Long-term storage of guns

[RogerTX]

Going in the Peace Corps next month and will be out of the country for 27 months. I don’t want to sell my guns (I have several).

Does anyone know of a gun store in Dallas/Fort Worth that offers long-term storage? I have friends who are willing to keep them for me but they don’t have a safe to store them in. As for my safe, it's too big to move so I'm leaving it in the house (which I'll be leasing) but will leave it empty to avoid potential temptation.

Also, I'm guessing that leaving means surrendering my CHL (this REALLY hurts!). If there are any suggestions out there on how to get around losing it (other than not joining the Peace Corps) I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks,

Roger
Euless, TX

[Keith B]

Going in the Peace Corps next month and will be out of the country for 27 months. I don’t want to sell my guns (I have several).

Does anyone know of a gun store in Dallas/Fort Worth that offers long-term storage? I have friends who are willing to keep them for me but they don’t have a safe to store them in. As for my safe, it's too big to move so I'm leaving it in the house (which I'll be leasing) but will leave it empty to avoid potential temptation.

Also, I'm guessing that leaving means surrendering my CHL (this REALLY hurts!). If there are any suggestions out there on how to get around losing it (other than not joining the Peace Corps) I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks,

Roger
Euless, TX

Not sure about storage, but are you not keeping a Texas address as your official home? If so, you should be able to keep your CHL.

[ScubaSigGuy]

I don't know of anyone offering long term storage. I would be leary of this option as any business can close down at any time ie. financial reasons,health issues, death of owner, etc...and where will that leave your guns?

I wouldn't leave the safe in my rental home either. Any safe can be moved fairly easily, although that may not be your favorite option. If it were me I would offer free use of my safe to one of my friends while I was away. Then upon return just have a locksmith change the combo and key after moving it back to your home and you are good to go.

My least favrite suggestion would depend o,n how long you will be gone, and what type of firearms you have. If you have collectibles then this won't apply... If the you have new model, run of the mill variety firearms, I might be tempted to sell them, with the exception of my primary carry for when I visit, and or return home. Put the money in the bank and hold on to it for replacing your favorite fireamrs when you return.

I would not advise letting any of your friends keep them for you, if they aren't securing them in a safe. I made this mistake once wile in the military, and when their home was broken into, neither the insurance company wanted to take care of me.

Good luck.

[joe817]

Winchester Gallery in Fort Worth offers long term storage in their vault. I've seen it and IIRC it looks like a bank vault.

http://www.winchestergallery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's worth a phone call, IMO: 817-496-9391

[CompVest]

I don't know how many you have, but I would look into safe deposit boxes. Some of the long term storage companies offer secure storage and insurance.

[srothstein]

Sorry, I can't help on the gun storage question (though I like Compvest suggestion of using a bank safety deposit box - if it is long enough to hold any rifles/shotguns you have). But I am curious about the CHL question. Why would leaving imply you have to give up your CHL. It certainly won't do you any good while out of the country, but there is nothing saying you have to turn it in. The only problem I am aware of would be renewing it if it expires while you are out of the state. If you know something else that applies I would love to know so I can keep it in mind for other cases.

[Tireshred]

I know Carter's Country in Houston offers storage, but I don't know of any in DFW, but maybe a good local gun shop like Carter's?