Choosing The Best Gun Safe in 2022
A responsible gun owner knows all too well, without some sort of government or law telling him what he must do, that a good solid gun safe is essential.
It is essential in keeping yourself and your loved ones safeguarded against accidents and mishaps.
If you have young children who have not yet developed the ability to understand the potential dangers of firearms, this becomes even more important.
Another reason to keep a good gun safe is to keep firearms out of the hands of any intruder who may be breaking into your home and means to harm you and yours.
You must have a plan for this and EVERYONE in your household needs to know the plan and their role. Even if their role is to hide somewhere and stay out of sight, they need to know the importance of that and how that is what they are to do.
Fortunately there is a huge market for gun safes of all kinds and for many different intents and purposes.
Some simple and classic safes are great for those old treasures that you just want to care for and put away with never a need for accessing quickly.
Other safes on the market today that operate with biometrics and fingerprint technologies make it easy to have your firearm in your hand and ready to fire just as fast as opening a drawer and pulling it out.
The only difference here is that security of knowing that only yourself, and those of your choosing, are the ones able to get to them. Now, that’s peace of mind.
Considering the preservation and care of your firearms is another reason to keep them locked away in a controlled environment, away from excess moisture, dust, and other mixed elements.
You know as well as I do that in order to be an effective protector you must allow your imagination to run wild here and there, to be able to foresee potential threats, and to have already considered how you would handle them.
If you are not doing this mental prep, I would suggest you start and allow your mind to go there and practice this foresight. This line of thinking may prove to be an ally one of these days.
So, we’ve tried to keep things as simple as possible with our list today and feel that we have broken things down into a few categories that pretty well sum up the needs of your everyday real-life and also hypothetical/potential situations.
Awareness of what you have and what you are looking to protect it with is not a complicated riddle and I’m not going to waste your time acting like there is much of a science to this.
Combine a few considerations and a little simple research and that is all you need to do to understand what move to make here. Here’s a few questions and things to consider to get you into the frame of mind to get started.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Gun Safe?
When deciding what gun safe to purchase we need to take a look at a few factors. The thicker the gauge steel, for the body and the door, the better.
Ideally we’re looking for the body of the safe to be at least 11 gauge steel, but again, the thicker the better. 1/2 an inch thickness for the door is optimal, but 3/8” will do.
Aside from the above considerations, some important questions you should ask yourself are:
What is the fire rating of the safe I intend to buy?
How quickly would I like to access my gun(s) in a “situation”?
Am I interested in a stealth mode that turns off any beeping sound, so not to alert any burglars while I’m grabbing my gun?
Am I interested in a gas compression strut that allows for a quiet opening of the lid to avoid alerting anyone?
What Size Safe Should I Buy?
We need to take a look down the road here, meaning, think years ahead of how you might intend to build your collection/stored wealth, and account for more space than you currently need to occupy.
Other considerations when determining the size of the safe you’ll need are:
How many guns do I have?
Are they long guns or handguns/how many of each?
How much ammo do I want to store with my gun(s)?
Do I want to store other valuables such as jewelry, money, precious metals, important documents, etc… with my gun(s)?
What is a Good Fire Rating for a Gun Safe?
Ideally, you want a safe that will defend it’s contents against a temperature of 1200 degrees for at least an hour. You want this rating to be certified and backed by rigorous testing.
A safe with less than these standards is not likely to protect important papers (including paper money) and more delicate items for the standard home fire event.
These are just a few things to get you cooking. You probably have more things than this to consider, but if you can answer these questions, you’re ready to find out the rest of what you need to know on our list today and start Choosing the Best Gun Safe in 2022!
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The Best Gun Safes of 2022
Liberty Fat Boy Junior 48 Gun Safe
(Best All-Round Firearm & Valuables Safe)
Our hands-down choice for all round protection and versatility, the Liberty Fatboy Jr covers just about all the bases when it comes to space and safeguarding assets, leaving very little room for one to want for much.
The Fatboy Jr is hands down the absolute toughest safe on the market for its size and price. The 11 gauge steel and 2 piece body makes this beast practically impenetrable.
UL listed locks, composite door/top-quality door panel, multiple locking bolts, 4-way military style locking bars and re-locking devices to deter forced entry, are security features offered by the Fatboy Jr. that you’d be hard pressed to find on other large safes its size.
This 48 gun Liberty safe boasts upgraded fire technology with 83,000 BTU protection, an extra layer in the ceiling and door, making for a 60 minute fire rating.
With so much space and versatility, there is also the potential (depending on your arsenal) for extra room to safely store important documents and heirlooms. Many people will utilize this safe to store much more than their guns, due to it’s size and the roomy interior.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Fire Protection
60 minute fire package at 1200°F or 83,000 BTU’s w/ 10 minute ramp-up
Three layers on the ceiling, door jambs and door with two layers on the walls
Palusol heat-expanding seal included on all models, expanding up to 7 times its size in a fire at 212°F
Security
The FATBOY Jr. has been awarded UL Residential Security Container burglary classification
Tough & heavy 11 gauge steel
Triple case hardened steel plates protect lock from drill attack
Defensive barrier of 8 military style locking bars on all four sides of the door
Cam-drive bolt locking mechanism with slip clutch handle
UL Listed SecuRam BackLit electronic lock
Weight: 777 lbs.
Style & Function
Durable textured black finish with satin chrome hardware with new 3-point SURETIGHT handle
Upholstered Collector interior with Double Sportsman Rack in gray fabric. Holds up to 48 long guns! (Gun capacity may vary depending upon size of guns and scopes mounted)
Interior Dimensions: 56.5" H x 38" W x 14.5" D
Bar / Bolt Count: 888
Handle Style: 3-Spoke
Exterior Dimensions: H x W x D 60.5" x 42" x 25"
Height: 56.5
Interior Width: 38
Interior Depth: 14.5
Interior Cubic Feet: 19.0
Weight777 lbs
Warranty Limited Lifetime
Made in the USA
Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Quick Access Pistol Security Box
(Best Multi-Handgun Bedside/Quick Access Safe)
With new and improved design and features offering quick access to your handguns, the Stealth Handgun Hanger allows you to keep your three favorite handguns at the ready position along with space for two more to lay flat on the floor of the safe. This is our favorite bed-side safe!
California Department of Justice approved to hold five handguns, this pry-proof powerhouse has a recessed solid steel door with added thickness and latch strength. The interior is lined with high-density foam to protect from scratches and damage.
This innovative and impressive design, combined with a modest and friendly price tag, makes the Stealth Handgun Hanger our absolute favorite option for multiple firearm, quick access home protection on the market today.
FEATURES AND SPECS:
Illuminating Push Button Electronic Lock: Six-digit combination with push button sounds and optional silent mode for ultimate Stealth.
Interior Gun Rack Included: Coated in a heat shrink tubing to protect the inside barrel of your three favorite firearms from getting scratched.
Red Interior Light: Activates when correct combination is entered, and safe door opens allowing you to easily see inside your safe during the day or night.
Security Cable with Keys Included: Along with four bolt down holes, the free security cable ensures a thief is not able to pick up your safe and walk away.
Fast Access with Door Spring: Spring loaded, the door quickly drops right after the correct combination is entered. The heavy door is supported with a speed reducer to catch the door for a soft finish.
Solid Steel Anti-Pry Door: 2-piece steel door 3/8" thick with anti-pry tabs and high strength locking latch – Straw and pick proof.
New Power Port Included: External power port plugin (cable included) for powering your safe or instead use a 9V battery.
High Capacity: 3 handguns at the ready & 2 on the floor = 5 total
Solid Steel Construction: 3/8" Solid Steel Door w/ anti-pry tabs and high strength locking latch — straw and pick proof with new welded lock housing
New Power Port: Keep it plugged in or use a 9V Battery
External Dimensions: 9" H x 9" W x 12" D /
Weight: 20 lbs
CA Department of Justice approved
Viking Security VS-14BL Biometric Handgun Safe
(Best Biometric Top Drawer Handgun Safe)
Top opening and conveniently designed to fit perfectly inside of a top drawer of a bedside table, the Viking VS-14BL Biometric Handgun Safe displays impressive quality in design and workmanship.
One of the most reliable safes on the market, you can trust that it is not only kid proof, but you can rest assured that no one but you and those of your choosing will be able to access anything you keep inside.
It is also versatile, with its compact size fitting almost anywhere, even inside of the wall between studs or wall mounted and facing out. There is also its obvious intent, which is to be place in a top drawer for easy access and to remain hidden.
Seamlessly welded in black military finish, this steel, laser cut, pry-resistant safe box offers a top of the line locking system with an upgraded 500 DPI optical fingerprint reader, digital keypad, and LCD display.
The locking deadbolts are motorized and open fast with your fingerprint, PIN code, or a key. With non-volatile memory, the Viking VS-14BL can operate with either sound or in silent mode. If the door is left unlocked for more than 1 minute a warning beep will sound. It has all carpeted interior and an integrated LED light for additional visibility.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Made of steel, black military finish
Optical Fingerprint Sensor - upgraded 500 DPI
Motorized deadbolt locking mechanism
Non-volatile memory means information is retained even if batteries are removed
Digital Keypad LCD displays operations and battery status
PIN code: 4-8 programmable digits
Fingerprint Reader stores up to 32 fingerprints
Sound On/Off programmable
Warning beeps if door is unlocked for more than a minute
Four prong, override cross keys (2 included)
Pry-resistant, Laser Cut and Seamless welding
All carpeted interior
Build in LED light
Time out after 5 incorrect PINs or 10 incorrect fingerprints attempts
4 pre-drilled holes with anchor bolts
Door Thickness: 5 mm
Body Thickness: 3 mm
External Dimensions: H 5" x W 11" x L 15”
Internal Dimensions: H 4.5” x W 10.5" x L 14.5”
Weight: 23 lbs
1 Year Warranty
Awesafe Biometric Gun Safe
(Best Budget Handgun Safe w/ Biometric)
The Awesafe Biometric Gun Safe with fingerprint identification and a biometric lock system, features compressed gas pillars for fast, one-handed, low-pitched quiet entry, allowing you to access your firearm reliably and quickly when seconds are crucial.
With a digital keypad for advanced protection, the Awesafe Biometric provides secure storage for two standard handguns or one larger pistol and some extra ammunition.
This wallet-friendly handgun safe is constructed with solid steel, has a pry resistant door, and a reliable high-strength locking mechanism. It also features a gas strut and LED lighting to instantly and quietly open the door for single-handed access to your handgun with increased visibility.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Portable Design: The Awesafe Biometric is compact and lightweight, whether you’re home or on the go, its small size makes it easy to conceal under car seats, in spare tire wells, or under the bed.
Fingerprint Recognition: quick access and accommodates up to 30 fingerprints for shared access and advanced protection.
Digital Keypad: Set your own combination for backup access
Electronic Lock and Override Key: Zero-feedback keypad for silent entry, and override key for convenient backup access.
Increased Visibility: Interior lighting provides increased visibility so you can easily access your guns without additional lighting.
Pry-Resistant Door & Solid Steel Construction: Provides strength and security against unauthorized access to firearms.
Compression Gas Strut: Automatically opens the lid when the combination is entered, for single handed access.
Exterior Dimensions: 12” x 10” x 3.3”
Interior Dimensions: 9.6” x 6.3” x 2.4”
Weight: 10 lbs
1 Year Factory Warranty
V-Line Quick Vault
(Best In-Wall Mounted Firearms & Valuables Safe)
V-Line’s Quick Vault is a fantastic way to secure firearms and other valuable without compromising quick and easy access, or adding another item to the room that you’ll have to figure out where to put.
Designed for easy installation and nestling perfectly between the wall studs, the case mounts flush with the wall’s surface enabling you to hang a picture or another decoration over it for complete concealment.
The attached bezel gives a clean finished look hiding any drywall cuts from the installation. The door of the Quick Vault is inset for both flush installation as well as maximum security. An inner steel frame gives added protection to the door guarding against prying attacks.
The push button lock is mechanical offering quick and easy access with no batteries to fail or keys that can fall into the wrong hands. The combination is easy to set and change, and has 1081 possible codes.
Felt lining on the walls and the back of the safe’s interior provides added protection and prevents scratches, eliminating potential damage to your firearm or valuables, and an adjustable felt lined shelf provides additional storage space.
The Quick Vault is also large enough to comfortably hold your wallet, jewelry, and other small valuables. Most wall safes with this type of configuration have electronic locks which consume up to 1/3 of the interior, but with the Quick Vault the lock takes up very little interior space maximizing the storage capacity of the safe.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Flush Mounted: The Quick Vault fits nicely between the wall studs and with the recessed door is flush against the wall allowing for a mirror or picture to conceal the safe.
Easy to Install: Simply use a box knife to cut the drywall to the proper dimensions and slide the quick Vault in and use the provided lag bolts secure onto the wall studs.
Adjustable Shelf: The Quick Vault has an adjustable shelf that is standard with every unit. It is fully adjustable allowing for a custom interior configuration.
Anti-Pry Protection: The Quick Vault is fitted with anti-pry brackets around the non-hinged sides of the door for extra security.
Included: One adjustable felt lined shelf included
Locking Mechanism: Five button mechanical lock for quick access with 1081 possible combinations. 3/8" thick steel lock block welded to cover guides and adds strength to the lock bolt.
Pre-drilled Holes: for easy installation.
Pry-Proof: Lock bolts directly through the inner frame of case to prevent prying.
Construction: Sturdy fabricated steel construction with pry resistant clam-shell design. Continuous hinge is welded on one end to prevent pin removal.
Weight: 23 lbs
Dimensions: 4” x 12” x 14”
Color: Finished in off white textured powder coating
Concealment: Perfect for concealing behind mirror or picture
Closure: Dial & Combination
CA Department of Justice approved
Made in the USA
“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
— Archilochus
When it comes to protecting yourself and the ones you love, it would be an understatement to say that there are a lot of things to consider. However, just like anything, if we break things down into smaller segments, the answers are far more decipherable and seem less burdensome.
By taking the time to gather an understanding of which safe we need to store our firearms and other valuables, the more we have an understanding of the level of security we are operating at and a little better idea of how well we have our houses in order. We’ve just taken one step further into understanding how to better protect and serve our loved ones.
Now we should know our capabilities with a little more refinement. Questions like, “how quickly and quietly can I get to my firearm if I need to protect my family?” should’ve just gotten answered in a new light.
We hope this article has helped you to understand the importance of a good gun safe for your household. The world needs smart and strong men, and we are certainly going to need to build our resiliency and self-reliance skills for the days that lie ahead of us.
Remember, “We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” Stay strong and remain Rugged!
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