Gun Safe Buying Guide: Size, Features, and Security Ratings Explained

A gun safe is a significant investment for firearm owners, providing security against theft and ensuring responsible storage. When choosing a gun safe, several factors come into play, including size, features, and security ratings. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Gun Safe Buying Guide

Size

The size of your gun safe depends primarily on the number and types of firearms you own, as well as any other valuables you plan to store. Consider the following:

Number of Guns: Estimate your current collection and anticipate future purchases. It's generally recommended to buy a safe larger than your immediate needs.

Size of Guns: Long rifles and shotguns require more vertical space than handguns. Ensure the safe's interior height can accommodate your longest firearms. Some safes offer on-door storage systems for long guns, which can save internal space.

Other Valuables: If you intend to store jewelry, documents, or other valuable items, factor in the necessary shelf space and interior layout.

Placement: Measure the intended location for your safe, considering both floor space and height restrictions, as well as door width for delivery. Remember to account for the handle and any outlet kits when measuring depth.

Weight: Larger safes are generally heavier, offering better security against being carried away. Ensure your floor can support the weight of the safe when loaded. 

Here's a general size guide based on gun capacity:

Features

Beyond size, several features contribute to a gun safe's functionality and security:

Locking Mechanism:

Electronic Locks (Keypad): Offer quick access and ease of use, often with the ability to change combinations. They rely on batteries that need periodic replacement. 

Mechanical Locks (Combination Dial): Known for their reliability and durability, as they don't depend on batteries. Access is generally slower than with electronic locks.

Biometric Locks (Fingerprint): Provide the fastest access, suitable for emergency situations. These are also electronic and require power.

Steel Thickness: The thickness of the steel used in the safe's body and door is a primary indicator of its resistance to forced entry. Steel thickness is measured in gauge; a lower gauge number indicates thicker steel. For good security, aim for a steel gauge of 12 or lower for the body and a door with at least 7 gauge steel or a composite construction of 1 inch or more.

Door Construction: Look for reinforced doors with multiple layers of steel. A solid steel plate door is preferable to a composite door. Consider the door gap; a smaller gap and a recessed door make it harder to pry open. External hinges are generally preferred as internal hinges can be vulnerable if the door is pried open enough. 

Bolting System: Locking bolts secure the door to the frame. More bolts and bolts on all sides (top, bottom, and hinge side) provide better resistance to prying. Look for longer, stronger bolts with anti-pry tabs.

Fire Resistance: Fire ratings indicate how long a safe can maintain an internal temperature below a critical threshold (typically 350°F for paper) when exposed to high external temperatures. Ratings are usually expressed in minutes (e.g., 30-minute, 60-minute) and a specific temperature (e.g., 1200°F, 1700°F). Look for safes with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) fire ratings for verified performance. Features like heat-expanding door seals (e.g., Palusol) and multiple layers of fireboard enhance fire protection.

Interior: Consider adjustable shelving, interior lighting (LED is common), and padded surfaces to protect firearms and other valuables from scratches. Some safes offer on-door storage solutions for handguns and long guns. Fire-lined interiors provide additional protection for documents and media.   
Anti-Tampering Features: Some advanced safes include features like relockers that engage if the lock is tampered with and hardplates to protect against drilling attacks.

Anchoring: The ability to bolt the safe to the floor is crucial for preventing thieves from carrying it away. Look for pre-drilled anchor holes.

Environmental Protection: Some safes include features like humidity and temperature control or seals to prevent moisture from damaging the contents.

Security Ratings

Security ratings provide an indication of a safe's resistance to burglary attempts. These ratings are often based on testing conducted by independent organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Understanding these ratings is essential for choosing a safe that meets your security needs:

UL RSC (Residential Security Container): This is a common entry-level rating, indicating that the safe can withstand forced entry attempts for a net working time of five minutes using a variety of common tools. There are different levels (RSC Level 1, RSC Level 2, etc.), with higher numbers indicating greater resistance (longer time, more tools).

TL Ratings (Tool-Resistant): These ratings (e.g., TL-15, TL-30) signify that the safe's door or face can resist attack by a specific list of tools for a specified net working time (15 minutes for TL-15, 30 minutes for TL-30).

TRTL Ratings (Torch and Tool-Resistant): These ratings (e.g., TRTL-30, TRTL-30x6) indicate resistance to both tools and torches for a specific net working time, with the "x6" indicating resistance on all six sides of the safe.

TXTL Ratings (Torch, Tool, and Explosive-Resistant): These are the highest security ratings, indicating resistance to tools, torches, and explosives on all six sides.
Insurance Ratings: Insurance companies may also use their own rating systems (e.g., B, C, E, ER, F, G&A), which often correlate with the UL ratings and the safe's construction (steel thickness).

Important Note: The time ratings (e.g., 5 minutes for RSC, 15 minutes for TL-15) represent the net working time of an experienced attacker and do not necessarily reflect the total time it might take to attempt a break-in.

By carefully considering the size you need, the essential features for your situation, and the appropriate security rating, you can choose a gun safe that provides reliable protection for your firearms and valuables.