What About the Little Guys (Smaller Gun Safes)?

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJanuary 23rd, 2012

Smaller Gun Safes.  At GunSafes.com, we spend a lot of time selling, promoting, and talking about the big dogs—the 36 – gun safes, the 30 minutes theft-rated safes, the virtually impenetrable deluxe safes with cedar-lined, mirrored interiors and special USB pass keys.

But what about the little guys?

Smaller safes, usually referred to as “office safes” on our site, don’t get as much attention as the rock stars, but they are every bit as hardworking and important. In fact, office safes can do things standard safes can’t, such as:

1. Fitting into small spaces.
Sure, there are plenty of full-sized models that can squeeze into some pretty tight spaces, but if you want to have a safe under a desk or counter, or be able to use it as an end table, you’re going to have to go with an office safe. Unlike the big dogs, office safes can fit just about anywhere, and unlike full-size safes, it’s much easier to integrate an office safe into your existing décor.

2. Hiding out.
It kind of goes without saying, but if it’s small enough to fit into lots of places, it’s also small enough to hide. No safe is entirely theft-proof. Given enough time and tools, any one of them can be broken into. Office safes give you an added level of protection because you can hide them easily. Out of sight, out of mind. Thieves can’t steal what they can’t find!

3. Fitting into your budget.
It’s pretty obvious, but a safe half or less the size of conventional is going to cost you half or less as much. If storing long guns is not a priority, you can save a lot of cash going with a smaller model. We have SO many models, at SO many price points—from $60 to $6,000—so you’re sure to find something that works for you.

So, the long and “short” of it is, if you need a compact safe for home or office, check out our huge selection here. And remember, you can always contact us via live chat, e-mail, phone, or even Facebook and Twitter.

New Products: Browning Adds DPX Gun Safe to More Models

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onJanuary 3rd, 2012

Browning is a name we know at trust at GunSafes.com, and this year, they’re giving us even more to love by making the DPX storage system standard on all Pro-Steel Platinum Plus, Gold, Medallion, Sterling, Copper, and Bronze series gun safes.

DPX stands for “Duo Plus Extra” and it is a system that utilizes the door for gun and accessory storage.

As soon as you see this system of racks, pockets, and pouches, you’ll realize the infinite possibilities. You can even store long guns on the door panel, with strategically placed hardware that cradles and conforms to your weapon, swiveling easily to allow quick access. What’s more, you can utilize the hardware in multiple configurations to best suit the needs of your arsenal.

Browning safes are beautiful to begin with—the perfect addition to a library or den. These are also among our most reliable and secure safes. The DPX system makes the inside of the safe just as attractive as the outside—neat, tidy, carefully organized. And even better, the DPX system adds another layer of security and reliability. There is no fumbling around for that handgun that got lost in the shuffle of rifles. It’s right there, at your fingertips and ready to use when you need it most.

Browning prides itself in not cutting corners when it comes to manufacturing and safety standards. They integrate the best security features, and back them up with the top fire ratings in the business.

Compare the locking system, thickness of steel, size and number of locking bolts, and degree of fire protection in a Browning versus any other safe. You’ll see that there are none better.

Browning is also simply beautiful. With richly enameled colors and beautiful wildlife scenes, the Browning safe looks as good as it performs. Many models also come with cedar shelving and mirror-lined, lighted interiors, making the Browning not only a thing of beauty, but a perfect display for your weapons.

Check out this video showing the capacity of the DPX System.

Gun Safe Buyer’s Guide: What Size?

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

Right after cost, the most common concern for gun safe buyers is size.

What size gun safe do you need to store your weapons? What do the specifications mean?

It can be a little confusing when taking a first look at safes and numbers.

For example, one of our most popular models, the Liberty Fat Boy, states it is a 64-gun safe. This means that without using any of the shelving units for ammo or accessories, you can store up to 64 long guns. This depends, of course, on how bulky the rifles are, and if they have scopes or accessories.

Another popular model, the Browning M28F, states it is a 11 to 29 gun safe. This means you can store up to 11 long guns, and as many as 29 pistols.

The Cannon CO 54 safe states it can hold 48 guns. But take a look at the picture. As shown, the configuration will hold about 8 long guns and maybe a dozen pistols. In order to get optimal storage, you would have to remove all those great shelves.

This may work for some people, but we’ve found that once you have a gun safe, you want to store a lot more than just guns in it.

That’s why we always encourage people to buy bigger than they think they’ll need. Whether it’s your ever-growing gun collection, your important documents, or your one-of-a-kind collectibles, your gun safe will become a trusted place to keep things safe.

So when thinking about size, also think about the types of firearms you have, the additional accessories you’ll want to store, and whether you’re willing to give up shelf space for gun space. Then, always get the biggest safe you can afford. We’ve often found people wishing they bought a bigger safe, but never wishing they’d gone smaller.

Truck Gun Storage

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

Guns and trucks go together like salt and pepper, like Sonny and Cher, like cookies and milk, like rama lama lama…well, you get it.

The problem is figuring out how to safely store your firearms inside your vehicle, so that they are both secure and accessible.

Of course there’s always the classic window-mounted gun rack, but that isn’t very safe, and it doesn’t suit every purpose.

GunSafes offers several great options for storing guns in your truck.

You can store pistols in any one of a number of Console Vaults—lockboxes designed to fit into your vehicle’s existing console with no modification. We carry models for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Dodge, and more. These are custom-fabricated to fit right into the console, lock securely, and keep your handgun away from prying eyes and fingers, but close at hand should you need it quickly.

TruckVault offers even more options for a variety of storage, including boxes for pistols, long guns, and even gear and supplies. TruckVaults are slide-out drawers made from durable material that are custom-made to fit the bed of your truck or SUV. These are the guys who design entire field units for vehicles involved in search and rescue and law enforcement, so you know you can depend on them to build it strong and build it right.

These units come with a secure combination lock that can be reset to your preferences, and are strong enough that you can park your motorcycle or snowmobile on top of them. Less space, less fuss, and more security for your valuables.

To see our full line of Console Vaults, click http://www.gunsafes.com/Console-Vault-Car-Safes.html

For more info on TruckVault, go to http://www.gunsafes.com/truckvault.html or contact our rep, Josh Delucchi, at 800-540-1695 ext 401 or sales@gunsafes.com

American Security

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onNovember 7th, 2011

Some safe companies specialize in fire ratings, others in technology. Some companies advertise luxury add-ons like plush, lighted interiors and e-capabilities. American Security specializes in, well, security.

AmSec was the first domestic safe company to obtain Underwriter Laboratory’s coveted TL15 and TL30 burglary ratings, and they continue to lead the competition with safety features like massive locking bolts, steel plate-covered mechanisms, and multiple fire-proofing elements.

American Security is also unique in that they still sell vault doors—the niche market where they got their start—so you can design and build your own safe or safe room.

AmSec also manufactures deposit safes, office safes, and floor safes. In fact, if I had to venture a guess, I would say that American Security offers more different types of safes in multiple configurations than any other safe company out there.

AmSec was first in safety, and it’s a legacy to which they still hold fast. We put our trust in their name, and we think you can, too.

A Matter of Trust

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onNovember 2nd, 2011

At GunSafes.com, we’re about trust. We’re not about making a quick buck. We’re in it for the long haul. That’s why we carefully research safe manufacturers and models, and only carry brands we—and you—can believe in.

Our selection of safes is the best anywhere, and because of that, you can find what you need. We have safes for small budgets, and safes for people who have no limits. We have safes for pistols, safes for rifles, and safes for whatever things are valuable in your life.

We can offer so many safes, at such great prices, because we do a lot of business with a lot of manufacturers. We can also offer you, our customer, these safes without sales tax (except in our home state of Idaho) and without shipping fees.

Sometimes we lose cash in a sale. Sometimes a company or a shipper makes a mistake that costs us money. Sometimes we have to bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need, when you need it. But that’s who we are.

A lot of companies claim to put their customers first, but at GunSafes, we really do.

There’s a reason we offer the most gun safes, in heavy-gauge steel, with the most price points and options. It’s because we want you to be satisfied with your purchase, keep it for a lifetime, and someday pass on not only your safe, but word of your great experience with us.

For us, it’s all about trust.

Biometric Safes

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onOctober 18th, 2011

When people talk about “fingerprint” gun safes, they’re talking about biometrics—methods to recognize authority using the human body. Common biometrics include voice recognition, retinal scanning, and of course, fingerprints.

Long ago, technology like biometrics was new and unusual and beyond the price range of most people. Today you can have this technology in a gun safe for only a few hundred dollars—just a little more than you might pay for a standard combination or key-locking safe.

And once upon a time, fingerprint scanning was not entirely reliable, but today’s biometric vaults have been refined to the point where false readings are virtually unheard of.

Two of the most popular brands of fingerprint recognition safes are the Inprint and GunVault. Generally, these types of safe are only large enough for one or two pistols, or a pistol and a few other small valuables. There are also full-sized biometric safes, but the smaller sizes tend to be the most popular.

Generally, people like to keep a biometric-style safe near the bed for quick and easy access to their home protection weapon, and keep the bulk of their gun collection and other valuables in a standard-size safe.

GunSafes offers both the Inprint and GunVault brands, as well as many other brands of biometric safe, in a variety of styles and sizes. So if you’re looking for the convenience and speed of fingerprint gun safe access, look no further.

High Security Safes

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

Sometimes you need to store guns, sometimes you need to store documents. Sometimes you need to store things that aren’t any of my business whatsoever, and you darn sure don’t want them to be anyone else’s business.

When security is your number one concern, look for safes with a TL-15 or TL-30 rating. TL is the Underwriter’s Laboratory testing standard that means a safe can withstand 15 or 30 minutes of serious break-in attempts. When I say serious, I mean construction-grade power tools, carbide blades, heavy-duty drills, and two guys tag-teaming with sledge hammers.

High security safes with these types of ratings can’t accommodate long guns, but they can fit anything smaller than a bread box, often with multiple shelves and up to 15 cubic feet of total storage space.

GunSafes offers TL-15 and TL-30 rated safes from Mesa, Socal, and American Security here.

I don’t know what you’ve got that needs this kind of security, and frankly I don’t need to know. And all you need to know is that if security is your priority, look for the TL rating, and look no further than GunSafes.com

What’s the Best Gun Safe Dehumidifier?

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onSeptember 28th, 2011

Asking the best type of dehumidifier is kind of like asking the best model of hunting rifle. Everyone has their preferences, and everyone finds a certain style fits them best.

In the case of dehumidifiers, it’s good to start by choosing either a desiccant or electric type.

If you don’t have a lot of moisture problems, and if an electrical connection is not available or too difficult to access, then the desiccant option might be the right choice for you.

The Browning Sacc Dry Zone is a vented box of moisture-absorbing material, much like the little packets you find in foods or medicine, but on a much larger scale. This is also similar to the RV and closet packs you can find at retail stores, with one important exception—the Browning pack can be recharged in the oven. That means that should the pack ever absorb to its capacity, you can place it in a warm oven to dry and reactivate it. You can repeat this process indefinitely. No electricity, no fuss, no problem. The Dry Zone protects up to 37 cubic feet of space, about the volume of a standard 30-inch-wide safe. This product retails for $34.95

For an even more convenient desiccant solution, try the Eva-Dry E-333 dehumidifier. With this product, the desiccant crystals are enclosed in a plastic body, and recharging is achieved by plugging the unit into an outlet. Convenient color-changing bars indicate when the crystals are spent and in need of reactivation. The lifespan of this product is up to 10 years. The Eva-Dry is rated for 333 cubic feet, and is eco-friendly and non-toxic. Retail price $34.95

If you have more challenging moisture problems, or changes in temperature extremes that come from keeping your safe in a non-climate controlled area such as a shop or garage, think about investing in an electric dehumidifier. They are only a few dollars more than desiccant-type units, but provide more aggressive moisture control.

The Browning EverDry electric dehumidifier is an 18-inch-long bar that plugs into a standard outlet. Most safes have a hole in the back or side to allow for the cord, which detaches from the unit for installation. This unit should be used on safes 30 inches wide or larger to avoid touching the sides of the safe. The EverDry retails for $39.95

Another option in electric dehumidifiers is the Browning Flexible EverDry. This unit is flat and flexible, and can be bent around the corners and contents of your safe. Like the bar unit, the cord on the Flexible is removable to help with installation. This products retails for $49.95

Ultimately, the decision on the best gun safe dehumidifier is an individual choice, but these suggestions should give you some idea of what’s on the market. These models are available at http://www.gunsafes.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=dehumidifiers

Vehicle Vaults

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

Spend much time in small towns out West, and you’ll see a lot of trucks with gun racks mounted in the rear windows. Until recently, a rifle in the window and a pistol in the glove box were your only options for firearms transportation. Not uniformly legal, and definitely not secure.

Enter Console Vault and TruckVault.

Console Vault specializes in locking vaults designed specifically for the make and model of your vehicle. These boxes fit into your existing console without modification, offering the high security of an all-steel locking vault, plus the added layer of concealment from the console.

Console Vaults feature thick, 12-gauge steel, plus drill-resistant locks with key or three-digit combination option. And when you need to access your firearm or valuables quickly, the spring-assisted lid makes it easy.

For larger or longer gun storage needs, TruckVault offers custom solutions in the form of truck gun safes. TruckVaults rest in the bed of your pick-up or SUV for storing long guns and other equipment. You can stack several configurations for a complete weapons and valuables cache in the back of your SUV, or use a single unit in a pick-up bed and still park motorcycles or ATVs on top.

TruckVaults are available with one or multiple drawers, and are carpet-lined to prevent damage. These boxes are fire, water, and pry-resistant. TruckVaults are available with key or combination lock.

TruckVaults can serve as a secure way to organize your hunting, fishing, and camping gear; or act as a complete mobile office and operations center. These are especially useful for law enforcement and crime scene vehicles, for storing, organizing, and securing supplies and firearms.

For about the price of a comparable traditional safe, you can finally have security and peace of mind while transporting firearms in your vehicle. And once you have a Console Vault or TruckVault, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one.

Modular Gun Safes

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

If you want an easy option for placing and moving your storage system, whether for guns or valuables, look into modular-type safes and cabinets.

These units are shipped in pieces, and typically assemble in a matter of minutes. Best of all, they can be put together right where you need them, and taken apart if you need to move.

Modular safes are the perfect solution for people who live in high rises, or who move frequently. These are also great if you have to negotiate narrow staircases or fit your safe into an awkward place, like a closet or niche.

SnapSafe makes a great modular safe called the Titan. Not only is it convenient to move and assemble, the heaviest part of the entire safe is the door, weighing in at 90 pounds. This means an average man can haul and manipulate the safe pieces without any assistance. In fact, our SnapSafes rep put a safe together in our showroom, unaided, in about 15 minutes.

There is also a smaller SnapSafe, the Little Titan closet vault, perfect for storing small arms and valuables.

Other less secure options are the modular cabinets from Stack-On. These don’t offer the same degree of fire and theft protection, but are a great solution for keeping guns out of young hands and important documents safe.

All of these options are very affordable, with cabinets priced at $160, and SnapSafes from $770 to $880, including shipping. You’ll save even more money assembling and installing the safe or cabinet yourself. And when it comes time to move, you’ll be really happy you went with a product that can move so easily with you.

Laptop Safes

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

If you have a job or a lifestyle that requires technology, chances are you use a notebook or laptop computer; and chances are, that computer, and the information on it, are vital.

To keep your computer and its contents safe, consider investing in a laptop safe.

GunSafes.com has a variety of safes and mini-vaults to suit your needs. Check out some of these here.

One of the most convenient products is the attaché security case. Though this is not a permanent fixture, it provides added security when traveling or just going from home to your workplace. Many of these are designed specifically for laptop storage and transport, and have padded bases and compartments.

There are also a multitude of small home vaults available. Be sure to measure the dimensions of your laptop to be sure it will fit comfortably in your selected safe. The Sentry X series and the SafeKing models are especially suitable for this purpose.

There are also hotel-type safes and hidden wall safes if you want to conceal your computer or valuables even more deeply, like in a closet or behind a painting or wall hanging.

And remember, if you’re not sure what you need, or have special security concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call or open a chat with one of our reps. With our vast selection of security products, we’re sure to have something right for you.

Quick-Access Gun Safes

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 29th, 2011

There are many reasons to have a gun safe in your home: protecting your firearms from damage, preventing theft, and keeping them from the hands of children.

But as important as all these considerations are, if you keep a handgun for home protection, it will not do you a lot of good locked up in a safe when you have mere seconds to respond to a threat.

That’s why there are so many options in quick-access gun safes at GunSafes.com.

There are small and large models, safes that open with fingerprints or codes, and even safes that hold only the trigger mechanism, for super-fast access as well as peace of mind.

By far the most popular handgun safes we carry are the GunVault line. GunVaults have a molded finger bed and operate with a simple 4-key combination you can program. These vaults are also available with fingerprint recognition that you can program to accept a number of different prints.

Homak also makes a line of safes with quick and easy keypad access. These offer a vertical profile, rather than GunVault’s more horizontal function.

Another interesting option is the Sooner Thor handgun stand. This stand keeps your pistol at arm’s reach, handle ready, by locking the area around the trigger. This keeps the gun secure and prevents firing, but allows you to actually have the gun in your hand before it is even unlocked from its stand.

As you can see, there are many options for quick-access gun safes, in a variety of styles and prices. Check out our entire selection of pistol safes, and you are certain to find something that will fit your unique needs and circumstances.

Out of Sight

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 24th, 2011

When it comes to keeping your items secure, out of sight is definitely out of mind.

Although there are plenty of safes that can protect your valuables from thieves, it’s even better if the thieves don’t know you have valuables, or a safe, in the first place.

There are several options for keeping things covert. At GunSafes.com, we have safes that fit into the wall or floor, to be covered by artwork or a carpet, as well as safes that look like electrical panels or refrigerators. There are vaults that replace all or part of your bed’s box spring, and vaults that are designed to sit flat against the back wall of a closet. We also have RocLoks, which are very realistic and durable locking landscape rocks, for hiding keys or other small items. And of course, if a safe is small enough, you can hide it inside many kinds of traditional furniture pieces.

SnapSafe

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onAugust 17th, 2011

As I write this, Tom from SnapSafes is in our showroom, putting our reps to work assembling one of their modular safes.

What makes SnapSafes so cool is that from the time it arrives in a shipping box, a single human can move it with a hand truck, unpack it, then start assembly.

SnapSafes are lined with ceramic fiber blankets for a 2300F one hour rating, though Tom says it’s good for 2½ hours. The consensus is that these blankets provide superior protection to a gypsum board.

Each piece is clearly labeled, so assembly is, literally, a snap.

A great feature of SnapSafe is that because it’s modular, should a piece get damaged in shipment or during assembly, you can easily replace it without having to send back the entire safe.

SnapSafes can also be moved and assembled to places other safes can’t go—like up narrow stairs, or in tricky closet spaces. It’s just a matter of moving a few panels.

SnapSafes have multiple interior configuration possibilities, from long guns with shelf, to all gun, to all shelves.

It took about ten minutes for Tom to unpack all the parts, and maybe another ten minutes to get the safe together.

And if you ever need to move it—super easy from the inside! Outside, it’s just as secure as any of the safes in its price range.

SnapSafes warranties for a year, and of course, any damaged piece can be shipped and replaced quickly and easily.

Learn more about SnapSafe here.

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!