What to Look For in a Gun Safe

As most responsible gun owners know, purchasing a firearm comes with the responsibility to keep it secure. Often, that means a gun safe or a cabinet. MESA MBF6032E GUN AND RIFLE SAFE are stand-alone containers with a secure locking mechanism and a hinged door designed to hold guns and other valuables. The goal is to protect the firearms against theft, unauthorized access, corrosion and fire damage.

In fact, a quality safe can also be used to store other valuables such as cash, jewelry and collectibles. Typically, these containers are made of steel and feature a sturdy combination lock. The locks are able to be programmed for multiple users, and most models allow for integration with home security systems. Some even provide remote control of the safe's features and a power outage alarm.

There are many different kinds of gun safes on the market, including hidden, recessed and wall-mounted models. Hidden safes are ideal for concealing weapons from prying eyes in the home, while recessed models can be installed in a closet or behind a wall. Wall-mounted models can be mounted to a wall or under a bed, and are designed to be out of sight from potential thieves.

Most people buy a gun safe for protection from burglaries and other threats, but fire is an important consideration as well. House fires can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour, and some guns begin to melt at 480 degrees. That's why most safes are rated to maintain internal temperatures below 350 degrees for a specific number of minutes. A safe's ability to withstand the heat of a fire is a direct function of its insulating properties.

A safe's insulating qualities can be improved by using different types of materials. One popular choice is gypsum, which combines with water to produce steam that cools interior temperatures and creates overpressure that keeps outside temperatures at bay. Some safes even include a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from damaging the guns and ammunition stored inside.

Another factor that influences the fire rating of a safe is its thickness. The thicker the walls and door, the harder it is to drill into or break into. Generally, manufacturers set 10-gauge steel as the minimum for both the body and the door. The door is usually thicker than the body to prevent bending in case of an attempted forced entry.

The door on a quality safe is also reinforced with steel, and the frame is usually made from heavy-duty welded steel plate. Some safes also offer a reinforced hopper and a door seal to further protect the contents from the elements.

When buying a safe, buyers should consider how much space they need for their existing collection. They should also plan for the future and purchase a safe that will accommodate the number of guns they expect to add in the near future. It's tempting to save money and purchase a smaller safe, but in the long run it's cheaper to invest in a model that will be able to handle your entire collection.