Firearms in a storage unit, ok idea or very bad idea?

[daybreak]

Looks like I'm shipping out to Louisiana for work again later this month and I'll be there until feb 2013. I am debating how to go about storing my guns. I'm wondering how safe it is to store my guns in my mom's storage unit until I get back. Opinions, experiences, alternative suggestions welcome.

[kurac]

Bad idea unless they are in a strong safe which probably still isn't a good idea, storage units get broken into all the time.

[Bruce]

Some storage outfits specifically ban the storage of firearms. You might want to check the rental agreement.

[Arkangel]

You don't have a friend you trust that can do you a favor and keep an eye on them?

[Divernhunter]

I have done it with no troubles. I did have the better ones in a safe. Depends on the storage company and such.

[Mongoblack23]

can you store them at your moms? my suggestion is a good safe that only you have the combo too, sitting crammed in an corner at a trusted someones home. id prefer to have someone able to keep an eye on my stuffs while im not around... as far as using a storage facility, the only way i might do it, is in a safe, in one of the units inside a building with external access to the unit, have to break in twice to get to your stuff... while i always encourage staying inside the confines of the law and a business's rules, if you go that route, dont say anything to the employees. the last two break ins in facilities near me were inside jobs....

[Mr. Beretta]

You don't have a friend you trust that can do you a favor and keep an eye on them?

This !!!!

[robcoe]

Bad idea, last time anyone I know used a storage unit for anything small and valuable they lost about $25,000 worth of guns, furniture and other items when the owners son decided he needed a new car.

EDIT: re-reading your post, any reason you can't just take them with you?

[RP1911]

Depends on the facility's security systems. I stored mine for 9 years. Just make sure they are oiled well to prevent rust.

On the other hand, having it at a trusted friend or in a safe at your mom's place, is a better option.

[CHS]

I have done it with no issues. The firearms were locked away in cases and a safe.

I've also had a friend lose a nice firearm to theft from his storage unit. Though his was just sitting there in the unit. No case, no safe. We believe people went over the top of the interior walls to get to the gun, but have no proof.

Personally, I would do it again but make sure:

1.) You have a safe or other nondescript locking container to lock up the guns and get them AWAY from view.
2.) You do a security check of the storage unit. Make sure the company has cameras and a monitoring system. Make sure that the interior walls of the unit go from floor to ceiling (you'd be surprised how many don't). The storage companies won't accept liability for lost or stolen goods, but that doesn't mean they won't help you catch a thief with their camera system.
3.) INSURANCE.
4.) Make sure someone actually goes to the storage unit on a regular basis and has enough access to be able to tell whether or not a firearm has been stolen. If a crime isn't discovered until 8 months later, those guns are gone for good.

[WDE91]

maybe I am missing something

Why not just take them to Louisiana??

[cabinetguy]

unless thats your only option, I would buy a safe and put them at your moms house. If you do the storage unit, buy a safe for them at least, and put in plenty of desiccant packets.

[daybreak]

maybe I am missing something

Why not just take them to Louisiana??

I am probably taking my AR and my SP01, but I am also debating that because I don't exactly have a safe in Louisiana either.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

[Aldemar]

I work for a self-storage firm and there is no way I would store anything of value in an inside unit. There are too many things that can happen without anyone noticing. Trust me on this, please.

That said, if you find a location that rents shipping containers, those would work. Much higher level of security and they are on the outside of the building.

[daybreak]

copy you aldemar. I think I found a solution that avoids a storage unit.

Thank you everyone.