Owning a firearm comes with serious responsibility — and one of the most important is keeping it secured from unauthorized access, especially in homes with children. Here's what Texas gun owners need to know.
Texas Law on Safe Storage
Texas law (Penal Code §46.13) makes it a criminal offense to leave a firearm where a child under 17 can access it and cause death or serious injury. While Texas doesn't mandate specific storage methods, the legal and moral consequences of unsecured firearms are serious.
Your Storage Options
Full-Size Gun Safes
The gold standard for home storage. A quality gun safe protects against theft, fire, and unauthorized access. Look for a safe with a UL fire rating, pry-resistant door, and a reliable locking mechanism. Bolt it to the floor or wall for maximum security.
Quick-Access Pistol Vaults
For your nightstand or bedside carry gun, a biometric or RFID quick-access vault gives you fast access while keeping the firearm secured from children. Brands like Vaultek, Fort Knox, and GunVault are well-regarded options.
Long Gun Cabinets
More affordable than full safes, long gun cabinets offer basic security for rifles and shotguns. Not ideal for high-theft environments, but a solid step up from no storage.
Trigger Locks and Cable Locks
A budget option that prevents a firearm from being fired. Not theft-proof, but useful as a secondary layer or for stored firearms you don't need quick access to.
Our Recommendation
Every home should have at minimum a quick-access vault for your primary carry/home defense gun and a full-size safe for the rest of your collection. Don't leave firearms unsecured — it's a safety issue and a liability.
Have questions about storage solutions? Text our team or stop by The Gun Shop in Burleson for recommendations tailored to your collection and home setup.