📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Gun Laws and Safe Storage

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates in gun laws and storage recommendations. Key changes include new fees, additional requirements for firearm purchases, and the introduction of "red flag" laws in several states. The prior article continues further down the page, detailing gun storage and safety tips.

🔄 New Fees and Costs

In 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raised the Federal Firearms License application fee from $200 to $300. This increase affects anyone looking to obtain or renew their FFL. Additionally, the background check fee for firearm transfers is currently $25 as of 2026.

📜 Red Flag Laws

Between 2024 and 2026, several states, including California and New York, enacted or expanded "red flag" laws. These laws allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals considered a risk to themselves or others. This change highlights the growing emphasis on safety and responsible gun ownership.

⏳ Processing Times

NICS background checks are typically completed within minutes. However, if there is a delay, a firearm transfer can still proceed after three business days. For concealed carry permits, processing times vary; for example, Florida processes applications within 90 days, while Texas may take up to 60 days.

📊 Eligibility Rules

Federal eligibility criteria prohibit certain individuals from purchasing firearms. These include those with felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanants, and individuals under restraining orders. Some states, like California, have additional restrictions, making it essential for buyers to understand their state's specific laws.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🔹 Fee Increases: FFL application fee is now $300.
  • 🔹 Red Flag Laws: More states are implementing laws to enhance safety.
  • 🔹 Processing Times: Background checks usually take minutes; delays allow for transfers after three days.
  • 🔹 Eligibility Criteria: Certain individuals are barred from purchasing firearms under federal and state laws.

💡 Tips for Safe Gun Storage

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

📦 Use a Gun Safe

Investing in a gun safe is crucial for proper firearm storage. Safes keep guns locked away from unauthorized access, especially by children, and protect firearms from theft or damage.

📚 Educate Family Members

All family members should be educated about firearm safety. Teach them about the dangers of guns and establish rules for handling firearms in the house.

🔒 Use Trigger Locks

Using trigger locks adds an extra layer of safety. These locks prevent a firearm from being fired until the lock is removed, making it a good practice for safe storage.

🥇 Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of firearms is important for ensuring safe operation. Cleaning and checking firearms can prevent accidental discharges and extend the lifespan of your guns.

🏡 Store Ammunition Separately

Ammunition should be stored separately from firearms. Keeping them in different locations can further reduce the risk of accidents, especially in homes with children.

🏆 Gun Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services related to firearms and gun safes, focusing on user reviews and experiences. The order follows Trustpilot data, reflecting scores as of October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and it's important to note that unhappy customers may post more frequently, impacting overall scores.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.5 stars. It is known for being a popular online marketplace for firearms and accessories. Users appreciate the wide selection available.

However, some reviews mention delays in customer service response times, which could be important when navigating purchases or inquiries.

🆓 Free Resources

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provides free resources and guidance on firearm laws and regulations. Additionally, the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action offers information on state-specific laws and updates, which can be helpful for understanding local regulations.

🔎 Choosing the Right Service

  • 🔹 User Reviews: Check ratings and read experiences.
  • 🔹 Selection Variety: Look for a wide range of products.
  • 🔹 Customer Support: Consider response times and support quality.
  • 🔹 Guidance Availability: See if resources on laws and regulations are offered.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔍 What are "red flag" laws?

"Red flag" laws allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. These laws aim to prevent potential harm before it occurs.

🔒 How can I safely store firearms at home?

Firearms should be stored in a gun safe to prevent unauthorized access. Using trigger locks and keeping ammunition separate can also enhance safety.

🕒 What is the typical waiting period for firearm transfers?

Some states impose waiting periods before firearm transfers are completed. For instance, California has a 10-day waiting period.

📄 What forms do I need to purchase a firearm?

Buyers must complete the ATF Form 4473. This form requires personal information and authorization for a background check.

🧾 How often do concealed carry permits need to be renewed?

Concealed carry permit renewal requirements vary by state. In Florida, for example, permits must be renewed every seven years.

🔄 What are the federal eligibility criteria for firearm purchases?

Individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms include those with felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanants, and people with restraining orders against them.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Gun Laws

Recent court rulings have impacted the landscape of gun laws and storage requirements. These cases reflect ongoing debates about individual rights and public safety.

You can stay informed about ongoing legislation and rulings by browsing more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





One aspect of gun safety that has proven be just as important as the handling of the firearms themselves is storage. Safely storing a gun is essential in assuring that no one unqualified or inexperienced can gain access to the weapons.


There are various safety precautions that a person may consider when storing a firearm. Many may consider a trigger lock device, which does not allow for the triggering mechanism to engage and discharge the weapon. Another common consideration is a gun safe. Gun safes provide a great choice for storing firearms, along with any other firearm related items, such as ammunition and gun components.

Read This About Storing Your Guns In A Gun Safe

While a trigger lock restricts the firing of the weapon, a gun safe restricts access to the firearm altogether. A gun safe is a secure and protective case or container used to store firearms. More often than not, gun safes allow for the storage of multiple guns, as well as ammunition and components. This option is also a reason why gun safes offer a great storage space because they are typically large enough to hold more than just one gun, opposed to a locked gun case.

Depending on the needs of the individual, a gun safe may be in plain view, or hidden for added security. Their overall purpose is to simply not allow access to firearms to those people who are not qualified to use firearms, or to fall on the hands of those not properly trained in using and handling firearms--i.e.: children. Depending on the needs of the firearm user, there are a variety of options that exist when considering obtaining a gun safe.

Many safes are basic enough to provide for a locking mechanism to secure the firearms from unauthorized users, but others are take into consideration the protection of the firearms themselves from the elements. Also, gun safes also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all manufactured to cater to the specific needs of the firearm owner. Depending if the owner wants added security or if the protection of the weapons is crucial, he/she may want to consider obtaining a high-end gun safe.

A basic gun safe may typically be made out of steel, very much like personal safe boxes, and provide for a locking mechanism normally consisting of either a combination lock or key, or sometimes both. The user can often calibrate the combination code of his/her choosing in to lock, allowing only those with the knowledge of the code able to open the gun safe.

A key-lock mechanism seems to be self-explanatory. However, the basic flaw with these two options is that a combination code can often be figured out or found, and a key may fall into the wrong hands if itself is not a secured. That is why the option of having both mechanisms employed is available. It offers the added security of having two security systems.

Furthermore, this type of system typically requires that in order for the combination dial to be engaged, it must be unlocked by the key. The availability of the system is further advanced by electronic locks. Electronically locked gun safes may differ in several ways, but it is also common for mechanical lock to be used in conjunction of the electric lock for added security.

On the high-tech end of the spectrum, some top-of-the-line gun safes offer security locks that are voice operated, meaning that it only recognizes the sound waves of the user, and the specific password implemented in order to open the safe door. Others also offer fingerprint identification as a means to lock and open the gun safe. These are arguably the most safe in regards of ease of accessibility protection. 

Aside from the locking mechanism options to be considered, the actual construction of the safe itself is important. High-quality steel seems to be the most commonly used in modern gun safes. However, the grade of steel construction can prove to be a factor as well. The thick the steel, the added protection from an individual seeking to break in to the safe.

Some grades of steel also offer fire and water protection, which would prove to be a wanted quality among those who seek to protect their firearms. Gun safes with water protection are also important when considering the possibility for rust. Some offer heated systems for all safes with fire and water protection in order to keep unwanted moisture from collecting within the safe and thus providing an optimum environment for rust to form.

Depending on the need of the individual, some companies may offer the option of providing walk-in gun safes, which also may double as panic rooms. These types of gun safes are typically the top of the line and are often quite costly, so they are not as common as typical container-style gun safes. Gun safes themselves can be constructed to be hidden from sight, such as in existing furniture or closet spaces. This allows for extra security, for only the people within the property can know about the location of the gun safe.

In recent times, gun safes have been a matter of debate when it comes to young children. Though they exist essentially to protect unauthorized users such as children the access to firearms, the gun safes themselves may prove to be a hazard. The argument stands that a young child may be able to get locked inside a gun safe if left unattended or unlocked, thus suffocating the child. However, it is at discretion of the parent to be aware of such a situation and provide for the proper supervision of the child and gun safe to prevent such an occurrence.

The other argument poses the threat of a young child possibly tipping the safe over and having it land on him/her. Though this may prove to be an extreme situation because the gun safes are often too heavy even for a full-grown adult to maneuver with ease, it may have some validity. Again, it is up to the gun safe owner to provide for the necessary precautions to not allow these situations to occur, regardless of their improbability.