My name is Dominic Schwebs and I'm with SafeAndVaultStore.com. I'm going to give you seven things to consider before buying a gun safe. 

Finding a gun safe can be challenging. There are so many things to consider such as your budget, fire ratings, steel thicknesses, how many guns you're going to store, and things like that. So, how do you find a gun safe that works for you?

1. Budget

The first thing to consider is your budget. What you can afford will determine the best options available in your price range. Even if you decide after researching that you need something a little more expensive, at least you have a starting point on where you can start looking for gun safes.

Q: What if I have a limited budget?

A: If you have a limited budget, focus on the essential features like fire protection and security. You may have to compromise on some of the extra features or the size of the safe.

Q: Is it worth investing in a more expensive gun safe?

A: It depends on the value of the items you're storing and your long-term needs. A higher-quality safe may provide better protection and last longer, making it a worthwhile investment.

2. Number of Rifles

The next step is determining how many rifles you want to store inside your gun safe. Remember to account for growth as you're going to add more rifles in the future and probably other items like paperwork and valuables and things like that, and they require more space. You don't want to buy something too small and then have to always upgrade it later. 

Remember that rifles with scopes also take up an extra gun slot. So, for example, if the gun safe says it can hold 22 rifles, that's equivalent to 11 rifles with scopes, so you want to keep that in mind. You also don't want your rifles banging into each other and maybe causing damage to the optics or scratches to your rifle.

Q: What if I only have a few rifles?

A: If you only have a few rifles, you may opt for a smaller gun safe or even a gun cabinet. However, consider your future needs and whether you plan to expand your collection.

Q: How do I account for other items I want to store in the safe?

A: When determining the size of the safe, think about the other valuables you want to store, such as important documents, jewelry, or other items. Make sure to choose a safe with enough space to accommodate these items as well.

3. Fire Rating

The next step is to figure out how long of a fire rating you need. A gun safe with a fire rating means it has fire material in between the steel walls. It's either going to be a drywall material or a concrete composite material. Both types are designed to keep the heat out of the inside of the safe. 

If you're in the city, a one-hour fire rating is going to be plenty as the fire department is going to get there in time to put some water on the fire and cool it down. A two-hour fire rating might be a better choice if you're out in the country where it's going to take the fire department longer to get to you. You might also consider a longer fire rating if you live in a state with frequent forest fires such as California or Washington.

Rifles are not the only thing that you're going to want to protect from a fire. You might also be storing important paperwork or valuables. The fire tests ensure that the inside temperature does not exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You might also check where the safe manufacturer had the fire test done. If you want real fire protection, consider safes tested by a reputable company like Intertek ETL. You're going to see these stickers on the inside of the door on the gun safe that say one hour, two hours, 90 minutes, etc.

Q: What if I live in an apartment building?

A: If you live in an apartment, a one-hour fire rating should be sufficient, as the building's fire suppression systems and the proximity of fire departments can help control the fire.

Q: Are there any other factors to consider when choosing a fire rating?

A: In addition to your location, consider the materials used in the construction of your home. If your home has a lot of flammable materials, you may want to opt for a higher fire rating.

4. Security

The next thing to consider when buying a gun safe is the security protection. How secure do you need it? Security is just as important as fire protection. How secure you want your gun safe depends on your budget and the value of the items you're putting inside. Here are some security features to look at:

- The steel thickness: The thicker the steel, the more secure your gun safe will be and the longer it will take someone to break in. The higher the gauge, the thinner the metal. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. 

- The bolt work: The more bolts, the longer and the thicker they are, the harder the door will be to pry open. 

You might also look for some other features like:

- A hard plate, which sits between the outside steel and the lock. It's going to make it harder for someone to drill the safe open. 

- A drill-resistant lock.

- A relocker that's something that'll fire if someone's tampering with the locking mechanism. That's going to lock up the bolts and keep the safe from opening. 

You might also see different burglar ratings on the safes as well, such as an RSC rating (Residential Security Container). This is a physical test done on the safe door and you're going to see these labels on the inside of the door. You can go to our website to learn more about what the different burglar ratings mean. We have a page specific for that.

Q: What is a good steel thickness for a gun safe?

A: Look for gun safes with at least 10-gauge steel or thicker. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. For example, 7-gauge steel is thicker than 10-gauge steel.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to having a safe with thick steel?

A: Gun safes with thicker steel tend to be heavier and more expensive. This may be a consideration if you have weight restrictions in your home or a limited budget.

5. Lock Choices

The next thing to consider is the lock choices. What lock is best for you? There are many different lock options to choose from and each one comes down to personal preference. Each lock has pros and cons, so you have to decide which one works best for you.

- The dial combination lock is a mechanical lock. You want to make sure it's rated UL Group 2. This lock is the most reliable because the technology has been around for over a hundred years. You'll also see a key cylinder in the lock. That's a key locking dial and just adds an extra level of security by allowing you to lock that dial.

- The next lock choice is a digital electronic lock. This lock is becoming more popular because it's going to give you the quickest access to your firearms in an emergency. You can also change the combination at any time. Make sure the electronic lock is UL rated Type 1. 

- Another lock choice is a biometric lock. This allows you to not have to worry about forgetting a combination or losing a key. All you need to do is swipe your fingerprint and it gives you immediate access to your firearms.

Q: Can electronic locks fail?

A: Yes, electronic locks can fail due to dead batteries or other issues. It's essential to choose a safe with a backup key or combination lock in case of electronic lock failure.

Q: Are biometric locks reliable?

A: Biometric locks have become more reliable in recent years, but they can still have issues with reading fingerprints accurately. It's important to choose a high-quality biometric lock and to enroll multiple fingerprints for access.

6. Location

The next step is to choose your location. Where should you put your gun safe? The location of your gun safe is essential because you want to ensure it's in a place where you can easily access it, but not a place where a burglar would first check. If you put your gun safe in an area that's hard to access, you may not even put your items into it that need protection. 

One of the most secure places to put your gun safe is in a basement bolted to the floor. A primary bedroom closet may be convenient, but it might be the first place a burglar is going to check. You might have to consider the weight too when you're thinking about the location. A thousand pound gun safe or heavier may be too heavy if it's going on a second or third floor, so you have to consider that also.

Q: What if I don't have a basement?

A: If you don't have a basement, consider placing the safe in a room or closet that is not easily accessible or visible from the main living areas of your home. You can also bolt the safe to the floor or wall for added security.

Q: Should I hide my gun safe?

A: While it may be tempting to hide your gun safe, it's more important to focus on the safe's security features and to bolt it down. Hiding the safe may make it more difficult for you to access in an emergency.

7. Options

Finally, choose the options that you need. Some gun safes offer different color options, hardware options, handles, jewelry cabinets, and more. If you're worried about humidity, you may also want to add a dehumidifier rod. A light kit illuminates your items if it's going in a dark area. There are many different options to choose from that allow you to customize your gun safe.

Q: Are gun safe accessories necessary?

A: While gun safe accessories are not always necessary, they can enhance the functionality and protection of your safe. Consider your specific needs and budget when deciding on accessories.

Q: Can I add accessories to my gun safe later on?

A: Some accessories, like dehumidifier rods or light kits, can be added to your gun safe after purchase. However, it's best to consider your needs upfront and choose a safe that accommodates those accessories if possible.

As you can tell, not all gun safes are created equal. There are many things to consider before buying a gun safe. Safe and Vault Store tries to make it easier for you. If you have any questions, give us a call at 800-207-2259. Thank you for watching. My name is Dominic with Safe Vault Store.