Storing firearms in a high-security safe is the single most important thing any responsible gun owner can do. Proper storage in safes prevents guns from being stolen, or improperly handled by children or other unskilled adults. Every year nearly 1,300 children die from the misuse of firearms, and it’s the unfortunate truth that many of these untimely deaths could have been avoided had the gun been properly stored. The following article will cover what you need to look for and consider before purchasing your next gun safe.
.
Lock Types – Mechanical vs Keypad
There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a gun safe – one of the most important being the type of lock. The two primary types of locks that you can choose from are an electronic keypad lock or a mechanical combination dial. The electronic keypad lock has a number of benefits including ease of access. On average, a user can expect to save 30 to 60 seconds of time opening a keypad lock as compared to a mechanical combination lock. Another benefit of keypad locks is the ability to change the combination as often as you would like.
While mechanical combination dial locks may take slightly longer to access than keypad locks, they are considered to be more reliable. Combination dial locks rarely, if ever, fail. The fact that keypad locks are electric does mean that they have a small chance of failing. If the keypad is working, but the safe isn’t opening, a safe technician will have to drill into the safe in order to access the safe’s circuit board, costing anywhere from $350 – $500.
Fire Rating
When choosing a gun safe, it’s important to be aware of its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. A quality gun safe should be able to protect your guns from fire in case of an emergency. Most gun safes come equipped with either an ETL (Electrical Testing Lab) or UL (Underwriters Laboratory) fire rating, which states how long each safe can keep its internal temperature at 350 degrees while being exposed to temperatures up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. These ratings range anywhere from 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Size
Size is an important factor when making the decision to purchase a gun safe. Make sure that you have enough space to not only store the safe but enough space for the safe to travel through any small hallways or stairways. Always double-check the interior dimensions of the safe to ensure that there is plenty of space to store your guns. Our technicians can deliver your newly purchased safe or move it from an existing location to its final destination.
Automobile Safes
For those who are carrying a concealed weapon, having a gun safe in your car is just as necessary as keeping one in your home. The Bureau of Justice reports that an average of 232,000 guns are stolen each year, and that number is on the rise. Police are reporting that some thieves are breaking into cars for the sole purpose of finding firearms. Don’t be a victim of petty theft. At Houston Safe and Lock, we have gun safes for not just your home or business, but for your automobile as well. Although these safes can be used in a car, they can also be used anywhere. Near a bed, in a closet, or in an office, these gun safes will ensure your firearms won’t fall into the wrong hands.
Trusted Gun Safe Providers
How do you know which company to purchase your safe from? You want to choose a company that’s going to be with you every step of the way. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff here at Houston Safe and Lock can help you select a safe that fits your security needs. We can deliver and mount your new safe, as well as any future servicing that may need to be done.
It’s imperative that you keep your guns away from children and criminals. Lock them in a safe, and you won’t have to worry about any potential danger of your firearms ending up in the wrong hands. Here at Houston Safe and Lock, we have safes that fit your security needs as well as your budget. Give us a call or stop by our showroom today to see our large selection of gun safes.
