Pistol safes are a great way to protect your firearms from theft and fire, and an even better way to protect your family from unfortunate accidents. B...
Pistol safes are a great way to protect your firearms from theft and fire,
and an even better way to protect your family from unfortunate accidents. But it’s a big purchase that isn’t just about what goes inside. There are other things that need to be considered, like where is it going to go, and how is it going to get there.
Here are some things that you may not have considered when you started daydreaming about finally having a place to put your hunting collection.
Where are you going to store it?
Are you going to put your safe in your garage or keep it in your upstairs office? This question is about possibility as much as it is about practicality. Safes can be upwards of one ton, and you need to be sure that your flooring can support it.
If you’re looking at bringing it up the stairs, be sure your stairway can support its weight, and be sure that your upstairs flooring can hold it. Wherever you’re looking to put it, be sure to measure doorways and hallways to make sure you can get it there. Factor in another two to four inches for combination locks, if applicable.
How are you going to get it there?
Most safe companies ship your purchase to your driveway, and no further. For a large safe, this can be a problem if you aren’t capable of lifting and moving the safe yourself, which is a big possibility. Try to find a reputable company that offers inside delivery and installation.
Even though they may not be equipped with the staff to do it themselves, some companies have a web of local contractors they can hire to come in and do the delivery for you. This is good for you because you won’t be stuck thumbing through the phone book at the last minute. Your company will already know who’s trustworthy, licensed and bonded.
How big do you need your storage unit to be?
Pistol safes come in a variety of sizes, and some companies can even build to your exact specifications. Measure the largest item you need stored, then add 25 to 50 percent to get an idea of the size you’ll need. If you don’t plan on adding to your current collection, then you’ll be comfortably covered with the 25 percent padding. On the other hand, you may already be eyeing a few more firearms or valuables you want to put in your safe, and you will want to go with the 50 percent padding in order to account for future additions.
Who are you going to trust with your order?
Most safe suppliers are gun dealers who sell storage units because they figure it’s a nice accessory. They may know a whole lot about locks, stocks and barrels, but not a whole heck of a lot about safes. Instead, try to find a company that sells primarily, if not exclusively, safes and safe accessories. This will ensure that you find an expert that can handle all of your questions and guide you in the purchasing process. Working with an industry veteran will help ensure that your investment is well handled.
Your safe is most likely going to be a permanent addition to your life and to your home. Be sure to be careful with your investment. Keeping these questions in mind when you begin looking at pistol safes will help avoid future regrets, and make for a stress-free buying process.
