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Storage options
Learn about strategic storage options when suicide is a concern and how to work with your Veteran to choose the best option.
What is the Veteran willing to do?
Aim for what’s acceptable to the Veteran and what makes things safest.
(safest option)
Away from home
Store guns away from home until things improve.
With a relative
Storing firearms with a trusted person is a convenient, free option in many states. Some states have laws that makes this option a little tricky, but you can check our resource with considerations on how to do this legally in your state.
Gun shops
Some gun shops offer storage services, many don’t, and a few specialize in this service (e.g. provide pick up services, offer discounts for longer-term and multiple-gun storage). Some states have maps to help you find nearby gun shops offering temporary firearm storage.
Depending on how the guns are stored, the owner may need to undergo a background check to retrieve the guns.
Dropping guns off for gunsmithing or engraving are also ways to temporarily store them away from home.
Pawn shops
Pawning guns for a very small loan amount is another storage option. Monthly interest on loans typically runs 15-20% or so. If the owner pawns their guns for a $100 loan, when they reclaim the guns they must pay back the $100 plus $15-$20 per month interest and go through a background check.
There are a few places (like New York City) where pawn shops cannot sell firearms.
Storage facility
Many self-storage facilities allow gun storage. Typically the smallest unit is 5’ by 5’, but a few offer drawers, which are the least expensive. Prices typically involve an initial fee and rental costs start at $20-$75+/month depending on unit size. Store guns locked and unloaded.
Gun ranges
Shooting ranges and sportsmen clubs may offer locker rentals for a relatively low monthly rate. Typically, only the owner holds the key.
Police/Sheriff’s office
Some police departments will temporarily store firearms free of charge for safekeeping if there is a suicide concern. Check with them first for information. If they do, ask for specific instructions on how to drop off or whether they’ll pick up and what will be involved to get the guns back.
Preventing access at home
Store guns at home, but add barriers to access.
Locking
Lock guns in a gun safe or lock box. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has developed a helpful guide to locking options.
Disassembling
Another option: disassemble the guns and store a vital part like the slide or firing pin away from home until the veteran is feeling better.
Holding keys
Can someone else hold onto the keys or re-set the combination for now? If no, how about if the Veteran stores the keys away from home (e.g., bank deposit box) to reduce quick access in a suicidal crisis.
Unloading
Consider keeping ammunition out of the home for now or locked separately.
What about self-defense firearms?
A Veteran is often focused on protecting their family or property. But what’s the biggest threat to their family, an attack from a stranger or suicide death of the Veteran? Let them know their family needs them.
Other suggestions
- An alarm system
- Motion-detecting lights outside the home
- A dog
- Pepper spray ample
“One Veteran who was dealing with PTSD said he only felt safe when he had a loaded gun under his pillow. He didn’t think he could sleep without it. His therapist asked him to experiment with putting the gun just a couple of feet away on his bureau for a few nights.
Eventually he was able to lock it in the safe in his room. ‘Rather than getting worse, my anxiety actually got better,’ he said.”
Mike agreed to let his father change the combination on his gun safe for now.
Things to remember and next steps
- State and local laws may limit who can hold a weapon on someone’s behalf and provides rules on how that transfer should happen. Learn what legally works in your state.
- Remember that these ideas and suggestions are a starting point. What options are best is the firearm owners right and decision. Here are some tips on how to share your ideas while letting them know they are still in control.
- Considering these options can be stressful. View more resources to get help for you or your loved one.
- Firearms do not have to be your only focus. Learn about making the home safer in other ways.
- The option that works best now does not have to be the one you use forever. Start thinking about long-term solutions.
Listen to Tom Brown, a tactical firearm instructor, talk about storage options for the home defense gun.
Kevin, a Veteran, father, and counselor, discusses safe storage options.
Is neither relocating nor locking the guns an option?
- Try other ways to “cause the pause.”
- Whatever puts some time and distance between the person and the gun may save a life.
- Ask the Veteran if there are images, sayings, phone numbers, anything that could help them reconsider their suicidal urge.
- Would a reminder of a reason to live on the gun safe or ammo box help? Like a picture of their kids or pet? Remember to revisit this as the situation changes (like changes in custody).