The first thing to understand when buying a gun safe is: Not all gun safes are the same. We offer a wide range of high quality safes including those manufactured by reputable companies such as: Fort Knox, American Security (AMSEC), Cannon, Liberty, and several others.
The next question is...What do you want to secure?
- Documents --- The safe should maintain a low internal temperature in the event of a fire. (consider a 90 minute fire rating or higher safe and keep the papers in a Fire Safe for added protection)
- Guns --- Consider the size of your collection, and any future growth before buying. Remember to invest in Sack-Ups® Silicone treated gun socks to protect your guns from moisture and scratching.
- Jewelry --- Jewelers should consider a High Security Safe TL-15 or TL-30.
What should you consider when buying a gun safe?
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The type of lock (Mechanical or Dial Lock, Electronic Lock, or a Biometric Lock)
Each lock has it's specific advantages. The mechanical (dial) lock provide adequate security and an older feel to the safe. The electronic lock provides quicker access, easy to use, higher security, and the owner can customize the code. Biometric locks are the newest addition. Biometric locks utilize fingerprint technology, thereby reducing the need to use a code.
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The number of bolts and diameter of the bolts
All safes have bolts on the doors, and the more bolts and the greater diameter of the bolts means higher security.
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The quality and thickness of the steel and the door thickness.
What is the safe made of? The thicker the steel, the higher the fire rating and the higher the security. An easy way to tell is the door thickness, however this can still be misleading.
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The level of fire rating
Although fire is not the only threat to a safe, it is usually the quality defining feature. Generally the lower the fire rating, the lower the security and the lower the quality safe. Safes are available in several fire ratings ranging from no fire protection to 2 hour fire rating. One thing to observe in a fire rating is the guaranteed internal temperature, as this is where your valuables will be kept.
