My brother and I were raised at a time when firearms were located throughout our home. Our parents, like so many of their generation, were hard working folks. They were making a living and helping to move the country from wartime status to helping the country grow. However our parents never lost sight of what it took to raise two inquisitive boys.
As my brother and I grew up, Dad decided it was time to purchase a gun cabinet. At first glance it appeared to be a “floor model”. That was until it was anchored to the wall as far as it would go. At the time we didn’t give much thought as to its lofty location.
we were then given an instruction. “You boys understand the guns in this house are off limits, unless I am with you,” Dad said. Yes sir was our reply. And heaven forbid if we broke the rule. If we did there were consequences, and they wouldn’t be pleasant.
Dad’s gun cabinet was constructed with plywood and it had two glass doors that could be locked. For the times the cabinet served its purpose. Over time things have changed and many have turned to a different way to store firearms.
Safes specifically designed to secure firearms is the preferred choice.
Today there are a number of good models to choose from. However it’s wise to do a little homework before making a purchase.
First, look for heavy construction. Wall thickness with a minimum of 10-gauge steel and double-wall or quad-wall fire protection construction is best. The thicker the walls and doors, the better the safe can withstand a fire or forced entry.
Check to see if the safe being considered has been tested by U.L. Laboratories and has passed the U.L. Residential Security Container test.
Why is this important? This means that in the event of a fire, the temperature inside the safe will remain low enough that the contents are less likely to be damaged by high temperatures inside the safe. To be sure a safe can offer this protection, look for fire seals around the door and insulation between the wall panels.
The design of the safe’s door is also important, since this is where the locking mechanisms and hinges are located. Doors should be recessed with a seamless body construction. Most quality safes rely on locking bolts along the top, sides and bottom of the door for maximum security. The greater the number of locking bolts, the harder the safe is to open forcibly. Also size matters. The locking bolts should be shielded and be at least one inch in diameter and chrome plated for extra strength.
Another feature on a quality safe are the hinges. These are usually the first point attacked by burglars. Better safes feature internal hinges that are impossible to pry apart, cut with a torch, or wedge apart. Doors that incorporated ball bearings as part of their hinges are smoother and easier to operate.
Quality locks are important, and the type of lock will vary from safe to safe. Combination locks are the most common, but some safes come with key locking dials. Others use electronic digital locks. All require that the owner memorize a combination or number sequence.
A new twist and one that some consider an improvement on safes is the “swim test”. A number of safes are now rated to withstand water. The test is not designed to be water tight when completely submerged, but rated to least hold back water for a specific period of time. And that could be an important consideration if the safe is located in a basement.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. There are a number of safes on the market that are manufactured offshore. While these safes will work in general, the side walls of many of these safes are generally thinner than the domestic models.
The choice is yours, so pick a safe that offers a variety of internal layouts with racks to hold guns and shelves to hold cameras, jewelry, and other valuables. Some layouts can hold up to 56 guns or more, but most buyers opt for a combination of shelves and gun racks and less storage capacity. Other accessories such as electric dehumidifiers can provide anti-rust protection and protect against moisture buildup.
When considering the size of a safe, always purchase a safe as big as your budget will allow. After all, you just may purchase a new gun or two over the years to come. Also it is amazing just how many additional valuables will make their way into your safe. Besides, this is a purchase you don’t make every day.
Keep in mind that quality safes can weigh from 500 to 1,300 pounds or more depending upon size and construction. So placement within the house is an important consideration. Believe me, or ask anyone who has moved one of these brutes, it is challenging moving the safe from the truck to the doorstep, let alone to where it will be placed in the home.
Statistics have shown that the sales of firearms and ammunition continues to climb. That fact was reflected at the SHOT Show in January. The sales and orders for firearms and gear continues to grow, and that trend is expected to continue. It makes sense as a responsible owner of firearm(s) to secure your firearms in a responsible manner.
For about the combined price of several decent firearms you can purchase a quality gun safe. It is a purchase that will last and provide security for a lifetime. Believe me, it’s a great investment and provides for a little extra peace of mind.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
