“A 46-year-old woman was shot in the face Tuesday night as she and her ex-husband were preparing for bed in their home on the 800 block of General Howe Drive,” dailylocal.com reports. “According to police, the victim’s ex-husband, who lives with her in the home, said that he was placing a handgun under his pillow when it accidentally went off, striking the woman. A .45 caliber Kimber semi-automatic handgun, along with a single shell casing, was recovered by police.” A 1911 perchance? What are the odds? Whatever they are, the odds of a negligent discharge would have been a LOT lower if . . .
the gun owner had stashed his/her heater in a small safe by the bottom of the bedside. I’m not saying the mini-safe has to be locked at night, unless state law requires it. But a small floor safe ideal for us who don’t want a gun muzzle pointed at anyone’s head (until we do). Ye olde nightstand gun.
If you don’t use the gun as a carry piece—remembering that we highly recommend HOME CARRY for all gun owners—you can lock the gun safe as part of your morning routine. That makes it more difficult (but not impossible) for small children and sticky-fingered visitors to gain access.
In any case, it’s a good idea to have a gun within easy reach. But safety first. Oh, and an alarm. And good outside lighting. And sturdy locks. And maybe a brace of Schnauzers. Just sayin’ . . .