Handguns In Safety Deposit Boxes - A Good Idea ?

M

Mike H

New member
Guys,

As I find myself in need of secure storage facilities in the US for my handguns (we currently reside in Britain), I have been advised to use a suitable safety deposit box type facility at a local bank in Pennsylvania.

Now I know of quite a few people who store handguns in this way, but I suspect that they do so without the banks knowledge. I have asked the question of the bank I intend to store at and they have gone scurrying off to their attorney (doesn't everyone these days) to check on the legality of the situation. It initially sent them into a tailspin because after asking if there was any risk of fire or explosion, they stated that it was actually against the law for them to know exactly what any individual stores in their safety deposit boxes, but that it may also be against the law to enter a bank with a handgun, albeit one that is unloaded and in a locked carry case.

Anyone got any experience in this area, views apreciated.

Regards,

Mike H
 
So let me get this straight.....

The bank representative has told you that "we cannot tell you whether or not it is OK to put guns in the safe deposit boxes" ?

I'd say get a different bank that can tell you - the legality of bringing the guns inside is totally up to the bank itself, IINM, under simple trespass rules. So, if they say it's OK with them, then there shouldn't be any other barrier to doing it - just pose it as a hypothetical so that they won't "know" the contents of you box.
 
Years back when the neighborhood I lived in started to get bad, I put the receiver from my full-auto Thompson in a bank safety box.
I brought it in a cardboard box and never told anyone. It's none of their business. If the bank is giving you a hard time, I agree with Futo Ino: find another bank.

Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.
 
I considered this when opening a safety deposit box recently. The box rules for Chase Manhattan basically say that contents are limited to that are: documents which have no inherent value (title deeds, certificates, bonds, etc.; contrast with cash), coins with non-significant face value (numistic (sp?) value), and jewelry. Actual money and other items are forbidden. That said, there is a notable degree of privacy provided, so it is trivial to bring in items in anonymous boxes.

Along the lines of bugout bags and caches, I've wondered if it would be worthwhile to keep a complementary package in a safe deposit box.
 
I kept a number of handguns in a deposit box while I was at college.

No one had any idea. I brought them, wrapped and "weatherized," into the bank in my briefcase, loaded them up, took the box back, and left.

What area of Pennsylvania are you considering for stoage? I would highly recommend a small, independent bank with a solid financial footing.

If you are in the Harrisburg area, I HIGHLY recommend the First National Bank of Marysville. Small, independent, community owned, EXCEPTIONALLY stable, and have rejected numerous purchase overtures over the past 15 or so years.
 
Futo

The girl I spoke to did basically say that she didn't know, but that she will find out. Reading between the lines she appeared to say "hell, who'll know ?" but I have never operated in firearms terms terms on anything but a reasonably solid legal footing.

Mike

The wifes home area (and therefore mine) is in SW Pa Washington/Uniontown/Connellsville/Greensburg townships. Any suggestions for a bank that won't throw us in jail for this locale would be appreciated if you know of any.

Otherwise, I'm still thinking that this is the way to go with this. I'm just sick and tired of buying great handguns, only to have some slick salesman in a gun store grin like a loon when he gives me $250 for a $500 pistol.

I'm sure this practice is very common, I just don't want to hit the headlines back here in Britain as the dumb English bank robber who was so polite he had his gun locked in a box so as not to scare anyone, or the mobster trying to hide a murder weapon - etc etc.

Regards,

Mike H
 
I just asked the girl that didn't marry quite as well I did . She works in a bank and handles the Safe Deposit Boxes there . After a few seconds of deliberation she said " I dunno " . It's the customers business what goes in there . They say don't put cash in there but it is only a suggestion . You pays the costs you bees the boss .
We are in CA and she is not aware of any law that prohibits unloaded weapons on bank property . Other states may have laws concerning .One question that you may want to ask but be sure the reaction will be one of shock . Find out what happens if the bank is purchased or merges while you are out of state or the country for a while on business and that branch is closed due to another office being very close . This can and does happen . If an Uncle or another relative passes away in another country and you are executor of the estate . The estate might be rather vast and require several months of your time to dispose of and distribute portions to those named . If any bank cannot answer this question you may want to keep looking .
 
The contents of a safe deposit box can be levied upon by a sheriff, marshal, constable to satisfy a court judgment for money.
 
Have you looked into other alternatives? A local gun club with a safe on the premises? Many clubs will store your guns for a monthly fee, and many, with your permission, will do PMI's on them once a month to ensure they are in working order. Or even a "good ol' boy" gun smith. Many have safes that would be the envy of the local bank.

I say this because a bank deposit box can be taken under a "warrent". Even if they have the wrong person (you get the same box that a mobster used a year ago), they may still be able to confiscate the gun. (Hey, I'm no lawyer so don't hold it against me if I'm wrong). What about your wifes family? Any good people (aka trustworthy) that can store your arms?

But, on another level.. I don't know what job you have but try to get with a company that has an office in the US. This way, you can stay British but live in the US and have all of our Freedoms; well, for as long as the stand. And, it's cheaper to drive to your Wife's family then to fly from overseas. Of course, you can visit your family overseas but with the knowledge that you can go "home", to great friends I might add (us on TFL), and know you can shoot any time you wish.

Just some thoughts.

USP45usp
 
I checked a while back with a local bank...

I told them I was getting ready to buy a highly collectable high priced firearm (actually thinking of buying an M11/9 subgun), and would it be a problem to store it in one of their safe deposit boxes. They said no problem, they didn't wanna know what was in the boxes.
 
bank security boxes/ Caveat emptor

Gentlemen,
It's not unheard of for items to "dissapear", from safety deposit boxes.

The Financial Institution is not liable, and the only way you can cover potential loss, is by taking out an insurance policy with your agent.

This of course does not apply to CASH.

People who keep coin collections, gold, platinum, silver, diamonds etc, do so at their own risk.

Also, remember the IRS can and often does "Lock down", bank accounts, and this includes safety deposit boxes.

They like to call it "Garnishment".

Best bet, BURY, whatever you are concerned about, and make special note of location, and one you have total control over.
The risk of theft from a Bank deposit box is indeed slim, but DOES happen.

Somethimg for you to consider.........

Also, if ever a time of severe economic crisis/civil unrest were to occur, the first place you will be locked out of is your BANK.

Bingo, you have just lost access.....until they so desire to allow you access.

Banks have the right to legally limit the amount of cash you can withdraw, doesn't matter how much you have in their vaults.

Part of the fractional reserve system.

If, the next time you make a trip to your bank, notice, or ask policy for withdrawals, and what time frames you would be put under at their whims.............

You just think your property and money are "safe".

Of course it's better than keeping it at home, unless you spend some real bucks, and get a really good fireproof safe.

For what it's worth.........
 
When I was younger and before I got a safe, I use to keep my Luger in a safety deposit box.

Here's the problem. While there is no law which I am aware of which restricts placing a firearm in the safety deposit box, should a keyholder of record die, that box cannot be opened. The executor of the keyholder's estate opens it to inventory the contents as part of the deceased's estate. It then goes through probate. Yuck and legal ramifications if you're in a state like NY (must have permit before you can possess). Now, if the keyholder had a living trust and the box was held by the Trust, that's a different matter.
 
Good legal points.

But right now I'm more concerned about walking into a bank carrying a pitol in its lock box, what if I'm searched or challenged etc

Mike H
 
I hate banks. I used to work at one, so I know there is good reason to hate.

For several years I did not have a bank account. The only business I did with banks was to turn my paycheck into cash.

It eventually became so much of a pain in the neck (because the banks made it so) that I had to break down and join the rest of the lemmings and get a checking account.
 
ok ,PA state law is quite clear... if you have a firearms permit (22$ at your county sherrif office) you can carry LOADED into the bank... without the permit a boxed gun (no ammo) is not illegal either. what you put into your box is NOT regulated by state law. the BANK may have various regulations ,which should be checked. but there is no violation of law for simple possetion of an unloaded firearm in a bank.
brandishment or other idiocy with a gun is covered under criminal law. so keep it cased and put the case in the box... home free.( mesure the box and case BEFORE you bring it in)

rms/pa
IANAL(i am not a lawyer) and the above is is not legal advice. in all cases beyond breathing loudly, one should consult with an attorny qualified to practice in your jurisdiction.

PS: a simple "stack on" locking steel case is enough for me
if i ain't home the 1200$ safe ain't enough and the "stack on" will take enough battering for me to wake and investigate.
 
I wouldn't worry about it. Just use some common sense - If they have a metal detector at the door, don't go there. If you're walking from your vehicle to the place, put it in a briefcase or something.

If, while you're gone, they install metal detectors, explain that they'll likely go off when you exit, after you remove some items from your safe deposit box. Banks are moderately hyper about the safe deposit box thing, so they'll 99.9% likely be happy to just ignore you...
 
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