Do I need a gun safe if I live alone?

Asked by: Delpha Bartell MD  |  Last update: February 20, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (27 votes)

Yes, you still need a gun safe even if you live alone to prevent theft, protect against fire/water, ensure legal compliance (in some areas), and provide peace of mind against unauthorized access by guests or intruders, as securing firearms is a core part of responsible gun ownership regardless of household composition. While a safe slows response time, high-quality safes offer quick access and prevent guns from being stolen and falling into the wrong hands.

Do you really need a gun safe?

In most states, you are not legally required to securely store your firearms using any particular device or method, though, of course, it's a good idea to keep any firearms that are not under your direct control securely locked up for multiple reasons.

Do I need a gun safe if I don't have kids?

Basically, if you can't lift it, they probably can't either. A gun safe is something you should have, but technically aren't necessary if you don't have kids or anyone coming into your house you're worried about getting into your guns. I don't have one yet myself, so I can't reccomend one.

Should a woman living alone have a gun?

To ease your mind and protect yourself from a potential attacker, you need to be prepared for potentially hazardous situations. Investing in a firearm can help you defend yourself when you need to.

Does owning a gun increase homeowners insurance?

No, simply owning a gun typically does not increase your standard homeowners insurance premiums, as most insurers don't ask about firearms or factor them into base rates, but you'll need extra coverage (endorsements or separate policies) for higher limits and liability, which will add to the cost, especially if you have a collection or need to cover accidental shootings. Standard policies often have low sub-limits ($2,500-$5,000) for firearm theft or damage, requiring additional coverage for valuable guns. 

Gun Safes Will Get You Killed | Navy SEAL | Home Defense

23 related questions found

What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?

The 80% rule in homeowners insurance requires you to insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost to receive full coverage for partial losses, preventing significant underinsurance penalties. If you don't meet this threshold, your insurer will reduce payouts proportionally, meaning you'll pay a larger share out-of-pocket for damages, even for smaller claims, to encourage adequate coverage for rebuilding costs. 

Do I have to tell my landlord I have a gun?

“Most states have not made a decision whether or not to attempt to prohibit the constitutional rights of a citizen who wants to have a weapon in their rental unit for their own protection. What that means is that leaves it up to the private landlord to make a decision about their own property,” he said.

Should I get a gun safe if I live alone?

Whether you live alone or with others, own one or multiple firearms, it's important to know that you have the security and peace of mind of knowing that your guns are secure when not in use. It's for this reason and several others that a Gun Safe is such a good investment.

Can I get in trouble for defending myself?

Yes, you can get charged for actions taken in self-defense if the force used is deemed excessive, unreasonable, or goes beyond stopping the threat, even if you were initially justified in defending yourself. While self-defense isn't a crime itself, police often arrest parties in a fight, requiring you to prove your actions were justified to avoid charges like assault, battery, or manslaughter, especially if you continued using force after the attacker was no longer a threat. 

What is the best gun for a single woman living alone?

TWAW's Best Handgun Choices for Women

  • SIG P365.
  • Glock 43.
  • SIG P238.
  • M&P Shield EZ 380.
  • M&P Shield.
  • M&P Shield EZ 9mm.
  • Glock 19.
  • Ruger LCP.

What is the golden rule of gun safety?

ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction

This is the primary rule of gun safety.

Where to store guns if you don't have a safe?

Instead of simply throwing a gun in a drawer or closet, choose a lockable carry case that can keep it safe and out of reach. While there are a few other ways to store guns without a safe, such as strong boxes, security cases and locking steel gun cabinets, we believe a gun case is the best option.

Can a bolted down safe be stolen?

Target for Determined Thieves: Even when bolted down, thieves can target gun safes using advanced tools and techniques. They can exploit the safe's fixed position to apply leverage, cut through bolts, or even pry the safe from its anchor points, especially if it is of lower quality.

What is rule #1 of gun safety?

The first rule of gun safety is to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, meaning never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy, and be aware of where it's pointing at all times, even if you think it's unloaded. This fundamental rule ensures that even in an accidental discharge, no injury or damage occurs because the gun is directed towards a safe area, like a backstop.
 

How long will ammo last in a gun safe?

Ammunition doesn't come with an expiration date, but how long it lasts depends on storage conditions, environmental factors and the type of ammo. Properly stored rounds can remain functional for decades or even centuries, while poor storage can cause degradation in just a few years.

What is Mexican carry?

Mexican carry, also known as "loose carry" or "pocket carry," is the dangerous practice of carrying a handgun inside the waistband without a holster, often in the appendix (front) position, to avoid detection or when holsters are unavailable, but it risks accidental discharge due to lack of trigger protection and poor retention. The term originates from 19th-century Mexican civilians defying gun laws by tucking weapons into their pants to hide them from authorities, only retrieving them when needed, according to this Guns and Ammo article and this LAS Concealment article.
 

In what states is it legal to defend yourself?

Thirty-eight states are stand-your-ground states, all but eight by statutes providing "that there is no duty to retreat from an attacker in any place in which one is lawfully present": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, ...

Can you be sued for defending yourself?

Civil Liability

In at least 23 states, self-defense laws protect people from being sued in civil court if they act in self-defense. This means that if someone acted in self-defense to protect themselves from an assailant, they usually cannot be taken to court and sued civilly for monetary damages.

Can I defend myself if I feel threatened?

In California, the law allows you to defend yourself if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger. You don't have to wait until you are hurt to take necessary actions to defend yourself. However, the force you use must be proportional to the threat.

Where not to put a gun safe?

Don't store a gun safe in easily visible spots, the garage (due to moisture/theft risk), the kitchen, or damp basements prone to flooding; instead, pick a hidden, climate-controlled location like an interior closet, anchor it securely, and keep it away from fire hazards and extreme temperatures to protect firearms from rust, theft, and environmental damage.
 

Can burglars break into safes?

Burglars are constantly finding new ways to break into safes. Whether it's through brute force, knowledge of safe design weaknesses, or high-tech equipment, there are several methods commonly used to crack safes.

What does God say about weapons?

The Bible never forbids a Christian from owning a weapon, but it does offer some principles to consider. First, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:10). A Christian considering the purchase of a weapon should prayerfully consider if doing so would aid in peace-making.

Can you post Trespassers will be shot?

Yes, you can legally post "Trespassers Will Be Shot" signs as a form of speech under the First Amendment, but this does not give you the right to actually shoot a mere trespasser; using deadly force requires a reasonable belief of imminent danger to life or serious bodily harm, which a simple trespass usually doesn't justify, though laws vary by state. Signs are deterrents, but if you shoot someone for just being on your property (even with the sign), you could face serious criminal charges unless they pose a significant threat, like attempting a violent felony. 

What is the most common reason for eviction?

The most common reasons for eviction are non-payment of rent, violating lease terms (like property damage, unauthorized pets, or illegal activities), and lease expiration, where a landlord chooses not to renew. Other significant reasons include creating a nuisance, engaging in criminal activity, or the landlord needing the property for personal use, demolition, or sale. 

How many acres to shoot on your property?

The parcel should also be a minimum of 40 acres, although simple home handgun ranges require less acreage. If your goal is long-range shooting, the number goes up, with 500 acres being the minimum land you should look for to ensure success and safety.