If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact the Colorado Crisis and Support Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255 or go to Colorado Crisis Services to access chat. Help and hope are available 24/7/365.
If you are not located within Colorado, please contact the National Suicide Lifeline at 988.
Information on this website was adapted from materials developed by the SAFETY Study.
About Colorado Out-of-Home Gun Storage Options
This map is to help community members seeking local options for temporary, voluntary firearm storage.
Out-of-home gun storage can be especially helpful to persons in crisis at risk for suicide. In partnership with Pierce’s Pledge, the map below lists businesses that are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage in Colorado and across the United States. This information was collected in Spring 2024.
View Gun Storage MapIf you’re looking for temporary gun storage, we encourage you to contact the listed business for further information. Your local law enforcement agency may also provide temporary gun storage.
If you represent a business or agency that is interested in being listed on this map, please email firearm.injury@cuanschutz.edu.
What are some reasons why gun owners may want to store firearms away from the home?
- They are traveling out of state and want to keep firearms secure while they are away
- A child or adolescent in the home is in crisis and at risk for suicide
- Their grandkids are visiting for a week
- They are divorcing and arguments with their spouse are getting heated
- A family member is experiencing mental health or substance use concerns
- They are listing their home for sale and want firearms to be secure while showings occur
Gun owners can lead the way on safety. The National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends temporary off-site storage for firearms when you are concerned about a loved one. View their brochure on firearms and suicide prevention here.
Where outside the home can guns be stored?
Many places store guns – gun shops, shooting ranges, police departments, and special storage facilities. Pawn shops and self-storage units may also provide storage. This map can help you find some options in your area. In Colorado, guns may also be loaned to a relative as long as the person isn’t prohibited by law from having a gun. Loans to friends are also okay for up to 72 hours; for a non-relative, loans more than 72 hours require a background check (usually at a gun shop).
When I’m looking for out-of-home storage options, what questions should I ask?
Before taking your firearms to a storage location, you should first ask about:
- any costs
- the location’s process for storing
- any limits on how long guns can be stored
- whether a background check will be conducted
Many retailers consider offering storage on a case-by-case basis; please reach out to them to discuss whether they can accommodate your request.
Do not open carry firearms into a police station – always call in advance. Lock firearms in a case or leave them locked in your vehicle while making arrangements with law enforcement. Some locations provide pick-up services; you may inquire about that when you call.
I’m a college student, are there additional options for me?
Many college campus safety departments in Colorado offer gun storage. Inquire with your campus police department to learn more.
Who should I contact if I know of a storage option that isn’t listed on the map?
To add a listing to the map, please contact firearm.injury@cuanschutz.edu.
This resource was a joint initiative of the University of Colorado Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative and the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.
Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition 