When storing a handgun, how should it be stored?

Storing a handgun safely is crucial for preventing accidents and unauthorized access. The correct approach is to keep the firearm unloaded, locked up, stored separately from ammunition, and ideally uncased. This practice maximizes safety by ensuring that the gun cannot be fired accidentally and that it is inaccessible to children or unauthorized users.

Locking it up prevents easy access, which is particularly important in homes with children or visitors. Storing the ammunition separately reduces the risk of someone being able to load the gun quickly. Keeping the handgun uncased allows for quicker deployment in a properly controlled situation, such as in emergencies, while still ensuring that it is safely secured.

This method aligns with best practices for firearm storage and is often mandated by laws and regulations in many jurisdictions to promote responsible gun ownership.