More and more grassroots non-profits and charity events are turning to gun raffles as an effective means of raising funds to support their causes.  These raffles are conducted through a licensed broker or shop and offer participants (purchasing raffle tickets) the opportunity to win a firearm for just the price of a ticket – often as little as $5 or $10.

As an organization, Reasons to Ride has not been an advocate of this approaches because while we actively support the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms – we strongly believe that it must be done responsibly.  And in the case of a gun raffle, we envision scenarios where guns are going to inexperienced owners, possibly without an understanding of how to properly handle and just as importantly – store them.  This is a real concern, especially when there are children in the home or it’s possibly not the best environment for a gun to be introduced – such as when there alcohol or other potentially volatile issues at hand.  This isn’t about background checks or the legality of the winners having the guns – the involvement of a legitimate, licensed broker or dealer should address that; but the idea that for just a few dollars spent at a bar, suddenly a gun is introduced to a setting where it really shouldn’t be.  Just because you “can” buy a gun, doesn’t mean you should; and the price point prompts many to consider the investment.  However, when it only costs $10 or the donation supports a good cause – some may buy a ticket without all the thought or proper preparation necessary before bringing a gun home.

“Responsible gun ownership is not only about how, where, and when a person uses their firearm; it’s also about how they store it when not in use. However, only about half of gun owners practice safe and secure firearm storage.”

Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, from Johns Hopkins  (PublicHealth.jhu.edu 5/23)

This doesn’t mean raffles can’t be responsibly done, we would just recommend that in addition to following the proper procedures and legal requirements regarding the transfer – that an organization also include maybe a gun safe or at the very least trigger locks for the firearms as well.

Modern gun safes and secure storage options come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, with many effective solutions priced as low as $50 – and trigger locks cost less than $10.

Firearm Storage 

If there’s a gun or guns in your home or vehicles, it’s essential to store them so that they’re inaccessible to kids and any unauthorized people. The best secure storage solution for you is the one that you will use consistently. There are many types of storage devices that meet the needs of different gun owners.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that “hiding” a gun or placing it somewhere that seems out-of-reach will keep a kid from getting their hands on it. And keep in mind that the gold standard for secure gun storage is to keep all guns unloaded, locked up, and separate from ammunition.

Secure gun storage solutions are not “one-size fits all.” One type of storage that may work for one gun owner may not work for another. The best kind of gun storage is the type (or types) that you will use consistently and that will allow you to secure all firearms in your home and vehicles, no matter whether they are stored together or separately. Here are some options to consider.

 If you’re looking for . . . .

Storage that can fit multiple guns in one place:  Full-Size Gun Safe  $100–$2,000 

Biometric lock more secure than key or passcode.

• Prevents access by children
• Prevents access by unauthorized users
• Prevents theft (if secured to a structure in home)
• Enables fast access

Storage that is on the smaller and lighter side:  Lock Box / Locker  $25–$350

Biometric lock more secure than key or passcode.

• Prevents access by children
• Prevents access by unauthorized users 
• Provides secure vehicle storage
• Enables fast access

Storage in a vehicle:  Console / Vehicle Gun Safe  $50–$350

Biometric lock more secure than key or passcode. 

• Prevents access by children
• Prevents access by unauthorized users
• Prevents theft (if secured to a structure in car)
• Provides secure vehicle storage
• Enables fast access

Storage, home or in-transit gun, of one firearm:  Gun Case  $10–$150

Uses external lock.

• Prevents access by children
• Prevents access by unauthorized users
• Enables fast access

Storage that prevents a single weapon from firing:  Cable Lock  $0*–$50   *Often provided free with firearm purchase.

Cable runs through action of single weapon to prevent firing. Ammunition must be removed for lock use.  May be dismantled with minimal tools and skills, so not as effective with older children and teens.

• Prevents use by small children
• Enables fast access

Storage that locks the trigger of a single weapon

Trigger Lock  $10–$75

Never use with loaded gun.  May be dismantled with minimal tools and skills, so not as effective with older children and teens.

• Prevents use by small children 
• Enables fast access