Not a good thing to have with kids around.....But not a bad Idea at all for home protection giving the amount of home invasions these days....I use to sleep with a 45 under the pillow.. decided that was not a good idea so put it between the mattreses with the grip sticking out for a quick grab if needed....keeping them loaded and ready in a safe would take to much time in an emergency sitiuation.... Red you may be able to open the safe in 3 to 5 seconds....The problem is your reaction time to think about going for it,, going to the safe, opening it, reaching in and removing it for whatever reason.....definatly more than 3 to 5 seconds.... the perp is already on you and if he has a weapon already used it on you......it would only take the perp a split second with weapon in hand to react..