15 Best Gun Safes For 2026

Above, inside the gun safe a friend won in a Friends of NRA raffle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, a friend won a big (and I do mean big) gun safe at a Friends of NRA event raffle. It required the service of a forklift to get it into his garage. 

With some municipalities (run by liberals, of course) passing laws for gun owners with children to have child-proof storage for their guns, this is something they should read over. 

Besides keeping one's guns away from the kiddies, there's also fire and theft to consider when choosing a gun safe. 

Pew Pew Tactical posted their list of 15 best gun safes for 2026. 

They begin it with:

Need to keep your guns out of the hands of unauthorized family members and burglars?

Then you need a gun safe.

There are A LOT of them out there, and they can range anywhere from $50 to over $10,000. You can find everything from old-school mechanical safes to fancy biometric and WiFi-enabled versions.

We'll cover the different types and provide you with a few options for an affordable, best bang-for-the-buck, or high-end choice.

We have broken this list down into three different sections: Best overall gun safes, best handgun safes, and best long gun safes.

So keep on reading as we go over other important things like how much you should spend and what to look for when considering a safe.

To read more, go here. 

Mid-Winter RV Storage Checks

Above, my RV garage after a winter snowstorm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My motorhome is safely snuggled inside its garage for the winter. Well, at least until around Christmas when I will be spending Christmas with friends in Lake Havasu.

I last used it when I volunteered to help out with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons in Moab, Utah in September.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on mid-winter RV storage checks to keep one's rig in good shape and avoid repairs.

It begins with:

Once your RV is winterized and parked, it’s easy to assume it’s safe until spring. But time, temperature swings, and moisture all keep working while your rig sits still. Rubber seals tighten, covers shift, and tiny openings can turn into costly entry points for water or mice. A little attention mid-season helps you catch these small changes before they snowball into repairs.

To read more, go here. 

Why Storing Your RV Outside Can Be A Bad Idea

Above, the RV is protected from the harsh winter temperatures and snow in its barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After buying a house and moving to New Mexico seven years ago, one of my "must-dos" was to have a garage (or barn) built to store my motorhome in. 

The elevation  where I'm at is 7,000 feet. During the winter we get snow and cold temperatures and, during the summer, it does get into the 90s at times. I needed the store my RV in a place that would protect it from the weather extremes.

That it the topic of a new article in RV Travel. The article is "Why Storing Your RV Outside Can Be A Bad Idea".

It begins with:

Every year hundreds of thousands of RV owners all across the country need to store their RVs. Whether it is due to harsh winter conditions or because work and school activities limit the time they can “recreate,” RVers must find the best method to put their unit into hibernation. Trying to find a nice, heated, indoor facility can be difficult and very expensive. So most of them are forced to store their RVs outside, which is not always a good idea and can create some very expensive issues.

To read more, go here. 

RV Storage: Everything You Need To Know

Above, the RV is protected from winter snows in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my new motorhome back in 2015, I parked it in my apartment complex's double parking space. I was able to back it in and park my car in front of it. This was in Los Angeles where the climate was not harsh for it.

Then, I moved to New Mexico and bought a home on two acres at 7,000 feet above sea level. This, I knew ahead of time, would be subjecting my motorhome to harsh conditions. This includes hot summers, thinner air due to the elevation and snow/freezing conditions. After moving, I ordered a metal garage for the RV. It was built before the winter snows arrived.

I later added a gravel floor.

So far, it has protected my motorhome just fine, especially when I added a 30-amp outlet to run holding tank heaters.

RV Travel posted an article on everything you need to know about storing an RV.

It begins with:

Proper RV storage keeps your camper secure, dry, and ready for the next adventure. With so many options—from uncovered storage to fully enclosed, climate-protected garages—the right choice depends on your budget, where you live, and how often you want to access your RV.

In today’s video, Jason Epperson of RV Miles shares a practical guide to storing an RV to help you decide where and how to store your RV for peace of mind all year long.

 To read more, go here.

RV Summer Storage

Above, the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live in the Southwest at about 7,000 feet in elevation, my first priority when I made the move there was to erect an RV storage garage.

This I had done during the fall months of 2018. I had to wait a few months for it to be made and delivered after ordering it in the spring.

The garage, dubbed the GOCO Beast Barn, is a steel storage shed with a roll-up and side door that only took a day to construct on one of my acres of land. It offers protection against the snows of winter and the sun during the summer.

I added a 30 amp outlet inside the garage the following year.

Above, the motorhome in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article on RV storage during the summer. 

It starts with:

RV summer storage, huh? Hmm. It seems rather counterintuitive to store a recreational vehicle during a season typically associated with travel and outdoor adventures. However, there are plenty of financial, lifestyle, and practical reasons for doing so. Besides, it can get pretty hot in some places.

Whether it’s the unbearably swampy temperatures (or dry ones for those in the Southwest), pet and equipment concerns, health risks, off-season savings, or the snowbird lifestyle, parking the RV for the summer isn’t quite as uncommon as some think.

Summer storage brings its own challenges, such as sun damage, mold, pests, mechanical issues, and more. RV summer storage may not be as labor intensive as good winterization, but proper preparation is necessary nonetheless.

To read the full article, go here.

Mattamuskeet Sportsmans Box

Back in the late 1970s or the early 1980s, I received from my parents at Christmas this Mattamuskeet Sportsmans Box.

It is ideal for guns and/or ammunition. 

One recently sold at eBay and this is what the seller wrote about it:

Very nice. Large box for ammo or storage or pretty much anything. A great sportsman box. 23 in wide by 9 in deep by 10.5 in tall. Has a nice interlocking wood edging on the corners. There is lightwear and tear here and there, it's not mint condition but it is entirely intact and only displays cosmetic issues. Please see all photos. What you see is exactly what you get. If you have any questions please ask any time. Happy bidding and good luck!

 

It was listed at $66.50, which is pretty much the average price for this box. It comes with a removable tray and is solid wood.

Who else, besides me, has one of these? 

RV Storage Space

One thing that has never been a concern with my Class C Winnebago was storage space.

Inside, there are plenty of cabinets and shelves. Outside, there is one big storage compartment (with two doors) and one small one. I only store stuff that I need and use.

According to RV Life, storage space should be a consideration when buying an RV.

They begin with:

When considering the features of an RV, many potential buyers might overlook one critical aspect: storage space. But as any seasoned RVer will tell you, the way an RV handles storage can make or break your traveling experience.

Consider storage space when shopping for an RV

There are numerous considerations when shopping for an RV—size, style, floor plan, cost, age, among others. With these in mind, the significance of an RV’s storage space might elude you. However, once you start using your RV, the importance of storage becomes paramount.

Whether you need a place for clothing, space for dinnerware, or storage for outdoor tools, having adequate storage will heavily influence your camping trip’s ease and comfort. 

To read more, go here. 

Storage Tips From The Professional Numismatists Guild

Above, safe deposit boxes in a Swiss bank. Wikipedia public domain photo.

So you bought some gold (or silver) as an investment, now where are you going to store it?

There are three options: home safe, bank safe deposit box and bullion depository.

According to an article at the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF), there are pros and cons to each of these. They have posted an article discussing each. While it mainly pertains to gold, it also applies to silver as well.

They begin with:

(Temecula, California) July 5, 2023 – During the “Gold Rush of 2023,” dealers report that demand for gold bullion coins has soared from both previous investors and many new buyers. Now the important question is: how should you safely protect and store your precious metal purchases?

The Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org), a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and precious metals dealers, advises that the three most popular methods of storage each have advantages and disadvantages.

“The secure storage methods usually considered by investors are a home safe, a safe deposit box at a bank or other financial institution, and/or a third-party bullion depository. Buyers of rare coins or gold, silver or platinum bullion coins or ingots should carefully consider which approach is best for them,” said PNG President Wayde Milas.

Here are comments from some PNG member-dealers about the pros and cons of different types of secure storage.

To read more, go here. 

Should You Cancel Your RV’s Insurance While Storing It?

Above, with snow on the ground, my RV is tucked away in its barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Having insurance on one's RV is important and, in most cases these days, legally required (particularly liability insurance). 

The question arises, should one cancel their insurance coverage while storing the RV during the winter months?

That is the topic of an article by Gail Marsh at RV Travel. 

She begins with:

We all agree that having RV insurance is a good idea. You never know what dangers await when traveling down the road. A tire suddenly goes flat. You hit a giant pothole. Another car attempts to cut in front of you and, just like that, you’re calling your insurance company! Honestly, who could relax if they traveled without insurance? Not me!

So, you bring the rig home. You winterize it and take it to storage. Then you get out your checkbook and get ready to pay monthly fees on an RV you don’t even use. Should you keep paying for RV insurance on a rig that simply sits for months at a time? Does that make financial sense? Maybe you store your camper in your own backyard. Is it safe to drop insurance if the rig sits there, unused, for up to half the year? These are questions many RVers wonder about – especially as the summer camping season comes to an end.

To read further, go here. 

Long-Term RV Storage Options

Above, my RV is protected from snow and cold temperatures in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Within a year after I bought a home on two acres in New Mexico, I had an RV garage (dubbed the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R motorhome. 

A year later, I had a 30 amp electric outlet added to it. The RV is protected against weather conditions (I am at 7,000 feet in elevation) during the winter and summer when not in use.

There are those who have the means to build a similar RV garage and others don't. What are their options?

RV Life has posted an article on long-term RV storage options.

They begin it with:

Although some RVs can be used all year round, most people only use them during the warmer months. Once winter rolls around, you need a safe place to store your vehicle until the next time you’re ready to take a trip. Because so many people need long-term RV storage, there are several different options available.

Different storage methods come with their own pros and cons. Some are low-effort yet expensive. Others are cheap but require a lot of work! It all depends on how much you want to spend, how much effort you want to put in, and what type of security/protection you’re looking for.

Some of the most common long-term RV storage options include enclosed storage facilities, covered parking spaces, outdoor lots, campground rental spaces, or at-home options. Any of these options can work. It just depends on which route makes you feel the most comfortable! We’ll explore each of these storage choices below so you can make a more informed decision.

To read more, go here. 

Coins and Precious Metals Storage

One question many new collectors or investors of coins and precious metals wonder about is where to store them.

It really boils down to each individual's choice. Some prefer to keep their investments close at hand at home or off-site somewhere (such as a bank).

Coin News has posted and article with smart storage tips for coins and precious metals.

They begin with:

During the "Gold Rush of 2023," dealers report that demand for gold bullion coins has soared from both previous investors and many new buyers. Now the important question is: how should you safely protect and store your precious metal purchases?

The Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org), a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and precious metals dealers, advises that the three most popular methods of storage each have advantages and disadvantages.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: How Far Away Do You Store Your RV?

Above, my RV garage and motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R motorhome, I was able to store it at my apartment's parking space. I had a double space and was able to park it and my Mustang there.

Since then, I moved to New Mexico and have a two-acre property. I had a garage built to store my motorhome. 

Some people aren't so lucky and have to pay for storage somewhere.

RV Travel has a poll on how far away do people store their RVs.

It begins with:

Are you one of those lucky people who can store your RV on your property when you’re not traveling with it? Or do you store it elsewhere?

If you live in an apartment or condo, there may be no place to keep it on the property. Or perhaps your home HOA (homeowners association) prohibits keeping RVs on your property.

Increasingly, cities are prohibiting the storage of recreational vehicles in front yards or even in a side yard where the RV is visible from the street.

So what about you? How far from where you live do you keep your RV when you’re not using it?

Remember, if you are on a slow internet connection it can take a moment for the poll to load. So stand by.

To read more and answer the poll, go here. 

Outside RV Storage A Bad Idea

Above, the RV in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R that year, I was living in the Los Angeles area where the climate is not harsh.

Since then, I have moved to New Mexico and now live in a semi-arid area at about 7,000 feet above sea level. The winters get very cold and snowy and the summers can cause damage to an RV due to the altitude's UV rays.

That is why I had a RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built. It protects my motorhome from the harsher aspects of the climate. Thankfully, I was able to do so as I have a two-acre ranchette.

With the above in mind, RV Travel has posted an article on why storing an RV outside can be a bad idea. 

The begin it with:

Every year hundreds of thousands of RV owners all across the country need to store their RVs. Whether it is due to harsh winter conditions or because work and school activities limit the time we can “recreate,” RVers must find the best method to put their unit into hibernation. Trying to find a nice, heated, indoor facility can be difficult and very expensive. So most of us are forced to store our RVs outside, which is not always a good idea and can create some very expensive issues.

To read more, go here. 

Should You Use An RV Tarp?

Above, snow is no problem with an RV shelter. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ah, autumn. It is that time of the year when the daytime temperatures have moderated from the summer heat. 

That is, if one happens to be in a climate where it doesn't get bone-chilling cold at night or during the day. We had a snowstorm pass through my area of New Mexico yesterday morning that dumped about two inches of snow. It has left the area, but left behind cold nighttime temperatures in the 20s.

However, my motorhome is safely tucked away in its own garage/barn.

There are those who don't have shelters for their RVs and have to resort to tarps.

What kinds of tarps are good or bad for RVs? A new article in Do It Yourself RV will answer that question.

They begin with:

With winter fast approaching, it’s time to think about getting our RVs covered up and out of the elements. RVs are susceptible to damage from moisture that can accumulate when seals are damaged. 

There are a few ways to protect your RV from the elements. Heated indoor RV storage is the ideal way to store your RV. However, many RVers don’t have access to this RV storage solution for one reason or another. 

If you are one of these RVers, don’t despair. There are other things you can do to help protect your RV from the throes of winter. Storing an RV in an RV shelter or using an RV cover are other ways you can go. Another thing you can do is use an RV tarp to help your RV stay safe and dry throughout the winter.  

To read more, go here. 

RV Life: Where Can I Store My RV For Free?

Above, after the initial cost of building my RV garage, I don't have to worry about storage costs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of us who have big yards and don't have to contend with Homeowners Associations and their meddling Karens don't have to worry about RV storage.

But, there are some who are not so lucky and need to find storage options that are free.

RV Life has posted an article on options for free RV storage.

They begin it with:

The stuff you see about RV life on Instagram is great and all, but one thing that is less exciting is the cost of ownership. From insurance payments to RV maintenance costs, there is a lot to budget for if you’re an RV owner.

For this reason, many RVers are looking for ways to cut costs. One of the best ways to go about this is to save on RV storage fees. This leaves many RV owners asking, “Where can I store my RV for free?”

Surprisingly, there are a number of free RV storage options. That said, whether you’ll be able to find one that works for you depends on your individual situation. Check out the list of options below to see if you can find your answer.

To read more, go here.

 

Japan's War On The Floppy Disk

Floppy disk. That is a name I haven't heard or thought of in ages. I disposed of mine long ago and use CDs instead.

It is the digital equivalent of 8-track tapes these days.

Apparently in Japan, floppies are still used in some government areas. Their digital minister (is that really an official job or ministry?) has declared "war" on them. 

According to The Japan Times:

Japan’s digital minister, who’s vowed to rid the bureaucracy of outdated tools from the hanko stamp to the fax machine, has now declared “war” on a technology many haven’t seen for decades — the floppy disk.

The hand-sized, square-shaped data storage item, along with similar devices including the CD or even lesser-known mini disk, are still required for some 1,900 government procedures and must go, digital minister Taro Kono wrote in a Twitter post Wednesday.

“We will be reviewing these practices swiftly,” Kono said in a news conference Tuesday, adding that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has offered his full support. “Where does one even buy a floppy disk these days?”

Who in the U.S. even uses them anymore?

To read more, go here.

8 Reasons To Avoid Storing An RV Outside In The Winter

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winter is just around the corner. 

In some areas, like mine in New Mexico, autumn season is like winter as nighttime temperatures often drop down below freezing. Sometimes, we get autumn snowstorms. I didn't have to worry about wintery temperatures when I lived in Los Angeles.

Thankfully, I have an RV garage (the GOCO Beast Barn) that keeps my Class C Winnebago nice and dry as well as protected from the elements. To help combat freezing temperatures, I run space heaters inside the garage and inside the coach as well as holding tank heaters and pour anti-freeze into the tanks and pipe lines.

RV Life has an article with sight reasons why RVs should not be stored out in the open during winter. 

They begin it with:

Proper winter storage is essential to extending the lifespan of your RV. Storing an RV outside in the winter may be cheaper than paying for a storage unit, but it brings a lot of risks as well. This practice could cause long-term damage to your RV if you’re not careful, so sometimes it’s best to avoid it altogether. 

Storing an RV outside in the winter can lead to burst pipes, structural damage from snow, broken windows, water damage, trapped vehicles, pests living in or under the vehicle, damaged tires, and additional costs for winterizing gear. It’s often safer to pay for winter storage instead.

Some people are fine with storing their RVs outside during the cold months, but it’s not the best solution for everyone. Temperature-regulated storage options are the easiest and safest way to store your RV, but they can sometimes be expensive. If you’re worried about the potential risks of outdoor storage, read below for some more information as well as potential ways to combat them.

 To read more, go here.

DIY RV Carport

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn under construction. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I bought a home on two acres in New Mexico and after a few months, I had an RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my motorhome. I had plenty of land for it and it cost $6,000. A little over a year later, I added a 30 amp electrical outlet to it. I deemed it a necessary expense as I am at 7,000 feet elevation and I wanted my RV protected from the elements (heat, cold, snow, wind, etc.).

Above, the finished GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not everyone can afford a full RV garage and settle instead for a carport. It is basically the same thing as what I have except it doesn't have side walls. One of my friends in New Mexico has a carport for his fifth wheel trailer.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on how to build your own RV carport.

They begin with:

As much as we would all love to use our RVs all of the time, the reality is most RVs spend as much and often more time stored than they do being used.

Paying for RV storage can be a big expense, especially if you have the option of covered storage.

RVs are often too large for garages and building a complete building for storage would be expensive and beyond the skill set for most RVers. 

What is a carport?

Unlike a garage, a carport is generally a roof supported by posts with open sides. Oftentimes, they are built onto the side of an existing structure such as a house, garage, or barn. This gives you one closed-in wall and a roof for protection from the elements.

Carports can be constructed from a variety of materials. Commonly used materials are wooden or metal posts and support beams with metal, wood, or UV-resistant fabrics used for the roof.

To read the full article, go here. 

RV Life: RV and Boat Storage Cost

Above, I store my RV in this metal garage, the "GOCO Beast Barn". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R six years ago, I had no storage issues to contend with.

I lived in an apartment in Tarzana, California and had a double parking space. It was enough to park two vehicles. Before buying the RV, I took some measurements of the space and found that I could park a motorhome up to 25 feet in length and bought accordingly. I parked my car in front of it.

Since then, I moved to New Mexico after buying a home on two acres. I built a metal garage for the RV on one acre. So I don't have to pay for RV storage.

For those who can't store their RV (or boat) on their property, either due to space limitations or homeowner association rules, off-site storage is the solution (if one doesn't have a friend or family member with room for storage). 

How much does it cost?

RV Life has posted a new article on the cost to store RVs and boats.

They begin with:

If you’re currently in the planning stages to purchase an RV or boat and you can’t park your boat or RV on your property, then factoring the cost of off-site storage into your budget will be just as important as calculating the cost of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, licensing fees, and taxes.  Storage will just be part of your overall ownership cost. 

 To read the article, go here.

DIY RV Storage Ideas

Above, since my RV bathroom's cabinet is triangular, I bought this to store my toiletries. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that people look for when shopping for a new RV (or a good used one) is how much storage space it has.

Since it is essentially a "house on wheels" and a vehicle, space is limited. But there are ways to adjust to this and easily make the most out of what space the RV has.

Above, the rack in the closet with some room to spare. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Do It Yourself RV has an article with storage ideas to do just that. 

They begin with:

Traveling in an RV is a great way to take your cozy living space on the road. You can enjoy the comforts of home and the great outdoors on the same trip! But, a constant struggle that travelers face is finding the space for all their cargo. To help out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 DIY RV storage ideas that can be implemented into your next trip.

Some of these tips are just simple and cheap products to use, while others include reorganizing the layout of some of your storage spaces. There is more room than you might think in your RV, so let’s look at some ways to maximize every inch of space!

To read more, go here.