This is one of the best ways to store a loaded handgun at home. Self defense at home requires instant access to a loaded gun, and it's important to store it safely. I recommend using this type of locking gun box, (although I strongly believe that there should NEVER be a law requiring mandatory gun locks of any kind). This particular gun box uses a combination push button lock that allows extremely quick access without even looking at the lock. There are hundreds of different combinations, but it can be opened in less than 3 seconds with one hand - even in the dark. Just place your fingers on the buttons, and press two of them down together. Then hit one of the other buttons, and the box pops open.
This type of combination lock box is perfect if you have
kids around the house, or if you have occasional visitors that bring
their kids. This type of lock box is available at most gunshops
for $125 - $200. Obviously, your choice of the right self
defense handgun is critical. Forget about getting some "cool
looking" handgun, or one that you never practice with. You need
to choose a totally reliable handgun that you would bet your life on.
I usually prefer self defense handguns that don't have a safety.
The reason for this, is if you open a locked box in an
emergency, you may need to shoot in an instant. I've seen
stressful shooting events in IPSC competition that have caught some
very experienced shooters with their safety "on", and you don't want
that to happen in a self defense situation. I've discussed home
defense with shooters that prefer to use a shotgun, but because of
limited maneuverability in tight quarters and a possible hostage
situation, I'll take a handgun any day.
Selecting the best caliber is important too.
Small revolvers are a good choice for self defense, but NEVER
rely on any caliber smaller than a 38 Special. Have you ever
heard a .357 Magnum fired inside a building - without using ear muffs?
I have, and it will definitely blow your ears off. I
prefer to use a 45 ACP with subsonic loads. However, the 38
Special is also a very good choice, and most shooters can do real well
with one. My wife gets very little shooting practice, and she is
quite confident using a 38 Special. Unlike what you read in most
gun magazines, you don't need spectacular accuracy at 3 to 15 feet, and
you definitely won't loose much velocity at that distance. For
the 38 Special, I use 158 gr Hornady XTP (hollow points) loaded to
maximum subsonic velocity.
