Would a locking metal multi-drawer mechanics tool chest satisfy Canadian handgun safe storage laws as a 'safe' and thereby negate the need for individual trigger locks? The big heavy kind you find in the big box hardware stores or auto mechanic shops. The drawer system would be ideal for organizing handguns, mags, parts, ammo etc. But not sure that would count as a 'safe' in their eyes, and trigger locking everything would a hassle.
Locking mechanics tool chest as a handgun safe?
- Thread starter CA125
- Start date
I do not believe what you are proposing would meet the definition. I have thought about it and it would be ideal as you mentioned. However there is legal precedent that was set when a judge ruled that a locking cabinet met the definition of a safe. I can't seem to find the source but I'm sure some one will post it here.
Based on case law, the bar for what is considered a 'safe' is quite low. However, relying on a tool box's internal lock system may be a little too low? No one knows until a case is ruled on by a judge.
If however, you had a tool box with an actual locking metal bar that blocks the drawers from opening, that would likely satisfy the requirement (this would be quite similar to the cabinet in the case mentioned previously by pirate604). But again, until there is a case where a judge has ruled on it, there is no 100% way to know for sure.
If however, you had a tool box with an actual locking metal bar that blocks the drawers from opening, that would likely satisfy the requirement (this would be quite similar to the cabinet in the case mentioned previously by pirate604). But again, until there is a case where a judge has ruled on it, there is no 100% way to know for sure.
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That would be the case involving the late Harry Barnes (aka Johnny Sombrero, of the Black Diamond Riders). The storage of his firearms, including 12-2 class was in modified lockers, the door locking systems being upgraded.
I would not consider a mechanic's tool chest to be a safe, but if you want to give it a go, that would be your decision. Should there be a disagreement winding up in court, maybe you will be as lucky as Mr. Barnes was.
The magic question is if it's a secure locking container or a safe/vault. There problem is there is no definition in regulation.
The difference, is you need a trigger lock when using a secure locking container.
The second magic question is how much lawyer money do you have laying around.
My advice is always, that whatever you store your restricted firearms in, pop on a trigger lock.
The difference, is you need a trigger lock when using a secure locking container.
The second magic question is how much lawyer money do you have laying around.
My advice is always, that whatever you store your restricted firearms in, pop on a trigger lock.
That applies to the sheet metal gun cabinets made by Homak, et al.
Nothing in the regulations requires not movable. It is not even mentioned. The OP is asking if a mechanics tool chest could be considered to be a safe where locking devices on the firearms would not be required.
Also a gift to the lawyers and the rest of the "justice industry" who get to make a good living arguing the interpretation of these cases to set precedents.
- Location
- Vancouver Island
Now, if you had that tool cabinet in a room, designed or modified so as to not be broken into “easily” ( yes, subjective as can be ), then it would add one more layer of security and piece of mind.
Safes. There are fireproof safes, burglar resistant safes, fireproof and burglar resistant safes, and of course safes that just meet the bare minimum requirements of actually being called a safe. Even the latter is legal for handgun storage, albeit, totally useless as a burglar resistant safe.
The question is, do we spend 5k on a safe or $89.99 on a safe for our handguns?
IMO, a portable grinder, zip blade, a pry bar and 10 minutes time are going to mitigate many, many so called “safes”, in no time flat.
To that end, i am considering fabricating my own “safe”, even though any determined thief with said tools and enough time will be able to breach pretty much any smaller handgun safe I could make. The difference is, it wont cost $500 like many other retail handgun safes with a simplex lock set.
Anyone made their own? Chime in!
Safes. There are fireproof safes, burglar resistant safes, fireproof and burglar resistant safes, and of course safes that just meet the bare minimum requirements of actually being called a safe. Even the latter is legal for handgun storage, albeit, totally useless as a burglar resistant safe.
The question is, do we spend 5k on a safe or $89.99 on a safe for our handguns?
IMO, a portable grinder, zip blade, a pry bar and 10 minutes time are going to mitigate many, many so called “safes”, in no time flat.
To that end, i am considering fabricating my own “safe”, even though any determined thief with said tools and enough time will be able to breach pretty much any smaller handgun safe I could make. The difference is, it wont cost $500 like many other retail handgun safes with a simplex lock set.
Anyone made their own? Chime in!
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
