Searching for the right safe where you can store your firearms can be challenging. There are many out there, but how do you know which ones are up to the industry standards and would be an excellent fit for your apartment?
If you browse many online shops, you’ll find some that are nothing more than a simple metal box. However, you must be saving your life and those of others by keeping your gun in secured storage that nobody else has access to.
You need to know the features to look for when looking for a new gun safe. You can click here to go to GSC for more information about the top products in the industry and read more information about them. With this said, here are the things that you should look for when selecting a safe.
Features to Look For
1. Locks that are UL-Listed
The heart of a gun safe is the lock. You need the certified and tested ones by the Underwriters’ Laboratories to keep the thieves and family members out. The UL is a big organization that has been operating for over a hundred years. They are considered the gold standard for reliability and safety testing.
Most of the locks that were certified by them have met rigorous requirements, and they will do an excellent job of protecting your firearms even if they are subjected to extreme pressure. It’s best not to consider those products out there that do not have a UL seal. Another excellent bonus would be getting one that has internal hard plates that will prevent drills from penetrating them. Learn more about UL on this site here.
2. Relocking Feature
It’s a good start to search for high-quality locks, but even the best ones may get damaged with some effort, and they may be defeated by burglars who are determined enough to open your cabinets. This is where a relocking feature comes in.
The relockers are fail-safe features that will engage once the outer locks are destroyed. They will still keep the storage area close, and even if the locks have been completely removed, the bolts won’t disengage without entering the proper codes. There are internal and external types of relockers, and ideally, you will want something that offers both,
3. Providing a Multi-Directional Feature
Essential safes generally have locking bars and bolts that are located opposite the hinges and at the sides of the door. This can mean that any thief can pry open the doors and the initial bars and bolts provided they have the proper knowledge and tools to do the job.
Fortunately, there are modern designs today where the bolts are located from the bottom to the top that will protect your gun safe from pry attacks. The best ones feature hinges on the side, so fewer accidents will be.
4. Have Fireboards
There are many reasons why you need a proper safe for your gun, and one of them is to protect yourself in the event of a fire. This is possible when you install several layers of fireboard on the storage area’s floors, doors, walls, and ceilings. The more layers there are, the safer you will be against any conflagration.
However, it’s worth noting that there are currently no standard systems for the fire ratings, unlike the lock features. Some models and companies may exaggerate the capabilities of their products, so it’s best to do your research first. Know the temperature that the storage box can withstand and the length of time that it can tolerate the fire. Check the layers of the fireboard in the interior as well.
5. Versatility of the Interior
Safes are not based on how it generally holds up against thieves; you should also look for versatility. The usability and versatility determine other things that you can put into the box and protect from the eyes of burglars. Getting the ones that can store jewelry and those with adjustable interiors often are an excellent option. You’ll be able to change some things and mix others as your collection of firearms grow.
It’s essential to consider the level of safety and security that a safe can offer you. Usually, the higher the price, the more protection that it can offer. Determine the appropriate size and steel thickness and find something that you’re comfortable keeping in your apartment.
