shotguns in storage

To Hide Or Not To Hide | Shotgun Storage Solutions 

Owning a gun of any type has its fair share of responsibilities. One of these important responsibilities is designating a storage spot to protect it from unauthorized access.

Proper storage helps prevent accidents and injuries. And, given that not everyone knows how to properly and safely handle guns, appropriate storage should be staple for every homeowner.   

smoking shotgun

The responsibility of your gun safely lies with you. Be sure that you not only know how to properly handle your firearm, but how to safely store it as well.

Remember, the law holds you responsible for your firearm. If someone steals it and uses it to commit a crime, you may be charged with inadequate preventative measures to safeguard the weapon.  

Types Of Shotgun Storage Solutions

The good news is that there are several storage solutions.

Notably, you can embark on a do-it-yourself (D-I-Y) project and create one. Alternatively, you can buy sophisticated storage solutions that involve technological features such as biometrics sensors.

On that note, let’s take a look at some shotgun storage solutions you’d want to consider: 

Wall Mounts

Wall mounts are a safe way to store your gun and easily access them. They’re perfect for gun owners who want to display their collections.

wall gun mount for shotgun and firearms

The beauty of a wall mount is the numerous design options available. You can create a vertical or horizontal rack and then anchor your mount. (Note that the wall mounts work best on concrete walls.) They also work best when you need to save on floor space. You can use any room for a wall mount installation without interfering with its primary purpose. 

Since a gun on a wall mount is still visible, choosing a secure location for a wall mount is best. You may want to place it behind the door. This way, one can only access the gun if they’re inside the room.

Before securely attaching the wall mount, you’d want to test whether the space is ideal depending on your gun’s length. This way, you won’t do all the work of installing the mount, only to realize you have insufficient space. 

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Smart Safes

One of the safest ways to secure your gun from everyone else is by keeping it in a lockable safe. There are numerous smart safes whose features vary significantly.

Some advanced smart safes feature biometric locks that can only be opened with your fingerprints, while others comprise electric locks or passcodes that guarantee no one else can get in the safe unless they know the access details.  

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Safes vary in size. The larger safes can contain more than one compartment, to allow you to store more guns. So, choose a safe with as many compartments as the number of shotguns you have. Also, consider preserving other compartments for ammo or gun-cleaning supplies.  

Some smart safes have notification systems that alert you when someone tries to tamper with them. Typically, you’ll get notified on your smartphone about an attempted break-in. You can quickly go and check what the matter is before more damage is done. 

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Lockable Gun Drawers 

Like the safes, shotgun drawers are lockable, hence limiting access. The drawers can be created in not-so-obvious places so that no one can know that they are in fact for gun storage.

Some excellent locations to attach the gun drawers include the following:  

  • Inside other drawers 
  • Bedside drawers  
  • Beneath your dining table  
  • End table drawer  

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Safe and legal online gun sales

The drawers act as hidden spaces to store your guns. Unless someone is very observant, it’s not easy to predict that the drawers are gun storage. Always ensure that the drawers have locks and keep the keys far from reach. 

Gun Storage Cabinets 

If you have enough space, it’s best to have standalone storage cabinets to keep your guns in.

Additionally, ensure the cabinets are fitted with security features such as locks and heavy gauged doors.

gun storage cabinet

The beauty of storage cabinets is that they can be modified using the correct measurements so that the gun fits perfectly (photo credit: American Concealed Furniture).

And, you can have high cabinets to ensure they’re not easily accessible, especially by children.  

You can modify the cabinets by installing alarm systems to notify you if someone tries to tamper with the locks. These features make it hard for thieves or unauthorized personnel to get to the guns. 

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Rented Gun Safes 

A rented gun safe offers an offsite storage location if you’re not comfortable storing the shotgun in your house.

Rented gun safes are excellent for hunters because you can take the shotgun to storage when the hunting season is over.

Concealment Shelves 

conealed gun shelf

With a concealment shelf, you can place the firearm inside the shelf and arrange several books on it for a disguise. This storage idea facilitates a quick reach for the gun in case of a home invasion (photo credit: American Concealment Furniture). 

Another way you can store your gun in the house is by using shelves. Luckily, these can be homemade. However, it’s not ideal to keep the firearm in visible areas.

Concealment shelves, on the other hand, are discrete, so it takes work to notice the weapon. You can do a better job at hiding the guns by using bookcases or dummies.

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Hidden Storage Step 

Another discrete way to store your gun is in a hidden step.

The hidden step functions normally, except that it can open and close. This can be an excellent place to hide your firearm in the house. However, you should ensure the step doesn’t open accidentally or appear odd, as someone could be tempted to check. You should also be sure that doesn’t make a squeaking sound when opening, as it could catch someone’s attention.  

hidden storage step for shotgun

Hidden storage built into stairs can be an effective place to secretly store your shotguns or firearms (photo credit mymydiy.com).

Alternatively, you can make drawers under the stairway to avoid the opening being directly on the stairs.

Note that the storage step design only works with wide-enough steps. It’s the only way your shotgun can fit perfectly without any adjustments on the steps. 

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Final Thoughts On Shotgun Storage Solutions

Storing your shotgun securely is an essential precautionary measure against accidents. As such, it’s vital to have a reliable storage solution for your rifle.

Without proper shotgun storage, you put everyone at risk by leaving the gun where anyone can access it.

shotgun and shell

It’s always safe practice to unload the firearm before storage to prevent accidental discharge. Also, consider fitting the gun with a trigger lock to ensure no one can intentionally, or accidentally, pull the trigger.

Innovative solutions like sensors and smartphone notification systems are also helpful in remotely monitoring your stored shotgun. You’ll know whenever someone tries to tamper with the locks in your absence and quickly spring into action.

So, hopefully these shotgun storage solutions provide you some helpful information on how to safely and securely store your guns!

happy arrow nock tuning

Is Your Arrow HAPPY? [It can be if you nock tune with THESE]

Bowhunters, you want the best arrow flight possible from a well-tuned bow, right? Then you should nock tune your arrows!

Check out our “Happy Arrow” video below (it’ll only take a minute… literally!)

“Happy Arrow” from N1 Outdoors on YouTube

>> Get arrow wraps for nock tuning HERE!

Need an FOC Calculator? Check THIS out!

Nock tuning your hunting arrows can be a game changer for any bowhunter. The direction the arrow’s spine is pointing when you nock your arrow can make all the difference.

So, how do you find that perfect spine alignment when shooting? To learn more about nock tuning and why it’s important, click here!

Test your knowledge! [parts of a compound bow]
military tent for camping

The Surprising Benefits Of Military Tents For Camping And Outdoor Adventures

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, camping

Whether you’re with family or a group of friends, outdoor adventures bring fun, excitement, and a chance to strengthen bonds.

And, whatever outdoor activity you enjoy, it’s vital to have a good-quality tent to shelter your group from the sun’s heat or when sudden rain or snowfall occurs.

military tent with air unit

Military tents may be overlooked for camping and other outdoor adventures, but as you will see below, they provide many great benefits!

Tents are certainly known to serve these purposes, but have you ever tried using military tents for your adventures?

Let’s cover six benefits to help you decide whether to try military tents at your next outdoor event.

Durability

Whatever outdoor event you have, the durability of your tent must be considered, especially when housing multiple people and additional equipment.

Using a military shelter system as a tent offers durability, unlike standard tents. Most most of these types of tents have polyester fabrics coated in vinyl, with secure insulation that helps retain a cool temperature during hot weather.  

These fabrics are also tear-resistant, waterproof, and flame-retardant. You also won’t worry about ventilation because military-grade tents also have windows allowing for proper air circulation.

Natural light can also flood the tent, saving power during the day. Additionally, insects, mosquitos, and other critters won’t be able to get in because the windows and the entrance have a layer of thin screens.  

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Spaciousness

Camping doesn’t always mean packing multiple tents. Some types of camping even challenge the camper to keep their presence at campsites to a minimum.

But, with a military tent, you can shelter a large group of people, which eliminates the need for multiple tents.

dome military tents

Looking for more space for sheltering a large group on an outdoor adventure? Military tents can house large groups and still have room for other gear and supplies.

If you’re renting tents, you can save money, because you won’t be paying to ensure everyone sleeps with a roof over their heads, for example. When you can sleep together in one tent, it helps increase the likelihood of bonding with your loved ones.

Sleeping separately in the wilderness can be worrying to some people, especially groups with children. But, a spacious military tent gives peace of mind that you can find your team in a single place.

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Distributing supplies is also easier, because everyone will get their share immediately, as you don’t have to walk elsewhere.  

Spacious military tents also help avoid becoming cramped. Smaller parties will have more legroom and extra space for camping gear and other items that must stay dry instead of leaving them inside the vehicle. You can also use them to shelter gear or equipment.  

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Military Tents Are Easy To Set Up 

A good tent is easy to set up, even if it is large enough to house many people.

It doesn’t have complicated mechanisms to make it stay upright. It won’t take long to get standing if you’re a small group of two or four. After all, whether you buy or rent a tent, the last thing you want is to spend hours setting it up after arriving from a long journey.

interior of a military tent

The last thing you want is to spend a lot of time setting up a complicated tent after you arrive at your destination. Military tents are easy to setup.

So, ease of use is essential.  

And, that’s another benefit of military tents for camping and other adventures, because they are quick to set up despite their laundry list of features.

There are varying models that don’t require poles, which is also why these tents have aerated openings at the foundation. They also make cozy shelters during harsh weather, which leads us to our next benefit…

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Specially Designed For Harsh Climates

Military tents are designed for soldiers in far-flung regions of differing climates. Designers create these tents with the soldiers’ safety in mind. That’s also why these tents are perfect for camping outdoors.

The environment you’re likely to find yourself in might not be too different to where soldiers are more likely to spend their days.  

enerlayer military tent insulation

Military tents are designed for harsh conditions, which can be very advantageous in hot or cold climates.

A military tent is weather resistant and can withstand the harshest conditions. You are more likely to have memorable camping experiences knowing you’re safe and warm in the wilderness inside a military tent.

And, thanks to their heavy-duty fabric, you’re warm on cold nights and cool on hot days.

Some tents also have specialized floors that can bear extreme exposure to rugged terrain. There are insulation boards manufactured with flame-retardants ABS sheeting, which are also shock resistant. These materials can withstand hot and cold temperatures, dust, humidity, and more.  

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UV Ray Protection 

The wilderness could mean any environment you can imagine, including the desert.

An avid camper with vast camping experience will appreciate a high-quality tent that will protect them from harsh ultraviolet rays.

A military tent can protect occupants from sunburn and heat in extreme environments like deserts, where seasoned campers often test their mettle.

At the same time, gear or equipment that is susceptible to damage by the heat of the sun can be kept in the tent.  

inside of a military tent

Extreme heat and the sun’s UV rays are always a concern. Military tents are designed to shelter occupants from both.

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Some military surplus tents can provide you with the versatility you need.

Some can bear strong gusts of wind up to 65 mph and temperatures up to 160 °F. A-frame and squad-type tents can also serve as a multipurpose camping tents and are easy to set up. But, the downside to these is that they don’t have any flooring. That means you’ll need to use camping mats or other sleep gear.  

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Military Tents Are Rentable

Try camping with a military tent by renting one first, so you can be sure it will work for you. Renting one can also be helpful for those considering buying one for their next outdoor adventure.

Of course, If buying one is out of your budget, renting is also very practical.

Renting a tent also saves you storage space. After your adventure, you can pack it and return it to the company. You won’t have to worry about making room in a crowded garage or room in your house.

Some rental rental companies can even deliver the tent to the campground and assist you in setting it up.

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Final Thoughts On Military Tents For Camping And Outdoors Adventures 

A military tent can be a valuable addition to your outdoor adventure because of its make and quality.

These tents can endure harsh environments and various kinds of terrain. Most importantly, they’re weather resistant, temperature regulating, and protect you from the elements.

Military tents are spacious, which allows a group to stay together under one roof for safety. And, despite their seemingly complicated design, the tents are easy to set up and won’t take you hours to get the shelter you need.

All in all, these military tents make the ideal outdoor shelters.

Enjoy camping and adventuring with family and friends in God’s great outdoors!