, NH Posts: 72	Just found http://www.knoxx.com/product/BreechLok.htm - looks interesting. If you can keep a key on your dog tags chain, your all set. I've ordered one and will report back. BRET

December 9, 2001, 10:48 AM	#6
dick w. holliday Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2001 Location: NC Posts: 589	keep my 590 under the couch with empty chamber-mag full and hammer down so all i have to do is shuck and shoot.....not recommended for houses with kids......Dick

December 9, 2001, 01:45 PM	#9
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	An 870 or other good pump can be kept "Cruiser Ready". This is empty chamber, full mag, slide locked closed, safety on. It takes several separate actions to make this fire, actions that are hard for the untrained to do quickly. Doubt that last? Make sure your shotgun is empty, set it up cruiser ready, and see how long it takes a total novice to drop the hammer. Cognescenti, OTOH, can make it go boom is a twinkling. As for locks, safes, clamps, etc, there's some good ones out there, but each household has to decide what will be best for their particular situation. Since I'm over 6', placing it over a closet door on the inside worked well when the kids were small. We have to walk a very fine line on this. Providing absolute safety with quick access is one tough job. And, like other emergency equipment, we may need it right now.

December 9, 2001, 08:53 PM	#11
mjn Member Join Date: November 16, 2001 Location: Puget Sound Posts: 68	I said this on a similar thread a few days ago, but a padlock passed through the ejection and loading ports will ensure that the gun can't be fired because the action can't close. If you like, use it to lock the gun to an eyebolt.

December 12, 2001, 03:46 PM	#13
CMichael Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2001 Location: MI Posts: 1,516	I have no children yet. I have my Mossberg Persuader in the closet. The chamber is empty, the magazine is full, the trigger lock is on, and I hide the key. I hide it so the gun can't be used against me. Michael