Guns In Bank Safety Deposit Boxes?

Twenty six years ago, I had to make a carreer change, and knew my time at home would be very limited. I also knew the chances of my home being broke into and what ever was portable and worth taking would be lost, so inquired, eventually located one bank which had large 2 x 3 foot lockers, 6 feet tall in one vault. These lockers required the normal two keys to open, were built of light sheet metal, but were inside the traditional bank vault, with a dehumidifier keeping moisture level down.
I explained why I desired to rent such a large box, and no one seemed to have a problem with my storing numerous long guns as well as quite a few pistols.
After very thourough cleaning, excessive oil left on them, bagged and boxed up hand guns, laid out long guns in trunk of car, in layers with moving pads between layers, and drove to the bank.
Went inside, opened up the box, and then made sure employees knew I would be making multiple trips in, toting guns. No one seemed to have a problem, and everything was placed inside the locker.
Eventually I retired, then purchased a suitable home and ordered a large gun safe, so went over to retrieve the assortment of guns. Many had not been handled during the storage, but most had. No problems with rust or damage, except had problems getting excess CLP Break Free out of small areas. When I went to retrieve my assortment, I again informed the employees, and started to make the many trips out to the car, toting firearms, but this time a nervous person did call the local law, and things were a bit tense for a few seconds, then with an officer standing guard, my wife, the branch manager, and I all toted guns, to finish up as rapidly as possible.
Now there had been 22 years time difference, and I should also note that I live near the border with an adjoining state, and this bank was across the state line. Today, I would not attempt what I did back then, as there were many official questions of why I had over 40 long guns, and acually more than that number of pistols, and was crossing state lines. Oh yes, all of my ammo supply was there also.
Looking back on the incident, I was lucky, would not attempt it again.
 
Originally posted by Texas Star:
I read somewhere that it is a Federal crime to take a gun into a bank. Anyone know?

SIG-P-220? LadyFed?

No, there is no Federal Law that prohibits firearms in banks. Federally owned property is a different story.
 
FYI, anything in your safe deposit box is not covered by the bank(as they have no clue what was in there), you can put whatever you want in(well not body parts) in your box...but at YOUR risk, bank aint on the hook for anything.

all I keep in mine is titles and some old coins.

no issues here with packing in the bank, they know I carry..and have stayed at the bank when some odd balls(just kinda crazy folks) came in.......I have a personal interest in this bank, but know better than to stop a robbery, which almost happened, walked out 5 min before it was robbed last year.
 
The only concern I would have as we have refinished MANY guns for folks over the years that had "stored" guns in banks, there are issues with humidity control, and there can and will be "rust issues" so protect them, and check them from time to time...........
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I'd call the bank and inquire. "Yes, hello, sir, I'm a long time customer and may interested in getting a safe deposit box in order to store a few valuable guns."
 
All the reputable spies do it. Also need a couple of different identities w/passports and cash from several different countries.


....and maybe a toothpick.



....and a small pack of gum. That should do it.
 
Originally posted by dant:
we have refinished MANY guns for folks over the years that had "stored" guns in banks, there are issues with humidity control, and there can and will be "rust issues" so protect them, and check them from time to time.

I'm not seeing it as being any different than any home safe environment, but probably a little better. Banks do have temperature and humidity control systems, and when one goes on the fritz, they immediately call in professional help to restore the climate.

Banks are probably better than basements and surely better than garages. Fire hazards are probably less, too.

Back to the water proofing issue. I think most bank vaults are very well sealed for minor water issues like rain, sprinklers and what not. I don't think they'd do very well if submerged for days on end. At least that's my theory.
 
I have kept a few heirloom guns in my safety deposit box for over 20 years. My bank is fine with it. I removed the stocks, coated tham with RIG, and put them in ziplock bags; not a spot of rust.
 
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