Subject: Re: You are your own first responder
'if they're locked then I can't use them when an intruder assaults me'

Minor quibble: biometric release safes allows instant access to one's trusty old gov issue 1911 ACP, or an expensive modern version.

Unless one carries 24/7, a metal gun safe thru-bolted to the studs is the only responsible way to keep the kid from finding it while searching for XMAS presents, stashed in a shoe box on the top shelf of Dad's closet. That safe bolted to the studs, makes your favorite zombie zapper MORE accessible than the shoebox on the top shelf of the bedroom closet.
Unless kiddo chops off Dad's finger while he's in a drunken stupor, the kid isn't sneaking out the Glock to shoot Mrs. Murphy as she passes out apple juice and graham crackers after nap-time.

Safe, well-regulated, opens at the tap of a fingerprint, ready for the zombie apocalypse.