First off, let me say that I really do like my safe, but I am also very picky and so if I make a negative statement, it is just because I want everything the way I want it!  My Stack-On gun safe comes in a green color that really doesn’t match with anything.  Black would have been nicer, but hey, in my basement workroom, who cares!  I bought the 16 gun version not because I figured that I would own 16 gun some day, but I wanted to have room for other items in my safe including valuables and documents (such as birth certificates, passports and such).

If  I had to purchase it again, I would find the Stack On gun safes that hold 19 guns as they have a much different shelf configuration where you can have a top to bottom set of shelves (I think 4 in all).  These take up half the safe leaving the other half for my long guns.  This would have been perfect for storing my valuables and documents plus some ammo and a few handguns.  My current safe only has one shelf that spans the entire upper part of the safe.  This holds mostly valuables and docs, my ammo can’t live in the safe and then I had to purchase some additional pistol racks for the safe to hold my handguns.  Not a big deal and frankly I like having the handguns on the door so they can be access easily and they are not laying on top of each other.

As I mentioned, I have the safe in my basement.  I installed the safe in the corner of my basement with one side of it pushed hard up against the concrete wall.  This should prevent anyone from rocking it back and forth to break the two 4″ concrete bolts that I put in the bottom.  Stack on safes come with a reinforced bottom plate to make them extra resistant against someone using a pry bar and pulling the bolts right out through the bottom of the safe.  I have also thought about building a new wood shelf right beside the safe using some extra lumber and over engineering it with bolts so that you would almost need to spend more time trying to pull this shelf apart than you would trying to open the safe!

I noticed that after I put my four long guns in this rifle safe, that the base area, where the butts of the guns sit, gets crowded.  With just 4 in there, I could see that it may be difficult to put a total of 16 guns in this safe.  The back of the safe allows you to rest 8 against it and then 4 on each side.  With just 4 in the safe now, I am not sure how you could add 4 more on the side.  Consider this if you are really going to fill one of these gun safes.

The security of a Stack On safe is more than enough for what I need.  The 5 live action bolts are very tough and the door is extremely heavy.  The fire protection feature of the safe was actually more important that the security.  I was worried that in a fire, my valuables and important documents would be destroyed.  The guns can be replaced, but in a zombie wasteland where my house burned down, I would love to get to my guns also!!  A fireproof safe is a necessity in my book (even if you don’t believe in zombies).

While I would have preferred a sexy biometrics safe, it just wasn’t in my budget.  I opted for the old fashion combination lock for this beast and then used the extra money for a small biometric pistol safe that I keep under my bed with my favorite Glock 22.  The combination is actually very smooth, but somewhat forgiving (not as sloppy at the gym lockers in high school, but I rarely have to retry the combination because I missed a number by one hash mark).

All in all, this was a good investment considering I purchased it for around $500 from a local store, so this was not a cheap gun safe.  I also looked at the SentrySafe unit with an electronic lock and feel like they are similar units, but my local shop didn’t carry that size in stock (and it was the same money as the Stack-On Safe) so opted for the quick purchase and took it home.

Here are some of the different types of rifle safes:

• Most common are a high security safe that sits on the floor that will hold from 6-66 long guns depending upon the configuration.  There are many manufacturers that sell these gun safes and you can find lots of information on the internet about them.  Stackon safes is a popular product that you will find widely distributed.  They have extra features such as stand-offs for rifles with scopes.  This allows you to put the gun in the safe without having to remove the scope or have it be bumped.
• Fire safes are often the next step up in price and features.  These are rifle gun safes that can withstand 1700 degree Fahrenheit temperatures for up to 1 hour with no damage to the contents of the safe.  While this sound exciting and necessary, most home fires rarely get above 800 degrees for any length of time.  Unless you live out in the sticks or expect a very hot fire, don’t worry too much about buying a fire safe for your guns.  Buy it for your important documents and other valuables.
• There are statistics that show that a house in the United States will flood every 20 years.  This can be a catastrophe for your gun collection.  While it is not a big deal for a rifle to get some water on it from time to time, they are made out of metal and are not design to sit in water for any length of time.  What if you had to evacuate your home because of a flood, or a tornado took the roof off and it filled the basement with rain water, or what if your sewer backed up?  All these items could cause your rifle safe to become a rusting fish bowl.  While these gun safes are more expensive, they are an important investment.

Owning a rifle safe is an important investment that you should consider carefully before making your purchase.

In the workplace a biometric safe may be programmed to accept several users. A boss could be given the capability to reprogram the safe while employees only have ability to access the safe. Having voice recognition in combination with keys or pass-codes could be extremely useful in the event of robbery. Special units that contain a panic feature would allow people indicate if there is someone attempting to force a registered user to open the safe.

At home the multi-user feature could be used to allow both parents to protect children from items that may be dangerous. Hunting rifles and ammunition could be stored in a biometric gun safe to prevent curious children from accidental injury. In other cases an entire family might want access to a safe simply for keeping important documents such as birth certificates and passports.  The ease of use of a biometric reader makes it an ideal place to store your gun for quick access in the case of an emergency.  Simply put your finger on the reader and the safe pops open.

For special circumstances a safe may be chilled or heated in order to store temperature sensitive materials. From electronics to fine wine a safe may be tailored to meet specific needs of individuals and businesses. An investment to protect investments should be available in more than just different sizes, shapes and colors; it should reflect the unique needs of users.  Doing your research can help you get the best price and property protection for your valuables.

Protecting valuables requires more than just a key or combination. A quality biometric safe will include an outer housing case that is water and fireproof. In the event of flood, fire or other natural disaster the biometric technology should still be functioning perfectly. No matter what the reason behind locking away valuables, a biometric safe will keep items protected and minds at ease.

Stack On manufacturers several different lines of safes from their Premier series, to Elite series, to the Total Defense series:

• Their Premier Series safes are both fireproof to 1400 degrees for up to 30 minutes.  The Stackon gun safes are also water resistant in up to 2 feet of standing water for 72 hours (the safe must be installed using sealants per Stackon safes installation instructions to comply with this feature).  The doors feature a 4-way locking mechanism with seven live action bolts and three steel dead bolts which provide 10 locking points for the door.  This level of protection will deter even the most aggressive break-ins.  These safe models are also UL listed.   Full-sized gun safes can hold up to 40 guns with either a UL rated Type 1 electronic locks or Group 2 3-number combination lock.  Newer models are even coming out as biometric gun safes
• Stack On’s Elite Series of safes are fire resistant for 30 minutes at up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.  These safes feature up to seven live action bolts and three solid steel dead bolts on the larger models.  This model does NOT have the re-locking,  feature which keeps the door secure even if the lock mechanism is removed, like the premier models.  The elite series can hold up to 45 guns using either a electronic or combination lock.  They do include gun barrel rests and standoffs for guns with scopes.
• The Total Defense safes from Stack-On are similar to the premier series, but do not have the UL rated locks or the more sophisticated re-locking mechanism.   They have the same water and fire ratings, though.  This model can hold up to 36 guns.
• Stackon safes also makes smaller fire proof safes in both their standard line and Stackon gun safes line.  These include some of the features of the above series, but are much more cost effective.
• Stack-On sells a product they call their Strong Box fire resistant safes.  These smaller home safes can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 90 minutes.  Because they are smaller, they have less locking points, but still employ the live action bolts and deadbolts.

Stack On gun safes have a remarkable assortment of products that they manufacturer.  Everything from a 1000 pound, 46 gun safe that is water and fire proof to a small in-wall home security safe.  You should look at their product line if you are in the market for a safe.

A typical gun safe will store a number of rifles and have some shelving and cubbyholes for other items. Some high-end safes have built in interior lighting and dehumidifiers. Some are also designed with built in drawers for organizing smaller valuables. Additionally, some gun safes contain special holster or racks to accommodate several hand guns. Also, some safes have areas, or special compartments, specifically designed to give added protection against the excessive heat that might be experience during a fire. This kind of area is made to give extra protection to your important paper documents.

Of course the primary things that these safes are designed to protect against are thieves and fire. Several models have varying levels of fire protection. One model is designed to withstand 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 2 ½ hours. Some have a fire protection feature that prevents heat and smoke from entering in through the seams of the door. As an example, some safes have a specially designed door seal that as it heats up it expands and sticks to the door, preventing smoke and heat from penetrating. Protection against thieves takes on the form of thicker steel, more advanced kinds of steel plating, and more advanced locking mechanisms. Another important feature of any good gun safe is its warranty, and how long the warranty covers the lock mechanism.

By taking time to compare gun safes and their features, a person can save money and potentially make their guns and other valuables much safer.  But, keep in mind that when you buy a cheap safe, you get what you pay for.

When it comes to firearms, safety is crucial.  As important as it is to defend your valuables, nearly any responsible gun owner would agree that a safe’s most significant role is to protect your children, and others lacking authorized access to your firearms.  But what about protecting those you love from the guns safe itself?  Gun safes, particularly fire resistant models, are built nearly air tight, thus making getting locked inside one as deadly as being trapped in a refrigerator.  In the case of most units, once that door locks, there’s no getting out.  The Honeywell Executive model, however, comes with a feature which frankly, I’m surprised we don’t see more of on other models; a safety escape latch on the inside.  Though it’s still obviously critical that you don’t let your children play around your open gun safe, suffocation on account of your negligence is one less thing you have to worry about.

One of the biggest drawbacks of buying a gun safe is that they can literally weigh a ton.  If you move it yourself, it’s a physically demanding logistical nightmare, and if you have someone else do it, the cost adds up very quickly.  The good folks over at Zanotti Armor have created a brilliantly innovative solution to this mess.  They offer a line of guns safes, ranging anywhere from 350 to 825 lbs, that are shipped in six separate segments.  Forget stair climbing hydraulics for top floor delivery, just pick it up a segment and move it yourself (you may need two people for the largest model).  And no, it’s not a piece of junk.  The doors are constructed from 3/8″ solid steel, and they offer 1200 degree fire protection for up to 20 minutes…not bad for something you can throw together with a hammer in 20 minutes!

As high as safety and convenience rank in our priorities, what really matters?  That’s right – it’s all about the looks.  Functionally, there’s virtually no practical substitute for a gun safe.  But whether you like them or not, almost everyone can agree that even the prettiest ones aren’t all that pretty…surely not worthy of placing next to your dining room china cabinet anyway.  Well, the master woodworkers/genius entrepreneurs over at Heirloom Safe and Chest Co. have found a way to preserve your safe’s function while transforming it into a gorgeous armoire.  They design custom wood paneling with industrial strength magnets to fit flush with the design of your unit.  I know it sounds tacky, but you have to take my word for it – they’re absolutely lovely.  What’s best is that they can be transformed in 15 minutes…you could assemble a steel Zanotti safe, and line it with beautiful solid oak in the time it took you to read this post (well, maybe if you’re a really slow reader)!

I bet you had no idea something as drab as a gun safe could be so fascinating.  Don’t use safety, inconvenience, or looks as an excuse not to protect your valuables ad the ones you love – no matter what excuse you have, there’s an innovative safe out there to stifle it.

One advantage is the quick access you will have to your gun. Instead of trying to hunt down the keys for your safe then trying to unlock it you just have to scan your fingers over the scanner and the safe immediately opens up. This will allow you to keep your gun at the ready in the event you need it quickly.

Another advantage of a biometric gun safe is the security it provides. Since the safe can only be opened by an individual who has their fingerprints stored in the safe’s memory you can control who has access. With the traditional method of locks and keys it is possible for anyone with the key to open it. Remember it is almost impossible to lose your fingerprints. It is very possible to lose keys.

Considering that you can store multiple sets of fingerprints in the memory of the biometric gun safe you can allow multiple people to have access. A good example of when this would be useful is a household with two parents and kids. The mother and father can have their fingerprints stored in the safe. If one of them is out and a situation arises where the gun is needed the other one can open the safe. There is no worrying about multiple sets of keys floating around.

There are many more advantages to keeping your gun in a fingerprint gun safe. One of the most secure ways to store a pistol or a handgun is a good biometric gun safe. Get yours today!

What Can You Put In A Fireproof Safe?

Obviously, what you will put in the safe depends on the size of the safe. Keep this in mind when you are making your purchase. However, you will want the safe to be large enough to hold at least certain papers and other items.

• Life Insurance Policy Information
• Homeowners Insurance Policy Papers
• Birth Certificate, Marriage Licenses, Divorce Papers, Child Custody papers
• Digital memory cards containing copies of all family photos
• Passports and Social Security Cards
• Vehicle titles and Real Estate Deeds
• Larger gun safes can hold many guns

In addition, you may also want to store some family heirlooms in your fire security safes. Again, size may prevent this. However, if you have your great grandmother’s diamond engagement ring that is worth thousands of dollars and is priceless to you, that should be in the fireproof safe. If you buy extended warranties for cars, electronics or other items it’s a good idea to keep these papers in the safe until they have expired. If you have a biometric safe, the fireproof safe is a good place to keep the key to that safe.

How Do You Choose Your Safe?

Once you have an idea of what you will want to keep in your safe, you will know what size safe you want. You can choose a very simple, small safe that consists of nothing more than an open cavity with a top lid that closes and locks. You can also choose a large safe with shelves that can be used to house many of your valuables.

Not all fireproof safes are created equal. Some will withstand higher temperatures for longer periods of time. Generally, the greater the level of security against fire, the more expensive the safe will be. You can choose a ½ rated safe that will withstand a temperature of up to 1550 degrees for thirty minutes. Next is the 1 hour rating that can withstand one hour of 1700 degree external temperatures. If the safe will be kept in an upstairs room, consider purchasing a safe that can also withstand being dropped. For example, the 1 hour+ rating is a safe that can withstand one hour of 1700 degrees temperature, and being dropped thirty feet. The 2 hour rating can withstand 2 hours at 1850 degrees, and the 2 hour+ can withstand that heat level plus survive a drop of 30 feet.

Fireproof safes are an important addition to any home. They will keep your most important papers and small belongings protected from theft or fire. They will also ensure that the next time you need your cars’ title or your child’s social security card; you will actually know exactly where they are.

There are a couple of good circumstances that warrant the purchase of a full-fledged gun safe rather than a cabinet. The first of which is the situation at the place the weapon will reside. If there are small children, irresponsible teens, or other undependable individuals, locking up your firearm is of the utmost importance. Not only do safes offer the best locking mechanisms, you can install features such as biometrics scanners or digital locking devices. These additional measures help to ensure you can keep your family safe.

The second reason for the purchase of a gun safe is the need to safely secure the firearms from risk of damage or theft. If you have made a sizable or expensive gun purchase, it makes sense to insure that investment from risk of fire damage, water damage, or theft. Gun safes can come prebuilt with these additional protections included in the safe.

For more budget minded individuals, metal gun cabinets can be a good alternative. These will often offer similar locks as lower-end safes, and can allow you to lock up your weapons from casual intrusion. The lower price for the units also eliminates the additional fire or theft protections. If this is not a concern it may be an excellent alternative.

Another scenario that occurs often enough is those gun owners that wish to showcase their collection for everyone to see. The best way to accomplish this is through the use of a high quality gun cabinet. Finely crafted, and uniquely designed cabinets offer little safety, but provide a beautiful setting to highlight your gun collection.

A biometric safe is a very secure location to keep your gun.  The safe can be bolted to the floor or tethered with a steel cable around an immovable object making it impossible to simply pickup and walk off with the safe and its contents.  Most biometric gun safes are made from 7 to 16 gauge steel.  Some of the portable biometric safes are made from hardened aluminum to decrease weight, which can be helpful if you plan to store the safe in your vehicle.  Nevertheless, they are tough and difficult to open (although any safe can be opened given enough force and time).

A biometric safe is also a safe place to keep your pistol away from children or untrained individuals.  Using a simple gun locking device that is for the children living in your house is not enough. Do not depend on it as a sole safety measure. “I didn’t think he knew how to work the lock” is not a good defense. According to PAX, a nonprofit organization, more than 40 percent of American homes with children in them also have guns. Many of these weapons are kept loaded and within reach of a determined child.  Keep your kids (and mine when they come to your house!) safe.  Get these put into a locked location, preferably somewhere that is difficult to open or move, like a safe.

A handgun is often purchased for self defense.  If you can not access that handgun quickly, it could be the difference between life or death.  Using a combination lock or even a keypad lock to store your emergency firearm can be difficult to open in a panic or stressful situation.  When your adrenaline is flowing in a crisis, it has been proven that you will lose most fine motor skills.  You may remember the combination, but simply be unable physically to work the lock.  You always have your fingerprint with you and if all you had to do is slide it across the biometric safe reader to open, how much easier could that be?  There is no time spent trying to remember the combination, looking for the keys, or spinning the dial while an emergency is happening.  You could even open this safe in the dark by just feeling the fingerprint reader.

Most safes designed to store guns have some padding inside to cushion the gun when putting it in or taking it out of the safe.  This protection is mostly cosmetic to protect the finish of both the gun and the interior of the safe.  Additionally, you should choose a biometric gun safe that is sized properly for the number of guns you are planning to store in it.  Most entry level models will accommodate 1-3 guns.