I see what you are saying about not letting guns fall into the wrong hands, but what good will my gun locked in a gun safe do me if someone were to break into my house? I’d much rather have the gun in my nightstand drawer.
When you and your gun are in the house, the nightstand drawer (or anywhere else easily accessible) is where it belongs.
When you are out of your house and the gun is still there, an easily accessible place is not the proper place for it. That’s why I have a gun safe.
If all you have is one handgun there are small safes that are very secure and easily concealable in your home. Mine weighs 800lbs. empty so I’m not too worried about someone making off with it...
They make some amazing no-key gun safes designed for things like nightstand drawers or bolting to the side or bottom of the bed. touch your fingers in the right order, and you’re in. One-handed operation.
Other poster was right about lockin’ em up (and not just in something like this).
If they’re not on me or with me at the range, they’re locked up.
When you come home in the evening, take the shotgun with 18 inch barrel and pistol grip stock out of the safe, load it with five rounds of #6 shot and place it on the nightstand. Some here will protest the use of #6 but if you can see him, #6 at close quarters will put anyone down without overpenetrating into your neighbors unit. Even in my own home, I wouldn't go larger than #4 shot.
In close quarters, a shotgun has a powerful psychological effect. Just the sound of a shotgun shell being chambered will cause most pistol armed men in another room to flee.
When you wake up in the morning, unload the shotgun and return it to the safe for the day. Take your pistol and have it on you and ready for use prior to walking out the front door.