Long Live the King!

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 15th, 2011

Last Thursday was a special day at the GunSafes offices. On that day, we said goodbye to a dear friend.

The Pendleton King was a tall drink of water, a six-foot high 40-gunner with a substantial girth.

The thing most people asked when they saw him was “Is that a tanning booth?” Tanning booth, no, but a sweet round gun safe, with a revolving rack inside, plus interior light, yes.

The Pendleton was the kind of safe you would own if you were an international spy, or maybe a very important monetary fund manager.

The thing about this particular round gun safe is that it was a one-of. It was our showroom model for many a year, and in between now and then, Pendleton changed the design of the King.

But last week, someone finally scooped him up and took him home.I can’t say as I blame them. Amongst gun safes, the Pendelton King is kind of a superstar. It just looks amazing, to start with. A round safe is not very common in the industry. Plus, the special features are just a knockout. Not to mention Pendleton has a reputation for strength and durability. Combine all this, and you’ve got the luxury sedan of the gun safe world.

It wasn’t easy to see him go, but we’re quite happy that the King now has his own kingdom of firearms to protect.

Never fear, though, if you like the sounds of a round gun safe with a revolving rack, Pendleton has a shiny new model for this year. You may not be able to tan in it, but with dedicated tiers for long guns and pistols, interior light, and spinning at the touch of a button, I don’t think you’ll much miss the UV feature.

Pendleton has changed a few things with the new model, but they’re still offering a beautiful safe with great security features. So long live the new King!

Biometric Safes

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 10th, 2011

In the world of guns and gun safes, few topics are as divisive as biometric safes.

Those who love them, really love them, and those who don’t, well, they just really don’t.

The benefits of a fingerprint recognition safe are, of course, that it is nearly impossible for an unauthorized person to gain access. Each safe is coded to accept only the prints you wish it to recognize. This also means you can have remarkably quick access to your safe–a big plus if you’re using it to store your home security weapon.

Smaller fingerprint-recognition safes are generally more popular than full-sized safes, but the big boys are out there, and many find them to be a secure and convenient option for storing gun collections and important documents.

People who dislike biometric safes cite the possibility of not being able to get into it when they need to, or a battery going dead at an inopportune time. Though these are valid points, with better technology as well as options like direct AC connectors with battery back-up, these issues become a little less relevant each day.

Is a biometric safe right for you? Check out our video to see some of the features, then go to our biometric page to check out all the styles and brands available.

Barska Biometric Safes

When Security Matters

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 8th, 2011

Here at GunSafes, we don’t really endorse one brand of safe over another. There are so many models and styles of gun safe, in so many price points, that what works for you might not work for someone else.

We can say, though, that most of the time, you get what you pay for. Just look at this post from a public firearms forum:

“I live in a rural area where there are no neighbors to hear an alarm. Last year on May 19 my home was broken into. My Browning safe put up a good fight and won, but unfortunately my Cannon safe gave up 13 long guns, two pistols, and a laptop computer. Please don’t think just any old safe is really safe. I lost a lot of family history that day because ‘it would never happen to me,’ and I tried to save a dollar. I now know the meaning of priceless. Spend the money buy a quality gun safe.”

I’m not here to tell you that Browning is better that Cannon, or that a $3,000 safe is going to work better for you than a $1500 safe. I will say that there is a difference in manufacturers, and a difference in prices. You also can’t compare Cannon’s cheapest model with Browning’s most expensive.

What you can do, though, is research exactly what you  need. Decide beforehand the amount of space you require. Are you more concerned with fire or theft? Does a standard dial lock suit you, or would you be better served with an electronic lock? Only you can decide the features and degree of protection you need.

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, give us a call or open a chat window. Nobody knows more about gun safes than the reps at GunSafes.com

You tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll give you the straight dope. Whether your priority is saving money or saving your legacy, we’ll make sure you find exactly what you need.

Our goal is your satisfaction, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your valuables are protected. When security matters to you, give us a call.

Best Prices, Best Practices

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 1st, 2011

Why is it that GunSafes.com has the best prices on gun safes?

To start, we are the top retailer of gun safes on the internet. Moving so many safes means we can narrow our margins, thereby offering our customers better prices.

In addition, we do not charge sales tax (unless you live in our home state, Idaho) and shipping is free.

We have a small team of dedicated and knowledgeable gun safes sales reps, who know the products inside and out, and who maintain close relationships with all our gun safes manufacturers. So not only do you get the benefit of their combined years of experience, you also have powerful advocates who can exert their influence should any issues arise.

We also have special relationships with our shippers, and because we do a lot of business with them, they can offer us the best possible prices on both curbside and white glove delivery.

Best of all, should you find a better price on a gun safe, GunSafes.com will do our best to price match it.

GunSafes has made a science of easy ordering, customer support, quick delivery, and simple returns. We also provide technical support throughout each step of the process.

At GunSafes, our goal is to make online shopping easy and pleasant. That’s why we offer the most brands and models, the most friendly and helpful sales reps, and, of course, the best prices on gun safes.

Super Secret Safes

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJuly 19th, 2011

If you’ve seen even a handful of mystery movies,  no doubt you have witnessed the scene: someone carefully moves the oil painting aside,  revealing a safe,  then procedes to open it,  placing the very important item inside,  securing it,  then taking a quick look around to make sure no one was looking.

In the movies,  someone always knows the combination,  or finds a way to thwart the plan,  usually with the old switcheroo.

In real life,  wall safes are a great option,  and not just because they look cool and add an air of mystery.

Wall safes have the advantage of being out of sight,  giving you one more layer of protection from would-be thieves. Wall safes are also easy to access,  since there is no bending or stooping required. Since wall safes are smaller than traditional safes,  they are much easier for the average homeowner to install.

GunSafes.com has a great selection of wall safes,  as well as other types of diversion safes. Check them out here: http://www.gunsafes.com/Wall-Safes.html

For tips on installing wall safes,  visit our GunSafes Wiki: http://www.gunsafes.com/Installing-Wall-Safes-is-Easy.html

You don’t have to be a double agent or a minister of finance to have a wall safe,  just an Average Joe who wants security and convenience.

Rifle Rods

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJuly 12th, 2011

If you’re having trouble getting your guns to fit, or you just want a better way to stack and organize them in your safe, check out Rifle Rods.

These ingenious little devices are rods that you insert into the rifle barrel, then Velcro into place. Super easy to install, super easy to remove.

The Rifle Rod starter kit comes with loop fabric that you simply staple to the shelf of your gun safe. Drop a rod into your rifle, position your rifle where you want it, and press the Velcro end onto the fabric. Simple as that.

Check out this video for a demonstration of how quick and easy Rifle Rods are:

Console Vault

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJuly 11th, 2011

Lately, news of the recession has reminded me of Michael Corleone’s quote in the Godfather III “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” These days, it seems like any time the country take a few steps forward, we take a step back into economic trouble. What’s a person to do?

Well, one thing the experts say will help is to buy American. Supporting U.S. manufacturers means your money stays in the loop and helps reinforce our economy.

One company that makes great products at great prices right here in the U.S. is Console Vault. Based out of Nevada, Console Vault has been manufacturing safes and vaults for over 8 years, and outfits some pretty well known companies, such as the CIA, FBI, U.S. Marshalls Office, and the U.S. Army.

You may not be on missions quite so secretive and crucial, but chances are, if you carry a firearm for personal protection, you’re constantly struggling with how to safely store and access your pistol when travelling. Console Vault has the answer—actually, several answers.

Console Vaults are locking inserts that fit into your vehicle’s console without modification. Console Vault has more than two dozen styles to fit a wide variety of vehicles, and offers their vaults in key lock or combination lock models. If they don’t have a vault that fits your model, there’s always the “universal” fit option.

Console Vaults fit inside your vehicles console while still allowing the lid of your console to open and close normally. They also feature a spring-assisted lid, so when you need to get into your vault, you can do so quickly.

Console Vaults are fabricated from 12-gauge cold-rolled plate steel with welded tab and notch seams, and feature a drill-resistant locking system.

Not having to modify your vehicle mean less chance of a thief spotting your vault, giving you an extra edge.

And remember, all Console Vaults are made in the USA, so not only do you know you’re getting a quality product, you’re giving a boost to the economy as well.

Mesa Safes

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJuly 8th, 2011

This week we have two Mesa brand safes on sale at GunSafes.com

“What’s so great about Mesa?” you might ask.

To start, Mesa was founded and continues to operate right here in the U.S. Since 1981, locksmith George Vicente has been designing and building Mesa safes, with an eye for quality that only someone who has spent a lifetime legally breaking into safes can provide.

Mesa got its start by focusing on high quality depository safes that were both affordable and easily accessible. From there, they began developing residential safes that were both secure and comfortably priced.

Today, Mesa is a leader in safe manufacturing because they can offer professional-level security features at consumer-level prices.

Even our top-of-the-line gun safe from Mesa is well below $2000, and yet it has the same features as much more expensive safes, including 12-gauge steel body, 1 hour fire rating, re-locker, and a 4-plus-inch thick door. In addition, Mesa is one of the last safe companies out there that will replace your safe if it is damaged by fire or burglary. Now that’s a lot of confidence in their product!

With Mesa, you get dozens of options, all at remarkably low prices, without sacrificing safety and security. Check out the Mesa brand at http://www.gunsafes.com/Mesa-Safes.html

The Right Safe for a Tricky Space

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJune 30th, 2011

If you have been putting off buying a safe because it’s just not convenient to your lifestyle, you might want to give modular safes a look.

Modular safes are shipped in easy-to-assemble pieces, and require no special tools to put together. Each piece of a modular safe can be moved by a single person, and their light weight means you can transport and set up modular safes in places that conventional safes can’t go.

Modular safes assemble from the inside out, so a potential thief can’t simply disassemble your safe to get inside.

Once assembled, a modular safe is as sturdy and reliable as a traditional gun safe, and has many of the same safety features, including fire rating and theft deterrents.

If you live several floors up, have limited space, or tend to move a lot, check our modular safe selection at http://www.gunsafes.com/Modular-Safes.html

Dial or Electronic Lock?

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJune 27th, 2011

One of the most common questions we hear at the GunSafes.com office is “Should I get a manual dial or an electronic lock?”

The choice of lock is largely personal, and both options have their pros and cons.

The old-fashioned manual tumbler lock is typically less expensive than an electric lock. A dial will never wear out or need to be replaced, and it will not automatically lock you out from repeated failed efforts to access. We have also had people who prefer this option because it is virtually silent, a big plus if you find yourself in a dangerous situation where you need to access a firearm quickly and quietly.

Dial locks, however, are difficult to read in low light situations, and take a little more time to access than electronic locks. You not only have to remember the numbers of the combination, but also the pattern and direction to turn the dial. If you miss the mark, you have to start over. Dial locks also require you to spin the dial after closing the safe in order to ensure it locks. If you ever want to change your combination, you will have to contact the manufacturer or a locksmith.

Electronic locks are quick; just punch in the numbers and you’re in. You don’t have to do anything extra to lock the safe, just close it. They are much easier to access in dimly lit areas, even if they aren’t illuminated, because of the simple grid layout of the numbers on the keypad. Electronic locks are easier to change the combinations on, as they don’t require any special tools. Many electronic locks have an automatic lock out feature, so if someone tries three or four incorrect combinations, they will be locked out for 15 to 20 minutes. This can be a desirable or undesirable feature depending on your point of view.

However, electronic locks make noise (some of these have an option to turn off the “beep”). You also need to change your combination occasionally on an electronic lock, as the keypad will eventually show wear marks that reveal the numbers in your combination. Though a thief would still need to figure out the right order, this does make his job a little easier. E-locks can suffer electronic failure, though this is very rare. In case of an electromagnetic surge, such as a severe solar flare or nuclear explosion, an e-lock would not be able to function. They do require a battery change at least once a year, though this is external and quick to do.

As far as security, both locks are equally good. Neither is easy to bypass, and both are going to be inoperable after a major fire.

Ultimately, the buyer needs to weigh speed, convenience, and ease of access, and decide which option is right.

Gun Safe Buyers Guide

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onOctober 18th, 2010

We just launched a new section of our website called the Gun Safe Buyers Guide. This is a great place to do some research before your next gun safe purchase.  You’ll find a Q&A section with great answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.  Whether you have a question about a lock type, a fire rating, or you’resimply looking for a glossary of terms, this is a section of GunSafesBlogger.com that you have to check out.  As always, feel free to post a comment or ask a question.  You can find the gun safe buyers guide link located in the yellow bar at the top of this page.