By Gun-Safe-Guru, on January 23rd, 2012 At GunSafes, we spend a lot of time selling, promoting, and talking about the big dogs—the 36-gun safes, the 30 minutes theft-rated safes, the virtually impenetrable deluxe safes with cedar-lined, mirrored interiors and special USB pass keys.
But what about the little guys?
Smaller safes, usually referred to as “office safes” on our site, don’t get as much attention as the rock stars, but they are every bit as hardworking and important. In fact, office safes can do things standard safes can’t, such as:
1. Fitting into small spaces.
Sure, there are plenty of full-sized models that can squeeze into some pretty tight spaces, but if you want to have a safe under a desk or counter, or be able to use it as an end table, you’re going to have to go with an office safe. Unlike the big dogs, office safes can fit just about anywhere, and unlike full-size safes, it’s much easier to integrate an office safe into your existing décor.
2. Hiding out.
It kind of goes without saying, but if it’s small enough to fit into lots of places, it’s also small enough to hide. No safe is entirely theft-proof. Given enough time and tools, any one of them can be broken into. Office safes give you an added level of protection because you can hide them easily. Out of sight, out of mind. Thieves can’t steal what they can’t find!
3. Fitting into your budget.
It’s pretty obvious, but a safe half or less the size of conventional is going to cost you half or less as much. If storing long guns is not a priority, you can save a lot of cash going with a smaller model. We have SO many models, at SO many price points—from $60 to $6,000—so you’re sure to find something that works for you.
So, the long and “short” of it is, if you need a compact safe for home or office, check out our huge selection here. And remember, you can always contact us via live chat, e-mail, phone, or even Facebook and Twitter.
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on January 3rd, 2012 Browning is a name we know at trust at GunSafes.com, and this year, they’re giving us even more to love by making the DPX storage system standard on all Pro-Steel Platinum Plus, Gold, Medallion, Sterling, Copper, and Bronze series safes.
DPX stands for “Duo Plus Extra” and it is a system that utilizes the door for gun and accessory storage.
As soon as you see this system of racks, pockets, and pouches, you’ll realize the infinite possibilities. You can even store long guns on the door panel, with strategically placed hardware that cradles and conforms to your weapon, swiveling easily to allow quick access. What’s more, you can utilize the hardware in multiple configurations to best suit the needs of your arsenal.
Browning safes are beautiful to begin with—the perfect addition to a library or den. These are also among our most reliable and secure safes. The DPX system makes the inside of the safe just as attractive as the outside—neat, tidy, carefully organized. And even better, the DPX system adds another layer of security and reliability. There is no fumbling around for that handgun that got lost in the shuffle of rifles. It’s right there, at your fingertips and ready to use when you need it most.
Browning prides itself in not cutting corners when it comes to manufacturing and safety standards. They integrate the best security features, and back them up with the top fire ratings in the business.
Compare the locking system, thickness of steel, size and number of locking bolts, and degree of fire protection in a Browning versus any other safe. You’ll see that there are none better.
Browning is also simply beautiful. With richly enameled colors and beautiful wildlife scenes, the Browning safe looks as good as it performs. Many models also come with cedar shelving and mirror-lined, lighted interiors, making the Browning not only a thing of beauty, but a perfect display for your weapons.
Check out this video showing the capacity of the DPX System.
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on December 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.
By Gun_Safe_Sensei, on December 2nd, 2011 One of the biggest decisions you will make when purchasing a gun safe is whether to go with a standard dial lock or an electronic keypad.
Most of the major safe manufacturers now offer both options on their models, with the e-locks costing slightly more.
The choice of locking mechanism is mostly personal, as the security ratings of both types of lock are equal on the same model of safe.
It comes down to personal preference and what best suits your particular lifestyle. Most people seem to prefer the electronic lock for its convenience, while some stand by the unwavering reliability of the standard dial.
In an informal poll, 6 out of 16 responders preferred dial, while 10 preferred electronic.
Those who prefer manual locks like the old-fashioned looks and the fact that they are quiet. With a standard lock, the dial never shows serious signs of wear or reveals the combo as some keypads can. For the technologically challenged, a dial lock is preferable because there is no cooling off period after repeated failed entry attempts. Lock failure is nearly impossible with a dial lock, and there is less chance of manufacture defects. For those who are prepared for anything, there is the added security of knowing that electromagnetic pulses from solar flares or bombs will not cause a dial lock to malfunction. And for some, the option of closing the safe without necessarily having to lock it is an added bonus. There is no maintenance required with a mechanical lock, and the lifespan of even a modestly priced safe can be 100 years or more. Standard locks are also cheaper than electronic ones.
People who prefer electronic locks like the quicker access, and some mentioned that in certain states and localities, a safe is required by law. In these cases, keeping your home defense weapon in a quick-access safe is key. It’s easier to remember the combination on an electronic safe, and the grid pattern of the numbers means you can punch it in even in the dark. Keypads are also easier on older eyes that may have trouble seeing the tiny digits of a manual lock. E-safes secure as soon as you close the door, without requiring a spin of the dial-better for those who don’t want to remember that last step. It is also easy to change the combination on your safe without having to call a locksmith.
Manual locks have a few drawbacks, including slower access and the need for a lamp or flashlight if you’re accessing in the dark. You also can’t change the combo without a locksmith.
Drawbacks of the e-lock include that it makes noise, which can be a problem in some situations. Some safes have the option to turn this beep off. Keypads can also show wear on the buttons, which does not reveal the order of the code, but does show each of the numbers. And although it is very rare, and electronic keypad can experience failure due to flaws in manufacturing, or interference form an electromagnetic pulse. Repeated failed attempts to access the safe can result in a temporary lock-out for as long as half an hour-good in theft situations, but very inconvenient if it’s the homeowner who’s made the mistake. E-locks require maintenance, including annual battery changes if you don’t want the inconvenience of changing batteries at the time they die. Keypads also will not last as long as dials, simply because they are made of plastic and have more moving parts. They are also more expensive than dial locks, but the $50 to $100 difference doesn’t usually matter to people who are spending $1000 or more for a safe.
The following list should help you determine what features you can find in each type of safe:
|
Manual Dial Lock |
Electronic Keypad Lock |
Speed
of access |
Slower |
Faster |
Ease of
access |
Somewhat
difficult
- More digits
- Must remember pattern/direction
- Need light
|
Easiest
- Less digits
- Can access in dark (on some models)
- Easier for “older” eyes
- Grid pattern quicker than dial
|
| Security |
Must
spin lock to secure |
Secures
when door is closed |
Changing
combo |
Requires
locksmith |
Can do
at home |
| Noise |
Silent |
Makes
noise (some can be muted) |
Theft
issues |
Few |
Slightly
more
- Keypad can show wear pattern
|
Lock
Failure |
Nearly
impossible, may come out of adjustment |
Rare,
but possible
- Manufacturer defect
- Electromagnetic pulse
|
False
entry lockout |
No |
After
three to four unsuccessful attempts, safe locks |
| Maintenance |
None, unless in need of adjustment |
Annual
battery changes |
| Lifespan |
100
years or more |
10-15+
years |
| Cost |
Cheaper |
Slightly
more expensive than dial |
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on November 11th, 2011 Guns and trucks go together like salt and pepper, like Sonny and Cher, like cookies and milk, like rama lama lama…well, you get it.
The problem is figuring out how to safely store your firearms inside your vehicle, so that they are both secure and accessible.
Of course there’s always the classic window-mounted gun rack, but that isn’t very safe, and it doesn’t suit every purpose.
GunSafes offers several great options for storing guns in your truck.
You can store pistols in any one of a number of Console Vaults—lockboxes designed to fit into your vehicle’s existing console with no modification. We carry models for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Dodge, and more. These are custom-fabricated to fit right into the console, lock securely, and keep your handgun away from prying eyes and fingers, but close at hand should you need it quickly.
TruckVault offers even more options for a variety of storage, including boxes for pistols, long guns, and even gear and supplies. TruckVaults are slide-out drawers made from durable material that are custom-made to fit the bed of your truck or SUV. These are the guys who design entire field units for vehicles involved in search and rescue and law enforcement, so you know you can depend on them to build it strong and build it right.
These units come with a secure combination lock that can be reset to your preferences, and are strong enough that you can park your motorcycle or snowmobile on top of them. Less space, less fuss, and more security for your valuables.
To see our full line of Console Vaults, click http://www.gunsafes.com/Console-Vault-Car-Safes.html
For more info on TruckVault, go to http://www.gunsafes.com/truckvault.html or contact our rep, Josh Delucchi, at 800-540-1695 ext 401 or sales@gunsafes.com
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on November 7th, 2011 Some safe companies specialize in fire ratings, others in technology. Some companies advertise luxury add-ons like plush, lighted interiors and e-capabilities. American Security specializes in, well, security.
AmSec was the first domestic safe company to obtain Underwriter Laboratory’s coveted TL15 and TL30 burglary ratings, and they continue to lead the competition with safety features like massive locking bolts, steel plate-covered mechanisms, and multiple fire-proofing elements.
American Security is also unique in that they still sell vault doors—the niche market where they got their start—so you can design and build your own safe or safe room.
AmSec also manufactures deposit safes, office safes, and floor safes. In fact, if I had to venture a guess, I would say that American Security offers more different types of safes in multiple configurations than any other safe company out there.
AmSec was first in safety, and it’s a legacy to which they still hold fast. We put our trust in their name, and we think you can, too.
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on November 2nd, 2011 At GunSafes.com, we’re about trust. We’re not about making a quick buck. We’re in it for the long haul. That’s why we carefully research safe manufacturers and models, and only carry brands we—and you—can believe in.
Our selection of safes is the best anywhere, and because of that, you can find what you need. We have safes for small budgets, and safes for people who have no limits. We have safes for pistols, safes for rifles, and safes for whatever things are valuable in your life.
We can offer so many safes, at such great prices, because we do a lot of business with a lot of manufacturers. We can also offer you, our customer, these safes without sales tax (except in our home state of Idaho) and without shipping fees.
Sometimes we lose cash in a sale. Sometimes a company or a shipper makes a mistake that costs us money. Sometimes we have to bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need, when you need it. But that’s who we are.
A lot of companies claim to put their customers first, but at GunSafes, we really do.
There’s a reason we offer the most gun safes, in heavy-gauge steel, with the most price points and options. It’s because we want you to be satisfied with your purchase, keep it for a lifetime, and someday pass on not only your safe, but word of your great experience with us.
For us, it’s all about trust.
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on October 18th, 2011 When people talk about “fingerprint” gun safes, they’re talking about biometrics—methods to recognize authority using the human body. Common biometrics include voice recognition, retinal scanning, and of course, fingerprints.
Long ago, technology like biometrics was new and unusual and beyond the price range of most people. Today you can have this technology in a gun safe for only a few hundred dollars—just a little more than you might pay for a standard combination or key-locking safe.
And once upon a time, fingerprint scanning was not entirely reliable, but today’s biometric vaults have been refined to the point where false readings are virtually unheard of.
Two of the most popular brands of fingerprint recognition safes are the Inprint and GunVault. Generally, these types of safe are only large enough for one or two pistols, or a pistol and a few other small valuables. There are also full-sized biometric safes, but the smaller sizes tend to be the most popular.
Generally, people like to keep a biometric-style safe near the bed for quick and easy access to their home protection weapon, and keep the bulk of their gun collection and other valuables in a standard-size safe.
GunSafes offers both the Inprint and GunVault brands, as well as many other brands of biometric safe, in a variety of styles and sizes. So if you’re looking for the convenience and speed of fingerprint gun safe access, look no further.
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on October 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
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on September 28th, 2011 Asking the best type of dehumidifier is kind of like asking the best model of hunting rifle. Everyone has their preferences, and everyone finds a certain style fits them best.
In the case of dehumidifiers, it’s good to start by choosing either a desiccant or electric type.
If you don’t have a lot of moisture problems, and if an electrical connection is not available or too difficult to access, then the desiccant option might be the right choice for you.
The Browning Sacc Dry Zone is a vented box of moisture-absorbing material, much like the little packets you find in foods or medicine, but on a much larger scale. This is also similar to the RV and closet packs you can find at retail stores, with one important exception—the Browning pack can be recharged in the oven. That means that should the pack ever absorb to its capacity, you can place it in a warm oven to dry and reactivate it. You can repeat this process indefinitely. No electricity, no fuss, no problem. The Dry Zone protects up to 37 cubic feet of space, about the volume of a standard 30-inch-wide safe. This product retails for $34.95
For an even more convenient desiccant solution, try the Eva-Dry E-333 dehumidifier. With this product, the desiccant crystals are enclosed in a plastic body, and recharging is achieved by plugging the unit into an outlet. Convenient color-changing bars indicate when the crystals are spent and in need of reactivation. The lifespan of this product is up to 10 years. The Eva-Dry is rated for 333 cubic feet, and is eco-friendly and non-toxic. Retail price $34.95
If you have more challenging moisture problems, or changes in temperature extremes that come from keeping your safe in a non-climate controlled area such as a shop or garage, think about investing in an electric dehumidifier. They are only a few dollars more than desiccant-type units, but provide more aggressive moisture control.
The Browning EverDry electric dehumidifier is an 18-inch-long bar that plugs into a standard outlet. Most safes have a hole in the back or side to allow for the cord, which detaches from the unit for installation. This unit should be used on safes 30 inches wide or larger to avoid touching the sides of the safe. The EverDry retails for $39.95
Another option in electric dehumidifiers is the Browning Flexible EverDry. This unit is flat and flexible, and can be bent around the corners and contents of your safe. Like the bar unit, the cord on the Flexible is removable to help with installation. This products retails for $49.95
Ultimately, the decision on the best gun safe dehumidifier is an individual choice, but these suggestions should give you some idea of what’s on the market. These models are available at http://www.gunsafes.com/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=dehumidifiers
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on September 19th, 2011 Spend much time in small towns out West, and you’ll see a lot of trucks with gun racks mounted in the rear windows. Until recently, a rifle in the window and a pistol in the glove box were your only options for firearms transportation. Not uniformly legal, and definitely not secure.
Enter Console Vault and TruckVault.
Console Vault specializes in locking vaults designed specifically for the make and model of your vehicle. These boxes fit into your existing console without modification, offering the high security …. → Continue reading here: Vehicle Vaults
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on September 15th, 2011 If you want an easy option for placing and moving your storage system, whether for guns or valuables, look into modular-type safes and cabinets.
These units are shipped in pieces, and typically assemble in a matter of minutes. Best of all, they can be put together right where you need them, and taken apart if you need to move.
Modular safes are the perfect solution for people who live in high rises, or who move frequently. These are also great if you have to negotiate …. → Continue reading here: Modular Gun Safes
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on September 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 …. → Continue reading here: Laptop Safes
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on August 29th, 2011 There are many reasons to have a gun safe in your home: protecting your firearms from damage, preventing theft, and keeping them from the hands of children.
But as important as all these considerations are, if you keep a handgun for home protection, it will not do you a lot of good locked up in a safe when you have mere seconds to respond to a threat.
That’s why there are so many options in quick-access gun safes at GunSafes.com.
There are small and large …. → Continue reading here: Quick-Access Gun Safes
By Gun-Safe-Guru, on August 24th, 2011 When it comes to keeping your items secure, out of sight is definitely out of mind.
Although there are plenty of safes that can protect your valuables from thieves, it’s even better if the thieves don’t know you have valuables, or a safe, in the first place.
There are several options for keeping things covert. At GunSafes.com, we have safes that fit into the wall or floor, to be covered by artwork or a carpet, as well as safes that look like …. → Continue reading here: Out of Sight
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