| Gun safes are designed with two purposes in mind: safety and protection from theft and fire. While gun safes are not yet required by law, there may be laws in your state that will hold you responsible if a minor is injured or killed due to the failure to lock up your guns safely. This makes purchasing a gun safe the smart option for those who own guns.
Types of Safes
There are two main categories of gun safes: pistol safes and rifle and shotgun safes. Pistol safes come in two styles, allowing you to choose a smaller chest style or the larger cabinet style. The chest style is often designed to hold one gun and will secure the gun and protect it from fire. The cabinet style is larger and can accommodate multiple guns. Rifle and shotgun safes are larger to accommodate the length of these guns, protecting them from both fire and burglary, while keeping them out of reach. Some models have racks and shelves.
Fireproof Rating
As you consider the right gun safe, you need to look at the fireproof rating it carries. When you look at the fireproof ratings, you will see a time limit and a temperature listed. The time limit is the duration at which the temperature listed will be maintained within the safe when there is a fire. Your safe should keep the internal temperature at no more than 350 degrees to keep your guns and ammunition safe.
Burglary Rating
Many gun safes also have a burglary rating. This rating is also listed in time increments, letting you know how long it would take an experienced person to break into the safe with locksmith tools. The longer the time, the better protection you have.
Locking Mechanisms
The final aspect you need to consider as you look at gun safes is the locking mechanism used. You can find mechanical locks, mechanical combination locks and electronic keypad locks. The preferred type of locking mechanism today is the electronic keypad, allowing users to open it with the input of a specific code. Many can even grant access via multiple codes for more than one user.
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