OK... Before I go on, I am not suggesting anyone do anything. I am simply sharing how I and those I know, handle the matter of keeping a firearm handy and, away from unauthorized hands at the same time. I hope folks here will take it as such.
First, of course I do have gun safes that are substantial and well hidden. This is where the majority of my toys live.
In my own personal case, I have always tried to be "smart" about such issues. Smarter than the criminal at least. We should keep in mind that, it is pretty rare that our home is going to be hit by some accomplished cat burglar from some romantic novel or movie. More often than not, it is some local crack-head or neighbor kid being cute.
Ask the question... How did Houdini manage to make things vanish, seemingly into thin air? Answer, misdirection. If you think about the average safe, sitting out in the open, it screams "Oh look! Goodies inside". For this reason, I actually own a number of safes that are locked and bolted in various places. Inside of them... Well, one has some Pokemon figures that my kids no longer care for and others have similar junk of no value. However, the average person breaking in will only see a safe and, rushed for time (such folks tend to be in a hurry, go figure), they will focus in on that and leave most other things alone. While I might miss the Pokemon figurines due to some sentimental value, I could get over it.
Again, misdirection. If you come into my home, you will see the typical examples of side-by shotguns, break open revolvers and even a few "newer" bits of firearms history on display. Each and everyone of them, being basically worthless and, unsafe to shoot when I got them, has been "dewated". Actions welded, internals removed and barrels plugged. However, to the average crack-head or kid, these are a "Bingo" moment. Naturally, in keeping with the law, any available serial numbers are noted and pics of each display item are saved.
All this as those firearms that could and would serve for self preservation are well hidden in plain, undesirable items such as one might find in the average home. Couches, radios, planters and the like have no value to the crack-head or local kid. Baseboard trim is not likely to fetch much at the local pawn shop. Just a few ideas, right there.
Cars, being a petrol head and shade-tree mechanic, are always fun. Again, a safe or lock box, however well hidden under normal conditions is still subject to Murphy's Law. Once spotted, as you must assume it will be, it is a huge draw to the baddie. However, if you look at your car or truck, be it new or old, you will notice how much trim it has and, if you check behind that trim, you will discover that most of it covers..well..nothing. In my own vehicles, since I drive older GM muscle cars, these vacant spaces are numerous and used to great effect. In an emergency, a handgun (typically a revolver) is ready to serve in any vehicle I own but, unless you are prepared to basically strip my car down to the bare metal, you are not apt to find it.
Just my 2 Cents.
