When you are buying a new firearm, whether it is for sporting or protection, you need to consider how to store and maintain it once it is in your possession. The process of buying the gun is not tough, unless you have a criminal record, and most places that offer firearm sales also sell everything you need to store it safely.
Buying the Firearm
Federal regulations require dealers of firearms to do background checks on anyone buying a gun from them. They are mostly looking for criminal convictions. All you need to fill out is just a single page with specific information on it. Make sure you fill out everything on this form correctly and truthfully, or you could face federal fraud charges. Once the background check is complete, the dealer can then sell you the firearm you are considering. In many states, sporting rifles, shotguns, and long guns do not fall under the regulations for the background check, but check with the shop where you are purchasing your firearm for clarification.
Cabinets and Safes
Once you have the firearm and are ready to take it home, consider where you will store it. If it is a handgun, a small gun safe is a good idea, and for long guns, a gun cabinet that locks, or a gun safe is the best option. There are biometric safes on the market for people who want to be able to retrieve their gun quickly, as well as combination lock safes if you prefer them.
Cable Locks
If you do not have either of these, a cable lock that forces the breach to remain open and unloaded while the firearm is stored is a great alternative. It will not keep the gun from being stolen, but it will prevent the gun from being used. With the lock in place, there is no way for any ammunition to be placed in the gun, and the breach cannot be closed.
Trigger Locks
Another option is a trigger lock. The lock has two parts to is, and it is inserted into the trigger guard so that you cannot put your finger on the trigger. The lock is made from steel and sandwiches the trigger guard from both sides. The lock cannot be removed without the key and keeps the firearm safe and inoperable as long as the lock is in place. The idea is to make the firearm safe, but if you are using it for protection, you might not want a lock that requires a key to remove.
