Today, we’re going to settle one of the most common debates among shotgun owners — and one that gets people fired up fast. How do you store your home-defense shotgun so it’s both safe and instantly usable when seconds count? There’s a simple, practical answer that’s been around for decades, trusted by cops, military personnel, and experienced shooters. It’s called Cruiser-ready — and I’ll walk you through exactly how it works, why I prefer it, and what makes it the safest and most efficient way to keep a shotgun ready for home defense. The term "Cruiser-ready" comes from how police often keep shotguns in their patrol cars: with the magazine tube full, the chamber empty, the slide open, and sometimes the safety on. But I suggest keeping the safety off. This way, if you need the gun fast in an emergency, you just grab it, pump a round into the chamber, and it’s ready to shoot.