When it comes to gun safes, it’s all about construction. Indeed, what the safe is made of and how it is all put together should be one of the first things you look at. Many safes appear safe, giving the illusion of impenetrability. However, while this does deter some people, such as amateur burglars just looking for a quick buck, the simple look of security does not do the trick. So when you are looking for the perfect gun safe, be sure to follow these steps while you’re narrowing down the big boys from the lightweights.
It’s All About the Material
The very first thing you should look at when considering a gun safe is what kind of material it’s constructed of. There are many different materials out there which all proclaim that they are the best. While this is true in some cases, you wouldn’t trust a wood gun cabinet with plate glass to protect your prized arsenal. So make sure you check the material. Light metals such as aluminum will bend under immense pressure. They also do not shield heat very well. So confirm that a gun safe is composed of steel. These heavy metals will protect your valuables much easier.
How Thick is It?
Once you have found a safe built of steel, you will then need to find out how thick the metal is. This is probably the most important aspect of a safe as it needs to be thick enough to stop a bullet but not so heavy that transport becomes a hassle if you want to move it. So you want to be sure that you are getting the right gauge of steel: twelve-gauge should be the minimum, which is the equivalent of 7/64th of an inch. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and heavier the steel is.
Keeping It All Together
Of course, the locking mechanism is also extremely important. When breaking into the steel itself does not work, robbers will sometimes go after the lock. In fact, with the right tools, some of them might just go for the lock right off the bat. So you want to ensure that the lock is extremely secure. If you are looking at a manual lock using a number combination, make sure it is at least a UL listed Group 2 lock. If you have an electronic lock, make sure you program only a primary number combination of at least six numbers. Also, make sure that it locks down after a certain number of tries or in the event of a hack. By following these tips, you should be able to find a well-constructed safe that will keep your weapons and valuables protected.
Start today by looking at our large selection of gun & rifle safes. Be sure to contact us or call us at 800-207-2259 if you ever have any questions.
