Allot of good ideas.
I'd like to share mine. Having had a loaded handgun in the house for the past 32 plus years (active now retired leo) and raising three children, I maintained the exact same habits reference keeping a loaded weapon "at the ready" when I when to sleep. It didn't matter if I was "working 2nd or 3rd watch" in uniform or sleeping semi - normal night time hours when I made Detectives.
Whether it was 38 snub or semi auto, I always kept the weapon in the top drawer of my dresser, in an open soft gun rug, about 5 steps away on my side of the bed. (FYI...The Mrs. has always kept her 38 snub in the closet on her side of the bed.)
I'm right handed so the weapon has / is always positioned on it's left side, with the muzzle pointed away from me. I have found this makes for a smooth, natural initial grip. If it was a semi (model 39, 59, 439, 6909, Beretta 92F, 915, etc.) the safety was always engaged. FYI.....Whenever the weapon was "off" my person the safety was engaged. While on my person, never engaged. Of course if the weapon was a revolver, the "safety" was and still is your finger.
I live in the big city and have all my life. On more than one occasion, I heard a noise, etc. that concerned me enough to get out of bed and arm myself. When I have, I've had to get out of bed, stand up and take 5 steps to reach my weapon. We're talking maybe 5 to 10 seconds total. In this very brief time frame, allot happens with your body. The brain gets more blood and oxygen to it, your eyes adjust to the darkness and your hands / arms regain their coordination. My mind and thought process becomes a bit sharper and I can wipe the "sleep" out of my eyes.
Overall, by placing my weapon a few feet away and not next to my head on the headboard or atop my nightstand, I feel just a little more alert and awake to deal with the situation at hand.
Everybodys different, so what works for me might not work for you. No problem. This habit however has served me well for many, many years plus I have never felt at a disadvantage by keeping my weapon in this location.
IMHO
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S&WCA # 2045
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