As a gun owner, your safety is not only important but also your legal responsibility. It is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to your firearms, especially if you have kids in the house. Gun safes come in as a solution to such challenges by providing a secure storage option for guns. But, what makes a gun safe “good” and how do you select the best one? In this blog post, we shall take a deep dive into the features that define the best gun safes and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed choice.
Size and weight
The size of the gun safe is an essential aspect to consider when selecting one. As a rule of thumb, it should have sufficient internal storage to accommodate your current gun collection and provide room to expand. Additionally, the weight is also critical as it impacts the level of security provided by the safe. A heavy safe is harder to move or steal compared to a lighter one.
Lock mechanism
The lock mechanism is the second most crucial feature determining the quality of a gun safe. The three common types of locks are; mechanical, electronic, and biometric locks. A mechanical lock uses a dial and lock combination, the electronic lock uses a keypad, while a biometric lock uses fingerprint scanning to open the safe. Each of these locks has its pros and cons, and the selection depends on personal preferences, budget, and the level of security desired.
Steel thickness and construction
The steel thickness and construction of a gun safe determine its level of durability, resistance to forced entry, and fireproofness. The steel thickness is measured in gauge and is inversely proportional to the gauge number. Thus, a thick steel gauge equates to a strong and secure safe. Additionally, advanced construction features like continuous steel walls, anti-pry tabs, and re-lockers improve the safes’ resistance to forced entry and damage.
Fire rating
A gun safe’s fire rating indicates how long the safe can withstand extreme heat or fire engulfment and still protect the guns inside. The fire rating is usually expressed in minutes and can range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. A gun safe with a higher fire rating is more secure against fire damage, but it comes with an increased cost.
Price
Price is a significant consideration when purchasing a gun safe. The best safe should provide a balance between the features and functions it offers and its price. Gun safes range in price, from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Generally, the more advanced and secure the safe, the higher the cost. As a gun owner, it is essential to focus on purchasing a quality, secure, and durable safe that meets your budget.
Conclusion
Gun safes are essential to responsible gun ownership. Selecting the right one can be a daunting task, given the numerous options and features to consider. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the crucial features such as size and weight, lock mechanism, steel thickness and construction, fire rating, and price. By considering these features, you can equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to make a wise purchase that provides optimum gun protection and peace of mind.
