Gun Safe Reviews

Purchasing the best gun safe for your needs can be a confusing endeavor. Not only are there a lot of companies to choose from, but there is a mix of information, and misinformation, to sift through. With this comparison we are hoping to provide a resource full of objective, comparative information which you can use to rank and compare different buying options. No marketing hype - Just raw data and objective criteria to compare gun safes according to your needs.

We hope that with the help of safe owners, installers, locksmiths, and other qualified individuals this comparison will continue to grow and change over time. Our aim is to offer the most current and comprehensive criteria so you can make an informed decision. Please feel free to contact us with additional information at any time.

The Review Process

In order to compare one safe to another, we started by tracking down the published specifications for each safe. From this mass of largely superfluous data, we then extracted only the info that addresees the core considerations an educated safe buyer would care about. The final and most important step in process was to put our 30+ years of safe building expertise to use in analyzing each safes construction. We then compared those specifics to determine categories and rankings for each individual safe.

The overall objective was to first classify safes in to three broad categories and then further compare those safes to other similar safes within the same category. This way the user can see quickly how a safe ranks by category, and then more specifically against it's category competitors.

• The three categories of safes are:
• 1. Safes that didn't make the cut — These are safes that simply cannot be recommended due to serious design flaws.
• 2. Residential Security Containers (RSCs) — With a typically high set of features offered at a low price point, RSC safes present an attractive choice to safe buyers. But RSC's also carry the lowest security rating by Underwriters Laboratories, providing the bare minimum in security along with a shorter life span.
• 3. True Safes — With a higher upfront cost, safes in this category appeal to users seeking a high level of security and a lifetime of use.

How We Tested

Security — To determine the security of a safe tested in this review we primarily looked at the quantity, thickness and placement of steel used in the safe. more...

Fire Protection — Fire protection is determined by the materials used, the placement of those materials, and the possibility of moisture penetration in the form of steam. more...

Price — Price is simply a straight forward ranking based on the current available pricing.

Capacity Value — Capacity Value is a measure of the Cost per Cu/Ft of storage space. more...

Warranty — The warranty comparison is determined by the full terms of the warranty. Including the length of warranty coverage, which components are covered or not covered, and any requirements to keep the warranty active. more...

Customization — Customization is the measure of the consumer's ability to make a truly one of a kind safe. more...

Special Features — These are unique features and extras that come standard with the safe at no additional cost. more...

Safes That Did Not Make the Cut

The purpose of this category is to open the eyes of the consumer, and to plainly cut through the veil of marketing hype. These "Safes" have serious design and security flaws for anyone looking to protect thier assets from fire, theft, or children. A product might also make it into this category if the value to the customer just isn't there. For example the product isn't space efficient. This could mean the cost per Cu/Ft of storage space is just too high to provide value.

Residential Security Containers

For many safe buyers space limitations, transportability, and budget will have a significant impact on purchasing decisions. RSC rated safes are good alternatives for those times when buying a true safe isn't an option. For instance, some multi-story buildings cannot support the weight of a more robust safe. Or if a buyer expects to be moving regularly, has only young children who aren't yet a security concern, or for those storing replaceable items without sentimental value, then this category is worth consideration.

• What we did not test for the RSC comparison:
• 1. No Lock Rating. The price point and limited security rating of RSCs makes high-security locks unnecessary in this category. Most RSCs feature an affordable residential-grade lock. While these locks are more susceptible to attack, the primary concern is generally their high failure rate which may require the owner to call a locksmith to gain entry.
• 2. No Jambs/Pryability Rating. By the very rating, "RSC" we know that these containers will not withstand much more than a few minutes of an entry attack with basic hand tools.
• 3. No Boltwork Rating. Although many RSCs will boast about the size and number of bolts they have, these boltworks are usually held in place with thin sheet metal and attached with fragile screws which is the primary failure point.
• 3. No Serviceability Rating.These safes are designed to have a limited lifespan. They are not designed to be serviceable and have a limited period of usefulness before the owner can expect issues.

True Safe Comparison

The safes found in this section of the review should be safes which will not only protect your most valuable possessions from fire damage, and theft, but should give you trouble free use for years to come.

• Additional criteria necessary to qualify for the True Safe category:
• 1. UL Grade Lock. No safe can be considered secure without at least a UL listed Group 2 lock.
• 2. Fully Supported Locking Bolts. The size and number of locking bolts is completely irrelevant if they are not fully supported in at least two places, and that those supports are made of thick, welded steel.
• 3. Thick Steel. To be in the True Safe category a safe should have at least a 1/4 inch steel plate in the walls, and a 1/2 inch steel plate in the door.
• 4. Serviceability. A true safe should be built to last a lifetime. It needs to be both tough and built in such a way that it could be easily serviced and retrofitted with modern locks, entry handles, and additional features.