Do you want to know what to look for when purchasing a case for your guns? This article describes some of the options available for gun safes.If you o...
Do you want to know what to look for when purchasing a case for your guns? This article describes some of the options available for gun safes.
If you own firearms,
you are probably aware that gun safes are a key part of safety. These protect your family by keeping children and others away from dangerous items. Most suicides and gun related crimes, such as school shootings, are committed with another person’s firearms. It doesn’t get simpler than that: a gun safe saves lives.
Without a locked case, there is only so much you can do to protect your guns. Many people keep their guns and ammunition in separate areas, but curious children can eventually track the parts down. Storing your guns in a safe is enough to deter most unauthorized attempts to access your firearms. Most young people will lack the tools and determination to crack a solid safe and thieves will tend towards easier targets. However, to prepare against serious thieves, many types provide additional protection.
The first line of defense is the lock. The most basic type is the mechanical combination lock, which is known for being both effective and inexpensive. For extra safety, some of these locks use six numbers instead of the traditional three. When it comes to gun safes, many combination locks are combined with a key mechanism. This means that a person needs both the key and the combination in order to access the safe. This system is more secure than either the key or the combination lock alone and significantly complicates matters for thieves.
Electronic locks have the security of combination locks but offer greater flexibility. They can be programmed to hold multiple combinations for different people. It is also easy to change the entry code as often as you need to in order to feel secure. Many electronic locks will automatically shut down if several incorrect codes are entered in a row. This function makes it difficult for people to guess their way into the safe. These extra features make electronic locks more expensive than the basic mechanical lock, but many people feel that the extra flexibility is worth the price.
A newer type of lock uses a person’s fingerprint as the entry code or combination. These locks are fast and easy to use, especially since you do not need to memorize anything to use them. So long as you keep your fingertips in decent shape you should not run into problems with this type of lock. If access speed is very important to you, it may be worth the additional investment to get one of these locks.
When it comes to burglar protection, the sheer size and thickness of the safe plays an important role. Large versions offer the best protection but come at a higher price. If the walls or door of a safe are not thick enough, thieves can use tools to break in without bothering with the lock. If you are mostly concerned about preventing young people from accessing your guns, you may not need a large, heavy safe. If burglary prevention takes priority, then it may help to look at the safety ratings for burglary resistance.
Another key point is that it should be bolted down. Even heavy safes can be carried away by well equipped thieves. If your safe is not bolted down, a burglar may tip it over to gain better access with a crowbar or other tool. Latching down your safe provides one extra layer of defense, so take the time to perform this step. It is best to bolt your safe to the floor into concrete or wood. Gun safes that are latched to walls provide easier access to thieves and are simpler to remove.
Locked gun safes are the best way to protect your firearms from those who should not have access. Knowing what makes a safe effective is vital to making a smart purchase, so keep this information in mind as you look for a safe. Thank you for making the effort to protect your guns!
