shotgun storage

[indplsin72]

Hi,

I'm purchasing a home defense shotgun and first and foremost I am thinking about safety. I have two children in house 12 and 14 years old. Their bedroom and hangout area is on second floor. I'd like to store the shotgun in my bedroom but it is on first floor. Seeking advice:

I was thinking of keeping shotgun loaded, empty chamber, safety on. Locked with the mossberg loc-box and concealed in a hidden compartment in my closet. Should I store this shotgun muzzle up or down (and is there an issue storing it either way with the loc-box). I'm feeling a little uncomfortable .....even though the chamber is unloaded... having it pointed up since my kids are upstairs.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[jdlv4_0]

I'd go muzzle down, it will also keep any foreign material from getting in the barrel. If you have the gun in a lock box, chamber empty, I don't think there will be any safety issues to address.

Hopefully you have all ready instructed your children on safe gun handling, if not you better start.

If you combine the security practices your considering with children that know better than to mess with your gun, you should have no issues.

[normanvin]

I once saw a pivture of the house shotgun mounted above the bedroom door.

[jdlv4_0]

Originally Posted by normanvin

I once saw a picture of the house shotgun mounted above the bedroom door.

I don't think that would be a good idea in this scenario, with the OP's kids being 12 and 14, the height of the mount will offer no advantage and be more trouble to unlock in a hurry.

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by jdlv4_0

I don't think that would be a good idea in this scenario, with the OP's kids being 12 and 14, the height of the mount will offer no advantage and be more trouble to unlock in a hurry.

must have missed the age.

[schr8er2000]

Have to agree with some of the remarks here.. dont think its a good idea with kids around. However, if there is some place you could keep it HIGH out of their reach and somehow be able to lock the mechanism up somehow it MIGHT work. Also, if you are going to store it do NOT store it muzzle down.... store muzzle up, and if you are worried about keeping debris out you can always put a little plastic wrap over the muzzle and hold in place with a rubber band. It is not enough restriction to cause any problems and has been used for years by hunters out in the field to keep out debris and rain etc.

Just think of yourself being a inquisitive kid and make sure the weapons are safely out of their reach.

Or better yet buy a good lockable gun cabinet. Key hidden where only you know where it is.....

Good luck