Handgun and Pistol Safes

1. Mounting your handgun safely up off the floor, and storing the pistols high inside the safe, better protects them from moisture. In the event of a flood, it takes water a lot longer to reach your valuables, if it can reach them at all.

2. Even powerful pistols are thin. A 3-inch sliding drawer offers great convenience, plenty of room, and extra protection against dings and scratches.

3. Although keypad locks are wonderfully convenient, spin dial locks are the most secure and trouble-free. Spy-proof dials help deter peekers in retail areas, but they also make the dial harder for you to read. With fingerprint scanners, the only thing you have to remember is to bring your finger.

4. California gun laws are the toughest. If you pass their regulations, you probably pass anyone's. Cali allows you to transport a handgun if it is unloaded and locked in a secure handgun safe, placed in the trunk.

5. For airline travel, all handguns must be unloaded, locked in a pistol safe and checked as baggage. If asked, provide the key and be present for an inspection. Give them your contact information. If they have questions and can't reach you, your gun will not be placed on the plane.

6. Many handgun safes are designed to be easily mounted into a wall for eye-level, convenient and secure access.

7. A pistol safe protects you, too. Laws in many areas make you liable if a child is in possession of your gun, and that's often a felony. Even a small child can pull a trigger. Keep all weapons locked up at all times.

8. Check for a door that has a good seal. It will keep out dust and moisture, which cause rust, especially on guns that don't get used often. For added protection, toss in a small packet of silica or other moisture-absorbing product, or buy a mechanical dehumidifier like the GoldenRod.

9. A safe says to burglars, "I have something worth protecting." Place your safe out of view from windows and visitors, preferably in a closet or basement, or buy one that hides behind a painting or mirror.

10. Always bolt lighter safes to the wall or floor to prevent burglars from carrying off the safe. Most safes include mounting hardware that installs from the inside of the safe, where it is protected. For strength, screw into wall studs or floor joists.