Whether you call it a “nightstand gun” or a “bedside gun,” the concept is the same: a firearm you keep near your bed in the event that you need to defend yourself (and your family) from a threat that emerges while you’re asleep.
You hear people use the terminology a lot, but rarely do you hear anyone go into detail beyond the make and model. Where, exactly, do you keep it? Literally on your nightstand, stashed under the bed, perhaps in your sock drawer, or one of those biometric safes that you have within easy reach?
We’re going to look at these storage locations and some products related to them and evaluate the pros and cons of each. We’ll also cover some ways to best prepare should you need to get to your gun in the dark, with the adrenaline rushing but perhaps still a bit groggy from a deep sleep.
(Note: for the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus solely on handguns. That’s not to say that using a rifle or shotgun might be the better option for you, your situation, and your home - it’s just not the focus of this piece.)
Pros:
Easy access: attached right to the side of your bed.
Gun is secured in a holster, preventing negligent trigger contact.
Cons:
Usually utilize hook-and-loop fasteners, which can be knocked loose.
Requires an additional equipment purchase.
Pros:
It doesn't get any simpler than this.
The gun is right next to your bed, within arm's reach.
No extra equipment/holsters are necessary.
Cons:
Immediately visible to anyone in the room.
Highest potential for access by an unauthorized user.
Pros:
Out of sight of unauthorized users.
Readily accessible if you know the location.
No extra equipment/holsters are necessary.
Cons:
Not immediately accessible.
Have to find it among the socks.
Pros:
Out of sight of unauthorized users.
Easy access: roll off the bed and grab the gun.
No extra equipment/holsters are necessary.
Cons:
Dust bunnies reproduce like, well, bunnies under the bed.
More care, cleaning, and maintenance if not in some kind of case.
Have to be mindful of anything else stored under the bed.
Pros:
Out of sight of unauthorized users.
Provides secure access to multiple users, if desired.
Cons:
Must be able to execute entry method effectively under stress. (Finger patterns, thumb print placement, etc).
It's mechanical and, while unlikely, failure to work is not out of the question.
Requires an additional equipment purchase.
Like any aspect of safe firearms handling, the best way to get good at it is to train with it and get to know how it works so that you can perform the actions flawlessly and relatively mindlessly.
The same goes for these storage options. If you’re not confident that you can get to your gun, wherever you’ve chosen to store it, then you’ve defeated the purpose of storing it there in the first place.
You need to run the “bump-in-the-night” scenario ahead of time, in a controlled environment, with a gun that you know is unloaded. Better yet, run it with a “blue gun” if you have access to one.
Figure out how to get out of bed and gain access to your gun in the safest and timeliest manner possible. Uncover your potential hiccups: where are my glasses, don’t trip over the blanket chest, etc.
Of course, you can only be so prepared for a real-life scenario if you’re running these drills fully aware of what’s going on. If you have an understanding spouse/partner, have them set an obnoxious alarm on your phone and an unknown-to-you time in the middle of the night. If you live alone, ask a coworker to set it for you. Then, when the alarm goes off, spring into action.
If you can pull it off perfectly, then you’re good to go. Run a refresher a handful of times a year. If you’ve got some issues to iron out, then run it until you don’t.
One final note on training and equipment: if your nightstand gun doesn’t have a light on it, or if your version of a nightstand gun requires you to move through your room to get to it, then you need a flashlight on your nightstand. Use that light to get to your gun and get to the lightswitch. Don’t fight in the dark unless you absolutely, positively have no other choice.
Now that we’ve gone over the storage methods, let’s take a look at some of the actual products you can use to create a viable nightstand gun solution for you.
The MicroVault Biometric pistol safe from GunVault provides secure storage with quick access to an authorized user. The safe can store up to 20 unique fingerprints, making it ideal for any number of people in your home who you decide should have access to the safe. The pistol safe is battery powered, but has a mechanical key override if necessary. MSRP: of $169.99
GO-Magnets are a good option if you want to simply stick your gun to something magnetic near your bed. It could be your bed frame, the headboard, a floor lamp post, etc. The magnets are super strong and covered in a non-marring material to protect your gun and the host object. GO-Magnets have an MSRP of $39.47 for a three-pack.
CrossBreed Holsters Bedside Backup uses a T-shaped kydex platform covered in hook-and-loop fasteners. With the T-shape on it's side, you stick the post in between your mattress and box spring to hold it in place. Then, attach a holster with a hook-and-loop backing to the face of the plate. Now your gun is safely stored in a holster right on the side of your bed. MSRP: of $62.95
(Stay tuned for a full review of this holster soon!)
Liberty Home Concealment offers a storage option that is multifunction. Their Concealment End Table can be used as your actual nightstand and as your quick access storage location with their drop-down, slide-out compartment.
The foam insert can be custom-fit for your gun, a spare magazine, a flashlight, or whatever else you might need. The Concealment End Table has an MSRP of $289.99.
The ArmsReach Defender combines bedside reach with biometric access. Essentially, it takes a biometric pistol safe and attaches it to the T-shaped platform used by CrossBreed.
It can store multiple users’ fingerprints and runs on an A/C plug with a battery backup in case the power goes out. The ArmsReach Defender has an MSRP of $199.99.
