Nightstand weapon questions....

[Fixmy59bug]

Within the last 2 months, I have purchased my first handguns, a Beretta PX4 Storm Sub-Compact and an SA XD40 Sub-Compact.

I have a few questions I am unsure of....

I bought my first gun for home protection. Not because I feel I need it, but because I don't want to need it and not have it.

I was thinking about attaching a holster to my nightstand next to my bed. Is that legal or do I have to have it in a safe or locked container? I have no kids, so that is not a factor in safe storage.

If it is legal to keep it in an open holster, is it also legal to have it loaded with one in the chamber and a full mag ready to shoot, should I ever need to?

[pontiacpratt]

There is only a law that makes you liable if a minor gains unauthorized access to a firearm. How you make it ready is a decision that is yours to make

[Whatisthis?]

There is only a law that makes you liable if a minor gains unauthorized access to a firearm. How you make it ready is a decision that is yours to make

This.

[Fixmy59bug]

Fantastic.

That answers everything in one fell swoop.

Thank you.

When I have visitors over, I will make sure the weapons are secure.

[ElDub1950]

One option to look at, if you like the holster, is the Blackhawk Serpa + the Quick disconnect. I mounted one of the disconnects to my desk and the other I leave for my belt .. the 3rd piece mounts on the holster. I quick twist removes the Serpa from the desk mount and a quick twist locks it on the belt, although I don't often carry OWB except for some training classes.

http://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-SERPA-Quick-Disconnect-Female/dp/B002E6P8T6/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1348963562&sr=1-5&keywords=blackhawk+holster

[voiceofreason]

-1000

On the Serpa holster

I am a member of the anti-Serpa holster club

Under stress, it's a poor and dangerous design.

Feel free to disagree, but many trainers, instructors, and LE training centers have banned their usage on their ranges/while training with them.

Safariland ALS is tops IMO.

ALS+SLS is too much unless you anticipate likely gun grabs

A really cheap plastic non retention holster would be fine zip tied effectively.

[voiceofreason]

Keep white light next to the gun

I like one mounted ON the gun in addition to the unattached white light.

A holster that can take a mounted light should have a holster to go with it

For a nightstand weapon, just take it out every night and put it away in the morning.

[socal147]

Under stress, it's a poor and dangerous design.

I dont see how. It is a simple and natural movement to release. Please explain.

[dieselpower]

every gun I own is...
always loaded
never locked up
easily accessible to anyone in my home

[k1dude]

Don't get a nightstand holster, get a bed holster:

[SA227driver]

-1000

On the Serpa holster

I am a member of the anti-Serpa holster club

Under stress, it's a poor and dangerous design.

Feel free to disagree, but many trainers, instructors, and LE training centers have banned their usage on their ranges/while training with them.

Safariland ALS is tops IMO.

ALS+SLS is too much unless you anticipate likely gun grabs

A really cheap plastic non retention holster would be fine zip tied effectively.

Anything or action can be trained to proficiency. I believe Massad Ayoob trains and stresses people to draw from the Serpa with the pad of the finger not the tip. With a little bit of training any action or movement can become safe. Just because plenty of people have had negligent discharges with 1911s does that make the 1911 an unsafe firearm??? or one that needs more training?

[voiceofreason]

You go with the holster you feel comfortable training/carry with.

The same motion to release the firearm from the holster as discharging the firearm seems... not wise. Increased chance of a ND IMO.

With training, anything can be made to work. I'd just as soon not work so hard if I don't have to.

I am also against pressure switches/pads for the middle finger to activate lights mounted on pistols. Too easy to have a ND.

Google "Serpa" and "dangerous", you'll find a number of articles explaining it in far better detail than I could.

Ultimately, go with what works for you, but for anyone asking for advice, I'd just as soon share my opinion as you would share yours.

[Zartan]

Interesting, whenever I draw my XD from my Serpa, my trigger finger ends up naturally right above the trigger guard along the frame/slide gap. I can see more chance of ND upon reholstering as you finger can get caught easily in the trigger guard.

[dieselpower]

You have no kids, no kids are going to be coming over...just set the gun on the night stand and leave it there. If you feel there is a chance of it being stolen, buy a safe to house it when you are not home.

That is the ONLY time my guns are locked up...when no one is home.

[RedFord150]

Install a one gun safe in your nightstand. Bolt it down as securely as possible.
Unlock the safe when you get home, lock it up when you leave.
I use a Homak Electronic safe. I can open it under 2 seconds without a key and close it even faster.
Good luck.