Today’s Saturday Showcase is about gun safes. Every firearms owner needs a quality, secure gun safe that has ample capacity. There are many choices for gun safes, but we recommend buying bigger than you think you’ll need because your collection is likely to grow over time. You should also consider the fire rating. Other factors to consider include wall thickness, lock type and shelf and storage layout. We recommend that Bulletin readers review our detailed Gun Safe Buyers Guide. This 9400-word in-depth article covers all of these topics: AnticorrosionBudget Safes
Bolt Layout
Door Seals
Fire Proofing
Handgun Storage Hinges
Humidity Control
Installation Tips
Interior Layout
Interior Lighting
Locks-Dial vs. Digital Modular Safes
Rotary Racks
Size and Weight
Temperature Control
Wall Thickness
What You Need To Know About Waterproofing Gun Safes This video is an informative and sensible look at the technical features of gunsafes. You’ll discover the “gauge” of steel or thickness, different types and sizes of hinges, lock controls and fire-proofing features. This video was prepared by a reputable safe retailer in Las Vegas and we think it is a must-see for anyone considering purchasing a large home safety. Assembly of SnapSafe Titan Double Door Modular Safety In this video, Gavin Gear from UltimateReloader.com demonstrates the unpacking of a large modular safe with twin doors. This video shows the assembly of individual panels one by one and how to attach the twin doors. Gavin also demonstrates the process of installing interior insulation panels that provide basic fire safety. This entire XXL Modular Safe can be assembled with simple tools in under an hour. See the full article HERE.
This video is worth watching even if you have a quality safe under $1000. The host shows the various accessories and upgrades all gun safe owners need to consider. The host explains the benefits of a dehumidifier and Golden Rod. He also shows you how to install interior lights that turn on automatically when the door opens. The Gun Vault – The Next Step Beyond the Jumbo Gun Safe. If you have an extensive gun collection and you are building a custom home, a Gun Vault may be something you want to consider. This is a large, safe room with a heavy door and thick walls. Atlas builds a large walk in gun vault with the Gallow Tech Shelving System, and a Fort Knox Vault Door. In this video, hosts open up a “fireproof safe” that has been burned in a real house fire. See what happens to a supposed fireproof gun safe when it is exposed to an actual fire. The results are shocking to say the least. This video shows you that you should do your research before buying a “fireproof safe”. Learn how fire rating systems are calculated and how interior materials and construction can make a huge difference in fire protection. Mechanical Locks vs. electronic locks — What you need to know When buying a gunsafe, the locking mechanism is an important consideration. Which is better, a mechanical or electronic lock? Both dial locks and electronic locks have their pros and cons, but as long as they are high-quality locks, neither is a bad option. This video will help you decide between the two and explain the differences. How to Assemble Modular Safes with Simple Tools A modular safe is a good option for gun owners who are frequently on the move or who live in an apartment or condo that is located upstairs. Steelhead Outdoors in Minnesota offers three different types of safes: Nomad 28, 32, and Nomad38. The video below shows you how to assemble the Steelhead Outdoors Nomad Series safe. These safes can be easily assembled in 60-90 mins if you have basic skills. Steelhead recommends using two people for the job. The safe is shipped in four (4) boxes. The safe comes with wrenches. This time-lapse shows the entire assembly process from start to finish.
Guide to Quick Access Handgun Safes Quick access safes can keep your pistol secure but also easily accessible. Not all of these devices work the same. This video explains what features you should look for in a small gun safe. The video also examines seven different handgun safety options. We recommend you DO NOT keep your handgun on display, such as a bedside desk. You can still have quick access to your handgun in other places without attracting home burglars. Wireless Hygrometer Reports Humidity and Temperature Inside Safes The Hornady Security (r) Wireless Hygrometer monitors humidity and temperature in real-time without opening the gunsafe. The wireless hygrometer uses a remote sensor to measure temperature and humidity inside your safe. The data is sent to a base display. Wireless technology eliminates opening the safe to check the storage environment and prevents temperature and humidity spikes caused by outside air. The display is a large touchscreen which displays the current high/low temperature and humidity data from both base and remote units. The hygrometer is designed to work with Hornady Security’s in-safe humidifiers, which help combat moisture that can cause oxidation. Gun Safe Installation Recommendations Each safe should be secured with heavy-duty fasteners, if possible. Use multiple bolts at the bottom of the gun safe, anchored into concrete or a solid foundation. Select the right anchors or lag bolts for the material beneath your safe. If you cannot mount the safe on the floor, then bolt it to wall studs. You can find the location of the studs using an inexpensive electronic “Stud Sensor”, available in home supply stores. Check the thickness of the floor of your safe. If the steel at the bottom of the safe is thin, place a steel backing between the bolt heads. A backing strip will do the trick better than large washers. If the safe is shook or levered with a pry bar from the bottom, the bolt heads can pull through the thin-gauge steel. Place your safe in a corner or a recess in a room that prevents access to the sides of the safe. On many gunsafes, the steel at the top, sides and rear are thinner than the steel at the door. By blocking access to the sides, it is much harder to use power tools in the vulnerable areas of the safe. It is also a good idea to place the safe in an area with limited space for maneuvering. Safes that are difficult to move deter thieves. Many people store their safes in the garage or basement. It’s not a bad idea to keep your safe in a garage or basement, but many people also store their tools there. Do not store your power tools near the safe. One safe-maker described how the owner’s own cutting torch, which was stored next to the safe, was used to break into the safe. Inspect the area surrounding the safe. Avoid areas where there are many wood beams, paint tins, or other combustible materials nearby. In the event of an intense house fire, these items can fuel the flames and cause heat damage to the items in your safe. Chris Luchini offers some practical advice in Rec.Gun’s Guide to Gun Safes: “Get an Alarm System.” If burglars hear the alarm, they will be less likely to stay to finish the job. Alarms for the house as well as the safe area is a good idea.”
