where and how do you keep your shotgun for self defense

[S&WM&P40]

I was wondering where and how you keep you hd shotguns. I do not have any kids and keep my shotgun above my headboard in a rifle sock. I figured if I had to I could pop the safety off and shoot through the sock in a self defense situation but the more I think of it, the more I think the sock could cause me to miss the safety or trigger. I was just wondering where and how most people keep their shotguns. Do you have the shotgun in any type of protective case or sock? I have a lot of dust in my old home and I was worried of the shotgun getting dirty from sitting as I don't get much range time with it. I thought about getting a gun rack and putting it on there but it would easy to see for anyone including burglars.

[jcabin]

Try breaking into my house some night, I'd be obliged to show you.

[Pa. Patriot]

Dust will not hurt the shotgun or your manipulation of same in a SD situation.
I would lose the sock.

As for where to keep.... These look handy:
http://www.the-backup.com/

Personally I prefer a carbine. #2 would be a handgun. Shotgun is too un-wieldly indoors (SBS excepted of course)

[t1m0thy]

My closet is right next to the bedroom door. I keep it loaded on the top shelf out of the reach of the kids but where I can get to it quickly.

[Pa. Patriot]

out of the reach of the kids

No such thing.

[1iarrowking]

Leaning against the wall between the head board and the night table so it can't fall over. It's an 11 87 with the plug removed, the mag full and one in the chamber. On top of the night stand is my carry Glock. In the night stand drawer is a 357 Mag. I have an alarm system and a dog. Feel lucky punk? Well do ya?

[t1m0thy]

No such thing.

I teach them not to go near it and guess what...they don't go near it. My wife always laughs when people panic that we have a loaded gun in the house because her Gram used to keep a loaded shotgun propped up against the kitchen door. None of her three kids ever touched it. Its amazing what a little thing called parenting can do.

[Pa. Patriot]

I teach them not to go near it and guess what...they don't go near it.
...
Its amazing what a little thing called parenting can do.

Not arguing that. Was raised same way.

However, if you think that kids will never do something behind your back that you may regret until the day you die, you are sadly mistaken. Also, as I said prior, there is no such thing as "where the kids can't reach" as you wrote. All parents should realize this simple truth.

My kids were taught, and do not touch guns either, without asking... But I also do not leave loaded guns unsupervised for that one time when they *or someone else's kid* (that does not have such training) decides the rules are not valid if no one is looking.

FWIW, please consider the consequences of being wrong on this.

[t1m0thy]

Not arguing that. Was raised same way.

However, if you think that kids will never do something behind your back that you may regret until the day you die, you are sadly mistaken. Also, as I said prior, there is no such thing as "where the kids can't reach" as you wrote. All parents should realize this simple truth.

My kids were taught, and do not touch guns either, without asking... But I also do not leave loaded guns unsupervised for that one time when they *or someone else's kid* (that does not have such training) decides the rules are not valid if no one is looking.

FWIW, please consider the consequences of being wrong on this.

I hear ya that is always in the back of my mind and I try my hardest to balance having a means for self defense available with the safety of my children. Its like I heard some say though, "Having an unloaded gun is like having a car in the driveway with no gas."

[Pa. Patriot]

I hear ya that is always in the back of my mind and I try my hardest to balance having a means for self defense available with the safety of my children. Its like I heard some say though, "Having an unloaded gun is like having a car in the driveway with no gas."

I hear you and sympathize with your conundrum. I again urge you to consider the consequences of being wrong.
To me, the "balance" is simple. Loaded guns are always, at all times, on the adult person(s) in my household, or in their complete control, where they belong. But never "where the kids can't reach them" as there (again) simply is no such place.