Ultimate Gun Storage Guide: Protecting Your Investments [Best Ways to Store Guns]

Maintaining your gun’s performance and keeping it in excellent condition takes more than cleaning it regularly. It also involves storing it properly. Whether you’ll be storing your firearm long-term or short-term, we’ve got the best ways to store guns in this extensive guide. Let’s dive in!

Best Ways to Store Guns

Short-term Storage

Portable Lockbox

A portable lockbox keeps your firearm secured from unwanted access while giving you quick access without the need for security codes or keys. Most lockboxes can be opened via biometrics or a hassle-free mechanical punch lock. As the name implies, these lockboxes are portable so you can conveniently carry your gun while traveling.

SaleBestseller No. 1
Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box, Set Your Own Combination Lock...
  • Small safe is ideal for use as a travel safe or personal safe for protection and security from theft
  • Secure small safe to a fixed object with cable; Portable safe is best used to protect smart phones, passports, cash, and credit cards
SaleBestseller No. 2
Amazon Basics Portable Security Case Lock Box Safe, Small Lock Box...
  • Effectively safeguards valuables such as cash, jewelry, documents, firearms and more
  • Compact design made with premium anti-pry steel and a foam-padded interior
SaleBestseller No. 3
Puroma Key Lock Box, Portable Combination Lockbox Wall-Mounted Key...
  • 2 Installation Methods: It comes with a removable lock shackle so you can hang the portable lock box on a door knob or someplace. Or you can securely mount it on the wall of your home or office with...
  • Sturdy Security Lockbox: Puroma Key storage lock box is made of high-quality aluminum alloy and steel to keep your keys safe. Rustproof, cut-resistant and effective resistance to violent damage caused...

Holster

Keeping your gun in a concealed carry holster has multiple benefits. First, you’ll have quick access to your firearm when the need arises. Second, most holsters are designed for concealed carry, so you can bring your gun anywhere without printing. Plus it keeps your firearm safe from others while you move about.

If you don’t have one yet, remember to choose the holster that’s right for you. You can have a shoulder holster, a belly band holster, or an ankle holster, as long as you’re comfortable wearing it, it keeps your gun secure, and it’s easily accessible (to you at least).

Car Gun Safe

A car gun safe allows you to bring your gun to work (or wherever need to) safely. Car gun safes are equipped with advanced technology security that can’t be easily tampered with. You can hide your gun inside a car gun safe and put it in your trunk or under a seat. Most car gun safes are compact so they wouldn’t take up too much space.

Gun Case

Gun cases are more than just bags to keep your gun when going to the range. They can also be used to store them. They serve as additional protection for your gun instead of just storing it bare in the closet (or wherever you keep your gun).

There are two types of gun cases – hard gun cases and soft gun cases.

Hard gun cases have tough exteriors and offer better protection against impacts. They are usually made from polymer or steel. These cases usually have foam interior paddings that offer proper insulation. On the downside, hard cases are more expensive and are heavier (and bulkier) than soft ones. 

SaleBestseller No. 1
VEVOR Rifle Case, Rifle Hard Case with 3 Layers Fully-protective...
  • Sturdy & IP67 Waterproof: VEVOR rifle cases are built to be impact-resistant, IP67 waterproof, and withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for diverse environments. Whether traveling long...
  • 3 Layers Foam: Our rifle hard case includes three layers of soft foam to provide all-side protection. It consists of one layer of egg-crate foam padding for shock absorption, one fully customizable...
Bestseller No. 2
Plano All Weather 42” Tactical Gun Case with Wheels, Black with...
  • PLANO ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL GUN CASE: Protect your firearms from damage with the Plano All Weather 42-inch Tactical Gun Case. Continuous Dri-Loc seal creates watertight, dust-proof shield, protecting...
  • RUGGED, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH CONSTRUCTION is elevated with heavy-duty, dual-stage lockable latches for additional security. Easy-glide wheels allow for easy transportation without weighing you down.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Plano Pro-Max Series Single Gun Case with PillarLock, Black, Hard...
  • PLANO PRO-MAX SERIES GUN CASE: Protect your firearms from damage with the Plano Pro-Max Series Contoured Gun Case with Pillars – a hard-shell single gun case. The Pro-Max Contoured Case holds a long...
  • THICK-WALLED CONSTRUCTION with heavy-duty latches and a patented PillarLock system for crush-resistant strength keeps firearms safe.

Soft gun cases are typically made from nylon and ripstop materials, so they’re lightweight and water-resistant, but less durable and less impact-resistant than hard gun cases. One advantage of soft gun cases over hard ones is they have plenty of storage pockets and are expandable.

SaleBestseller No. 1
Allen Company Durango Shotgun Case - 52-Inch Soft Gun Bag - Hunting...
  • DESIGNED FOR SHOTGUNS: Keep your gun safe and securely zipped inside while traveling with this case. It fits most shotgun models for both hunting and the shooting range, providing a secure and snug...
  • SOFT CASE: This 52-inch gun bag has dense foam padding and rugged endura fabric that protects against scratches, dings, and other potential damages.
SaleBestseller No. 2
DULCE DOM 36 inch Double Rifle Case Soft Bag Gun Case, Perfect for...
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SaleBestseller No. 3
32"/37"/46" Rifle Bag, Black/Khaki/Green Tactical Long Rifle Backpack,...
  • Dimension and Weight: Our rifle case is made of 600d heavy duty industrial Oxford fabric. Product Dimensions: 37" L x 11" W. Product weight: 2.5 lb.
  • Large Capacity: The main compartment can hold rifles or carbines or shortguns and the secondery compartment can holds two pistol guns some other accessories. The exterior 3 pockets is for your mags...

Long-term Storage

Gun Safe

Handguns In Safe

One of the best options for gun long-term storage is a gun safe. Look for a gun safe with sturdy construction. You don’t necessarily need a fireproof safe, but it should at least be able to withstand high temperatures and other external impacts.

Gun safes are not entirely tamper-proof, but yours should be durable and secure enough not to be tampered with easily. Your safe should have a reliable locking mechanism with alarms in case of intruders or a fail-safe locking mechanism in case of unauthorized access. 

Be sure to place your gun safe in a location where you have quick access to in case of emergencies.

Types of Gun Safe Locks
  • Biometric lock – A biometric lock “works by scanning your unique fingerprint – which is generally stored on a connected electronic device. Fingerprints are pretty difficult to replicate or alter” so only registered fingerprints can access the safe.
  • Keypad lock – A keypad lock “works simply by entering the correct code – normally a 6-digit combination. Some advanced locks can be programmed to have multiple users, time delay functions, courier overrides, master codes, and even audit trails to keep track of when the safe was accessed and by whom.”
  • Mechanical lock – The most traditional type of lock is the mechanical lock. It can be opened using a key. These types of locks are ideal for those who have difficulty dealing with advanced technology. 
Types of Safes
  • A biometric gun safe uses a biometric lock for access. It eliminates unauthorized access and provides quick access to those whose fingerprints are registered. Who would have thought 20 years ago, fingerprint gun cases!
  • Manual safes are opened via keys. Most safes these days are electronic and only have mechanical locks as backups in case of power interruptions. 
  • An electronic safe can be accessed through a digital keypad. It’s perfect for those who are prone to misplacing their keys.
SaleBestseller No. 1
Biometric Gun Safe for Pistols 3-Ways unlock Fingerprint Digital PIN...
  • PORTABLE SIZE AND SPACE:The space of this gun safe can store 2 standard size pistols.It also can store valuables such as jewelry. The light and small size can also let you put it in the car, or the...
  • BIOMETRIC ACCESS: The pistol safe is a biometric access/PIN access portable metal . gun safes for pistols is ideal for Pistols, cash and other valuable items. Top of the line biometric chips brings...
Bestseller No. 2
8-12 Gun Safe,Fireproof Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols,No Assembly...
  • 【No Assembly Required】LBVSKK gun safe is different from other not assembled properly gun cabinets,gun safe for rifles and pistols is ready to use right out of the box,let you no longer feel...
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Bestseller No. 3
10-15 Gun Safe with Lockable Cabinet and Drawer, Gun Safe for Rifles...
  • 【Large-Capacity Gun Safe】This gun safe is designed to securely store 10-15 rifles with additional lockable cabinets and drawers for pistols, ammunition, and valuables. With generous storage space...
  • 【High-Security Gun Cabinet】Built with heavy-gauge steel and reinforced construction, this high-capacity gun safe for rifles and pistols features commercial-grade anti-pry locks and stabilizers to...

Stationary Lockbox

A stationary lockbox is bulkier and more rugged than a portable lockbox. Despite being heavy, most stationary lockboxes are designed to withstand impact and are waterproof. Because of their sturdy construction, a stationary lockbox requires a little bit of effort to tamper with.

Locking Security Cabinet

an open gun safe showing contents on the inside

Locking security cabinets are perfect for those with multiple firearms. They’re more affordable than gun safes. And despite their big size, these cabinets are compact and lightweight.

Trigger Lock

Copyright: FJM Security 2015

Trigger locks are affordable but safe options for storing your firearms. They may not prevent theft, but they do prevent unauthorized users from firing a gun. 

For Home Defense

A gun stored for home defense should also be kept locked in your safe or drawer but you should keep the magazine loaded. You can also choose from our favorite hidden gun storage ideas to prevent unauthorized access.

Burglars will most probably break into your house while everyone’s asleep. So it’s better to keep your gun in the bedroom inside the best bedside gun safe so you can easily access it when needed. If you’ve got kids at home, never leave your gun lying around, and always put it in places that are hard to reach for children.

If you need to safely keep a gun at home, make sure that it’s locked away in a vault or safe and in the least possible location that an intruder will check.

Factors That Affect Guns in Storage

Temperature Changes

Extreme heat and cold deteriorate rubber and plastic. And some gun parts like rifle stocks or handguards, pistol grips, magazines, and handgun frames are made of polymer and plastic so it’s essential not to expose them in temperature fluctuations.

Humidity

Store your guns in moisture-free containers because moisture results in rust formation on your gun’s barrel and your trigger and firing pin can get stuck.

Sunlight

Sunlight can ruin your gun’s painted or anodized finish. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also cause plastic gun parts to become brittle.

Oxidation

Oxidation occurs when a safe or container isn’t airtight. And exposure to oxygen results in corrosion and rust formation. 

Best Ammo Storage Containers & Cans [2019 Review]

These factors should also be considered when storing ammunition as they can greatly affect your ammo’s quality and efficacy.

What to Do Before Storing Your Gun

Deep-Clean Your Gun

Handgun Cleaning How to

If you always visit the range but you don’t clean your gun often, then you’d have to bring out your gun cleaning supplies and do some serious firearm deep cleaning. But if you clean your gun regularly, then you can just clean it like any other day.

Apply Gun Oil or Grease

Once your firearm is nice and clean, don’t put away your gun cleaning kit just yet! Apply gun oil or grease into moving gun parts so they stay lubricated (and won’t seize up) even when not in use.

Silica Gel Packets

Silica gel packets are great for absorbing moisture. And like we said earlier, moisture is the worst enemy of stored firearms (and ammo).

Bestseller No. 1
Dry & Dry [2 LBS] Blue Indicating Silica Gel Beads Desiccants...
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  • Indicating Blue silica gel beads will change to Pink when 50-60% absorbed with moisture; Still almost half more capacity is left to absorb moisture even after color change; Blue Beads contain less...
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wisedry Silica Gel Flower Drying Crystals - 5 LBS, Fine Crystals <...
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Vbeijll 5 Gram (50 Pack) Color-Indicating Silica Gel Packets, Premium...
  • FOOD GRADE & SAFE: The storage desiccant packs are made from food grade silicone and has passed a variety of strict qualification certification to ensure that it is tasteless, non-toxic and harmless....
  • INDICATING DESICCANT & REUSABLE: Silica gel contains orange indicator beads, orange beads absorb moisture gradually saturated will become dark green, users can quickly tell when desiccant needs to be...

Gun Sock

Gun socks provide added protection to your guns. Some gun socks are also treated with silicone so they help reduce the formation of rust.

Bestseller No. 1
RUBY.Q 5/10/20pcs Handgun Socks, 16in Silicone Treated Knit Gun Socks,...
  • 【Handgun Socks Set】- The set includes 5 pieces knit handgun socks in 5 colors for you to choose, different colors can help you to distinguish and control the handguns and the quantity is...
  • 【Extra Wide Size】- Handgun socks size: 16 × 4, which is elastic and flexible. The knit gun cover can be stretched and widened which can adapt to the size of most guns and effectively protect your...
SaleBestseller No. 2
Rcrirth 4pcs Gun Socks For Rifles And Shotguns | Knit Gun Sock 52 X 6...
  • 🌿 Mixed Set: Four different colored gun socks that can easily distinguish and store your shotguns.
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Gun Socks, 4pcs Silicone Treated Gun Socks, 48 × 5 in Knit Gun Socks,...
  • 【Gun Socks Set】- The set includes 4 pieces knit gun socks in 4 colors for you to choose, different colors can help you to distinguish and control the guns and the quantity is sufficient for you to...
  • 【Extra Wide Size】- Gun socks size: 48 x 5 inch/ 123 x 12 cm, which is elastic and flexible. The knit gun cover can be stretched and widened which can adapt to the size of most guns and effectively...

FAQs

What is the best rust prevention for guns?

These items inhibit rust from forming on your stored firearms.

  • Dehumidifiers – Even if you live in a relatively dry climate, it’s still necessary to keep the humidity of your gun safe at low levels. When hot air from outside gets into the safe it can quickly begin to get humid and then wet [especially if there is moisture on the interior walls]. 
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Dehumidifier,TABYIK 35 OZ Small Dehumidifiers for Room for Home, Quiet...
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  • Small Dehumidifiers with Colorful Light: There is a separate light button, which can emit 7-color romantic atmosphere lights for you, and the ultra-quiet operation (28dB) creates a comfortable and...
  • Silica gel – Silica gels are good for keeping moisture out of your safe. 
  • Cosmoline – is a “trademarked brand of petroleum-based, wax-like corrosion inhibitors. Its chemical composition consists primarily of a homogenous mixture of oil-based, non-polar hydrocarbons.”
SaleBestseller No. 2
CRC Sp-400 Corrosion Inhibitor, 10 Wt Oz, Seals Out Moisture...
  • SP-400 CORROSION INHIBITOR: Long-term indoor/outdoor corrosion inhibitor that provides protection of all equipment subject to heat; humidity; chemicals; or severely corrosive atmospheres.
  • FIRM AND WAXY FILM: This firm; waxy film is highly resistant to humidity and salt spray and never becomes brittle. Seals out moisture completely to allow for long term protection.
Bestseller No. 3
Cosmoline RP-342 Heavy Rust Preventative Spray (Military-Grade) 6-Cans
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  • Vacuum seal bags – are airtight and constructed from high-quality materials. These specialized vacuum gun storage bags serve as barrier protection against oxygen that causes corrosion and rust formation.
Bestseller No. 1
VCI Anti Rust Zip Close Bags (10x12 inches - 4 mil) Cortec VpCI-126...
  • Zip Top 10"x12" VCI Poly Bags protect your items from rust and moisture
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Bestseller No. 2
Victory VCI Rust Prevention Gun Storage Bags Heavy Duty 12 x 48 (3...
  • LONG TERM PROTECTION: Prevent gun rust for 3 plus years without the need for gun oil, desiccants, emitters or diffusers.
  • QUICK & EASY: Enclose parts for instant protection and remove for immediate use without cleaning.
SaleBestseller No. 3
DULCE DOM 36 inch Double Rifle Case Soft Bag Gun Case, Perfect for...
  • Durable: Made with 600D Heavy Duty Industrial Nylon, Water Resistant and Dust Proof, Excellent Performance in Extreme Condition
  • Spacious: A Perfect Soft Double Gun Case You Will Need in the Range: Shotguns, Rifles, Pistols, Magazine and Ammo, Earmuffs, Goggle, and so much more

Should you store guns in a case?

Yes, storing your gun in a case keeps them protected from external physical impacts and factors that can degrade its performance.

Is it better to store guns vertically or horizontally?

Guns In Safe

Store your guns with the muzzle pointing downwards. Never store your gun butt down. The reason is if you store your firearm butt down, any residual gun oil or cleaning solvent “will trickle through the chamber, the firing pin holes, into the lock mechanism, and finally onto the wood of the stock. This can soften the wood and damage the stock irreparably.” But if you put your gun away with the muzzle down, the oil will only flow down to your gun safe, and you can easily wipe and clean it. 

Conclusion

The bottom line is, no matter where you store your guns, as long as they’re protected from moisture and sealed from any potential external pollutants (and you followed our cleaning and storage tips above), they’ll definitely stay in mint condition.

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Last update on 2025-06-19 / Images from Amazon Product API