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.

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

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.

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.

Safe Rooms

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

When I say “safe room,” one of two things probably comes to mind—a place to hide from home invasion, or a place to store a lot of guns.

Actually, you can have either or both with a little clever architecture. If you want a truly secure panic room, you will need to have reinforced walls, floor, and ceiling, and methods that go beyond the scope of this post. However, if all you need is a secure place to regroup and call for help, or store a large number of valuables, you can achieve this with an interior room and a vault door.

Whether you need a security door, fire door, or combination-locked vault door, check out our selection at http://www.gunsafes.com/Vault-Doors.html

Vault doors lock securely, and can be opened easily from the inside, but not the outside.

Styles of vault door vary, but most have thick steel plates filled with insulation. These doors feature from 10 to 20 locking bolts that penetrate into the doorframe, making the door virtually pry-proof. Higher-end doors also feature re-lockers, so if someone attempts to drill the lock from the outside, a re-locking mechanism will engage extra security bolts or lock existing ones into place.

If you have renovation and remodeling experience, you will be able to install one of these doors with some assistance. If you don’t, be sure to contract the job to a trustworthy source. It’s not only a matter of personal safety, these doors weigh several hundred pounds and need to be installed correctly in order to function properly.

So whether you need a retreat or a walk-in gun closet, look into making your own safe room with a vault door from GunSafes.com

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, Part 4 : WHAT IS A DEHUMIDIFIER?

By Gun-Safe-Guru, onOctober 22nd, 2010

If you’ve been roaming the net for information about gun safes, your research has likely pointed you towards a lot of sites mentioning dehumidifiers. It might sound out of place when you’re talking about a gun safe, but in fact it’s very important.  In this section of the gun safe buyers guide, we’ll talk about dehumidifiers;  what they are and how to pick one out.

Gun Safe Dehumidifier

What does a dehumidifier do?

A: The purpose of a dehumidifier is to eliminate condensation from forming inside the gun safe.  Condensation can cause metal to rust and can leave your safe with a nasty smell.  Depending on where your safe is located and what your climate is like, condensation can form inside a safe due to the change in temperature or in areas of high humidity.

What are the different types of dehumidifiers?

A:  There are two main types of dehumidifiers for gun safes.  An electric and a desiccant.  The desiccant dehumidifier works great in safes that are not near an electrical outlet.  Desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that has the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment through absorption.  The desiccant needs to be recharged after it’s absorbed all that it can.  This is usually a period of 2-6 months, depending on the brand and how much it’s being used.  The desiccant can be recharged in your oven so it can be used over and over.

The electric dehumidifier is the more popular of the two.  This dehumidifier, also known as a “Golden Rod”,  heats to a surface temperature of about 140 degrees.  Its purpose is to maintain a constant temperature throughout your safe. Maintaining a warm temperature in the safe lessens the chance that water vapor will condense and promote rust.  It usually comes in the form of an 18″ rod that can be mounted to the floor or wall of your safe.  Installation is easy: The cord is removable so you can wire it through your safe and plug it in.  To take up even less space, there is a flexible dehumidifier as well.  This one can be bent to contour the corner of your safe.

Do I need a dehumidifier?

A:  This is a tricky question.  If the safe is going to be located in a climate controlled area like your home, it may not need a dehumidifier.  If the door is opened often enough, this will also help prevent condensation.  However, in some areas of high humidity, even a safe that is placed inside a home can collect condensation.  It might be best to call a GunSafes.com rep to speak about your particular situation.

If the safe is going to be placed in your garage, basement, or any area that does not have a controlled climate, I would recommend a dehumidifier.  The temperature change in these areas can cause condensation in the safe which will result in rust forming on your precious guns!

Which dehumidifier is right for me?

A:  First you’ll need to choose between electric and desiccant.  If you have the electrical outlet available, I would go that route.  Make sure the safe you are buying or the safe you own has a hole in the back to pass the cord through.  If not, you’ll want the desiccant.  Some people even feel the need to combine the strength of the electric with the dependability of the cordless desiccant.  That way if they are away on a trip and the power goes out, they know that their precious items will be protected.  Some people even double up and get two dehumidifiers if they live in an area of extremely high humidity.  It’s all about your individual situation.

For advice on your particular situation, leave a comment here or speak to a GunSafes.com rep at 800-540-1695 ext 401