Millions of Americans own guns to protect themselves, their families or their property. But there is debate over how to store a gun at home at night. Should it be loaded or unloaded? In a nightstand or in a locked box? Trigger lock or no trigger lock? If it is not within easy reach in case it is needed, doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a gun? The experts weigh in:

National Rifle Association

ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.NRA -- ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

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Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

HomeGunSafety.com

Many people use tamper resistant locking devices like a trigger lock, cable lock or mogul that encases the trigger assembly. Trigger locks come in either key or combination options.

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You should never use a trigger lock on a loaded firearm since the firearm might discharge when you attempt to remove the trigger lock. Another reason is if you didn’t place the trigger lock securely on the trigger. If you place the lock on the trigger, but the lock can move, it might be possible for someone to pull the lock assembly into the trigger and discharge the firearm.

You can use cable locks on most handguns and rifles. An important factor is to ensure that the locked cable lock can’t be removed if you are able to disassemble the firearm.

ShotgunLife.com

-- Store your shotguns so that children can’t gain access to them: locked safes, closets or cabinets

-- Store shotguns and ammo separately in locked places

-- Don’t leave your shotgun lying around

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. When not in use, firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place, separate from each other. It is your responsibility to prevent children and unauthorized adults from gaining access to firearms or ammunition.

GunSafetyNow.com

-- Always keep your guns locked in a Gun Safe that cannot be easily broken into or taken away. If one is not available, use a Cable Lock or Trigger Lock (one that goes behind the trigger is preferred) and store the guns out of the reach of those who should not have access to them.

-- Keep the keys to gun safes and gun locks hidden and out of the reach of those who should not have access to them

-- Store your guns unloaded and with the safety on

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

If there are children in the home, use child safety locks or other commercially available locking mechanisms on your firearms and/or keep your firearms locked in a secure location accessible to adults only. Keep your ammunition locked in a secure location away from the firearms.

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