Gun Storage

[TexasBound]

We are moving to Texas Hill country from the People's Republic of Taxation, Corruption and Oppression (Illinois) soon.

Wondering how one stores guns and other valuables in Texas.

Up here, we have basements with thick concrete walls and can bolt our safes to the concrete floor and walls. Not to mention that safes are easier to get down the stairs than up should someone try to take the whole thing.

Also, because of moisture we have to use a golden rod or similar way of combating humidity.

Texas hill country homes hardly ever have basements and darn little storage.

How does one conceal and secure a quality safe, and what needs to be done to prevent rusting if anything?

thanks

 

[BigHoss]

Welcome to Texas...

There are many options for safe "storage". It depends on your financial situation and type of home, but if you chose a home on a concrete foundation, you can either bolt your gun/valuables safe to the floor...or better yet, have a contractor come in, cut a hole in your floor in an area that you'd want the safe and have it mounted in a concrete vault, with the door being flush with the floor. Without basements...theres your options for "safe storage" locations...

 

[TexasBound]

Thanks for the quick reply.

While what I have is not so valuable probably to a thief - they don't know that when break in! - what I hate most is (besides the idea of being a victim) is the thought of my guns on the street. Plus sentimental value of guns and other objects stored.

So, I'll pay more than I probably should to store securely and not easily visible.

 

[Texan2]

Many folks use dehumidifiers in their safes but if it is in a climate controlled portion of the house it isnt as big an issue. I have a home office that has my rather large safe in it and it is part of the decor.

 

[hkusp1]

Under the mattress and in the underwear drawer.

 

[mikeofcontex]

Buy a safe bigger than you think you need. Get one with a fire rating and can't be breached with an axe. It wil probably weigh around 600 lbs. empty. Put it in a closet if you wan't it out of sight.

 

[jocat54]

Mine is in a closet and bolted to the concrete slab. There is only one road in and out from our home and it crosses the river, so someone would have to think really hard about breaking in and getting away unseen. There are neighbors on each side (100 yards) I do know that some will try though.

Moisture has been a non-issue, especially during the drought. WE GOT A LITTLE OVER 1" RAIN LAST NIGHT!!!

 

[shortround]

Welcome to Texas!

In most cases, the dead weight of the safe should suffice, since most home burglaries are aimed at making a quick hit for high-dollar items that can be easily pawned/fenced.

For additional security, simply bolt the safe to the slab (foundation) and/or wall studs.

As for humidity, I've never had a problem while the HVAC was operational.

Be well.

 

[LJH]

Hello and welcome, The Texas hill country is a wonderful place to be. As to storage of guns, most have a RSC (gun safe) bolted to the slab or walls. It depends on your financial situation. If you have a $200K collection you will want to have a vault built. If it is mostly family heirlooms that you want to keep safe, then anything that will keep a smash and grabber at bay will do the trick. As to rust prevention, it is pretty much the same as anywhere, keep em oiled if you use them, and use rust preventative if you are storing them long term.

 

[TheDan]

I have a safe. I keep a few range toys in there, but there's nothing really important in the safe. All the guns that really matter are loaded and stashed around the house

 

[Glockster69]

Welcome. Emanuel is the last straw eh?

I suspect I'm in a different tax bracket than many here.
I got my safe very used, it's full of bricks and keeps my tent (house) from moving to another county on those windy days.

 

[TexasRedneck]

My safes (okay, so I've got a coupla toys...) are anchored to the slab with 5 5/8" "thunderstuds" - drop in anchors. One in each corner, an' one in the center. Seems that lately, they've been coming in with saws-alls an' runnin' under the corners to cut the studs they "know" are there, so the 5th one is a personal bonus for 'em.....if they can reach THAT, they're welcome to the safe - because while they're doin' all that, the alarm is raisin' cain an' the cops are enroute from the station about 2 minutes away. As noted, with a climate controlled home humidity isn't a major concern, but I do have golden rods in both of 'em just to copper my bets.
The safes weigh in at 1800 lbs each, so just movin' 'em is gonna be a challenge to 'em anyways......