A locking mechanism for securing for use an item selected and retrieved from an opening in a storage device configured for storing one or more items, includes a tubular shaft extending from the opening in the storage device for receiving the selected item from the storage device. A passageway is defined within the tubular shaft for facilitating travel of the selected item from the opening in the storage device to an end of the shaft opposing the opening. At least one locking block and stop is configured for securing the selected item at the end of the tubular shaft opposing the opening.