4 Tips For Choosing A Gun Safe

18 January 2017
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A gun safe is a sound investment to deter burglars and protect your family and visitors from accidents. Unfortunately, not all gun safes are created equal, so it can be overwhelming to choose a safe with the right combination of convenience, security, and price. Here are four tips that can help you if you are in the market for a new gun safe.

Buy a Larger Safe Than You Need Now

A gun safe is a large investment, so it is important to think about the future before you buy. If you are like most gun owners, your collection will probably grow over time. Few things can be as frustrating as buying a safe that is big enough to hold all of your guns right now, but that will be too small in a year or two.

In addition to adding more guns to your collection, you can end up needing a larger safe than you expected if you decide to store other valuables in your gun safe. If you don't already have a safe in your home, you may be tempted to store jewelry, important documents, and other valuables until there is no room left for your firearms. Buying a safe that is at least one size larger than you think you need is the best way to avoid buyer's regret.

Choose the Right Lock Type

The lock is the most important feature of any gun safe, so the type of lock that you are looking for should be the first thing that you decide. Most gun safes use one of two locking mechanisms: a mechanical lock with a turn wheel, or an electronic lock with a number pad. Some premium safes even have electronic locks with fingerprint readers for almost instant access.

Electronic locks are considered to be the new industry standard. An electronic lock is just as secure as a mechanical lock as long as you keep your combination safe, and it is also quicker to open in an emergency. The main reason that one might consider a mechanical lock is that they are more affordable. A safe with a mechanical lock may be the best option if the only electronic safes within your budget are too small or lacking other important security features.

Check the Steel Gauge

A gun safe is not the type of product that you should purchase for the lowest price you can find. Budget safes are often made of steel that is so thin that it could be broken into using nothing more than a pry bar. While safes made from thin metal can be manufactured to look very thick, the steel gauge that the safe is made from will usually be listed on a label on the side of the safe. Like shotgun gauges, a lower steel gauge means that the steel the safe is made from is thicker.

Look for a Fireproof Safe

It is easy to forget the threat that a house fire can pose for your gun collection. You should never assume that the safe you are buying will survive a house fire if it is not explicitly labeled as fireproof. Even then, this may simply be questionable advertising by the manufacturer. For a truly reliable fireproof gun safe, you should look for a safe with a UL72 fireproof rating rather than standard drywall fire resistance.

Buying the right gun safe is not difficult if you know the right features to look for, and how to avoid safes that compromise on security. Keep these tips in mind when you buy your gun safe so you find one that provides excellent protection for both your gun collection and your family. Visit a site like http://scscincus.com for more info.