Gunsitters - Firearms Storage

[oldguysrule649 397]

Very recently used the services of Gunsitters in Whippany. (www.gunsitters.com).  Wanted to share my positive experience.   Also note they are featured on the 4/30 Gun For Hire podcast #309.  Listen to it as there is a lot of good information discussed.  I have no affiliation with them other than being a new customer.

Last month I and my family (kids, grandkids, etc.) had plans to go to Walt Disney World in Florida for 8 days total.  I have been familiar with Gunsitteres for several years based on their ads in the ANJRPC newletter and NJSafeCon booth but had not previously had occasion to use them.  For this trip, given the distance and time I was going to be away, became very concerned about the safekeeping of my firearms while I was going to be away.

Was planning to bring my firearms to Gunsitters (a 50 mile drive each way for me) a week or two in advance of the trip.  However, my wife arranged for a family member to stay at the house while we were going to be away, so I held off.  However, a two days before the trip that fell through and it was not clear who if anyone would be watching the house or to what extent.  So I became very concerned and the day before departure called Gunsitters.  Spoke to Eric who was very helpful.  Within two hours I arrived at Gunsitters with my firearms.

The paperwork process was straight forward.  It helps if you bring a list of your firearm make, model, and serial numbers as that information needs to be filled out.  I rented one of their lockers(the $75/month size) in their underground vault.  It was sufficent to hold my 4 handguns in cases and can accommodate approx 5 long guns with scopes, etc in their cases.   (If you use just gun socks, could fit many more.)   You yourself will be escorted into the vault and place your firearms into the locker. They never leave your sight during this process.   Their employee then places a padlock on the locker and provides you both of the keys to the lock.  Only you possess the keys.  They retain your payment info as part of the contract, so it will auto-renew each month.  This is a good thing in case you can't get back there promptly or, of course, if you have longer term storage needs. 

They are located on Route 10 East (East of Route 287) and are in the Pine Plaza strip mall.  Their storefront is to the left of The Pancake House.   Park in an available mall parking spot.  Once you discuss your needs and complete the paperwork, their employee will assist you in carrying the firearms from your car into their facility. (I appreciated that as I would have felt very uncomfortable carrying my firearms though a mall parking lot by myself.)  Note my GPS(Google Maps)  first took me to the REAR loading dock area of the mall.  That was not correct.

While on vacation I had great peace of mind knowing my firearms were securely stored.  I did retain one pistol in my pistol safe at home so that I would have a firearm available to me upon my return until I retrieved the rest.

Three weeks later, I called Gunsitters and gave them a heads up that I would be coming to retrieve my firearms.  The process was quick and their employee again assisted me in carrying them to my vehicle.  I departed promptly(No pancakes, lol) and headed home.

They provide a wide range of services for a variety of personal situations.  My lesson learned from my experience is: if you think you have a need to store your firearms(e.g. vacation, home remodeling, other, etc), do not procrastinate.

Hope you found this helpful and informative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Zeke 5,504]

Thank you for the information. 

Good write up!

[TrentonShooter 22]

Thanks for the info. I was looking for a place like this.

[Frank Rizzo 59]

Stopped in there not too long ago, was hanging with a buddy who was doing a transfer.  Very cool place, very cool staff.  Stop in and check them out, they have some cool firearms for sale too. 

[My1stGlock 144]

Just curious does anyone know how this works? Of the three locations listed two are also independent businesses with different names. Is this a franchise operation that is using shared space of the businesses? Is the Whippany location the main location? Just wondering... 

[oldguysrule649 397]

Whippany is the original and main business.  I believe the others are licensed to use the name and business model. Having said that, I think there is nevertheless a strong affiliation.  I myself am very interested in the Pa location. Should any of my firearms or mags magically become illegal to possess in NJ in the future, that is where they will be going, followed my me and the wife eventually.  On yesterday's GunForHire podcast, it was mentioned that the Pa location is doing a brisk business of NJ residents storing their NJ illegal/Pa legal  firearms there. Eg store them there, shoot at a Pa range, then return them there before returning to NJ.

[BobA 1,235]

What was the cost for how many pieces? 

[My1stGlock 144]

Old guy do you know how it would work out if the place of business "hypothetically" went out of business? Was there any verbage in their contracts about this? How would the laws work on a state level and a federal level as far as items we owned and now in their possession? Sorry to crap on your thread but I am interested but also curious about the implications. I did not see anything about it on their website.


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[oldguysrule649 397]

13 hours ago, BobA said:

What was the cost for how many pieces? 

See my original post above  for cost in my instance and my estimate of pieces IN CASES.  Recommend you refer to their website for their official estimate of pieces (firearms not in cases) and the various sizes and pricing available.  They do have the capability to store very large collections.  

[oldguysrule649 397]

12 hours ago, My1stGlock said:

Old guy do you know how it would work out if the place of business "hypothetically" went out of business? Was there any verbage in their contracts about this? How would the laws work on a state level and a federal level as far as items we owned and now in their possession? Sorry to crap on your thread but I am interested but also curious about the implications. I did not see anything about it on their website.


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I will look at my contract later today and update you.  I suspect a scenerio where any business that has possession of your firearms and goes out of business would be a very stressful and very challenging time consuming affair to get your guns back. (The former Brick Armory comes to mind.). That said, Gunsitters struck me as a  professional organization. When I first arrived there, if there was anything that caused me concern, I would have just turned around and driven back home.  Again, I strongly recommend you listen to the GFH podcast where they were the featured for the entire show.

To be clear, I am only trying to give my objective observation based on my recent experience.  Am not trying to go out of my way to promote them.    Each person needs to weigh their situation and risks and and decide accordingly.  For example, if you sense a deteriorating domestic situation at home (even if you are not directly involved) that could result in your firearms being siezed in the dark of night by your local PD, a service such as this could be invaluable and provide great piece of mind.  That is just one of many examples that has been discussed on various GFH podcasts.

 

[My1stGlock 144]

Understood and I will definitely listen to the podcast. Brick Armory was exactly what popped into my mind. Although it's slightly different because you are renting space versus FFL transfers or is it the same? Will dig further......

[oldguysrule649 397]

13 hours ago, My1stGlock said:

Understood and I will definitely listen to the podcast. Brick Armory was exactly what popped into my mind. Although it's slightly different because you are renting space versus FFL transfers or is it the same? Will dig further......

I looked over the contract.  There was no specific verbiage concerning a going out of business scenerio.  Recommend you call and speak with them directjy regarding that.  

[bdhszy1 18]

I used them last month, and was very happy with their facility. About the size of the lockers, I used a small locker, about the size of a tall gym locker and it held three long guns and six pistols. The long guns were in soft cases and the pistols were in the hard shell cases they came in, and they just fit in with a little effort. I would suggest having your pistols in the smallest cases you have, or doubling up two pistols in a case if you can. Also the lockers are rented by the month only, but it was still worth it even though I was only going to be out of town for two weeks.

[Maksim 1,504]

Sounds like a good place.  Will reach out to them to see about them being a vendor on here too.

Thank you for the detailed writeup and review of the place.