Storing long guns has always been one of the more challenging aspects of ownership. These weapons are cumbersome and take up a considerable amount of space.But before we compare some of the best rifle gun safe reviews we have to point out three things.
First-Gun safe industry is not similar to the true safes industry.There is much more competition.So in an effort to increase sales companies may advertise their product similar to true safes that are used for storing high end valuables like money,Jewelry etc.
Second-The size of normal home or office safe is usually smaller than the safe made for long guns.
Third-There is considerable difference in price of a true safe and a gun safe.So the ones that can be compared to a True safes comes with price. That’s why we say that in gun safe you get what you pay for.Best explained in this talk on Weapons Education.
Priority of selection-While selecting a gun safe for long guns that you can use to keep your collection for the long run,our priority of selection is as below.These priority is based on the statistical occurrence of the phenomenon that it protects its content from ,ie there are more burglary then fires.But since gun safes offer minimum fire protection(See section on Fire protection), dimensions will come next and last will be fire protection of a safe there fore the order will be.
Burglar protection > Dimensions > Fire protection
Best long gun safe-Safes that are close to true safe models
Below we have listed the only companies whose selected models are most close in construction to a true safes in terms of burglary and fire protection.Some items do not have gun safe like dimensions but that can be traded off if you get the features of a true safe.Show 102550100 entriesSearch:
| IMAGE |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | American Security BF6032 | Amsec AmRF6528 |
| Size (Height x width x depth) |
60 x 32 x21 | 72 x 35 x 29.5 |
| Weight | 1118 lbs | 3455 lbs. |
| Max guns | 22 | 35 |
| Door type | Solid steel | Composite |
| Door steel thickness | 1/2 “ | Steel thickness NA -but meets UL 687 Class TL-30 requirements (thickness with concrete 6″ l ) |
| Body thickness | 11 gauge outside only | Steel-NA but meets UL 687 Class TL-30 requirements Total thickness-3-1/2″ (two sided steel with high densidty concrete inside) |
| Fire rating | 2 hrs @1275°FComparable to UL listed fire rating | 2 hrs @1275°F Comparable to UL listed fire rating |
| Burglar Security rating | RSC | U.L. certified TL30x6 |
| Price | $2,888.00 | $10,095.00 |
| Remark | Amsec BF series safe uses true fireliner unlike other gun safe company which uses Gypsum aka fiberboard aka sheetrock.
A smaller better option which is a true safe therefore more suitable for high end valuables has a B grade construction rating is BF3416. But its height is only 34 inch. |
This safe is tested for forced entry on all four side rather then just the door side as in most rating specifications. |
| Pry tabs | Yes (Strong Steel plates) | Yes |
| Relockers/Anti puch lock | Yes 2 relocker. One inside lock (internal)for Physical tool attack.One glass (external)for drill attack |
Yes One internal and one dual(Act on lock and linkage system) external relockers. |
| Four way dead bolts. | No 3 sides,(Hinge side fixed) | No 3 sides,(Hinge side fixed) |
| External hinges. | Yes | Yes |
| Anti punch bolts mechanism | Uses relocker for tamper detection | Drill resistant reinforcement plus dual relocker. |
| Shearpin,clutches | NA | NA Slip clutch handle that but do not break from origional bolt moving mechanism. |
| UL 760 lock | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation type | Concrete amalgamate 2″ ,1″ on door with inner fireliner of steel of 14 gauge. | high strength concrete plus high-density high-strength ceramic. |
| Anti drill plate Near lock | NA | Yes (patented hard plate) |
| Door seal | Yes | Yes |
| Continous weld | Yes | Yes |
| IMAGE |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Rhino Supreme AIW and A Series | Heritage Ultimate Serious UX3966 |
| Size | Varies | Varies |
| Weight | Varies | 1800 |
| Max Guns | Varies | 48 |
| Door type | Solid steel | solid steel |
| Door steel thickness | 1/4″ solid steel 1.5″(total) -CD |
3/4″ |
| Body thickness (Inc order) |
10 Gauge | 1/8″ outer body,1/16″ inner liner(Total 7 Gauge) |
| Fire rating | 90 [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
120 [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
| Burglar Security rating | RSC Recessed door for pry protection. Anti-Tamper Clutch & Handle. Anti-Tamper Linkage. Dual relocker For more info see this |
C class construction |
| Price | A $2589 to $3500 AIW $3500 to $5300 |
$3800 |
| Remark | Rhino company offers series A,AIW,CD,CIWD and big horn.While A,AIW CD and CIWD are american made Bighorn is not. AIWD and CIWD has more of a decorative value as it has an antique gun safe look. |
Heritage safes fetaure a special bolt that clasp to safe on prying.2 layers of steel in body and automatic four sleeve overcam relocker sytem. |
| Pry tabs | Yes | Yes |
| Relockers,Antipunch locks | Yes Dual relocker which acts on both,the deadbolt on lock and the linkage. | Yes-Default(in lock) plus Glass relocker Protected by four layers of steel (door plate included) called the quad sleeve relocker design. |
| Four way dead bolt | Yes | Yes |
| External hinges | Yes | Yes |
| Anti punch bolts mechanism | Relockers. Steel reinforcement door frame and Rigid, welded linkage |
Special bolts with notch at end that clasp to door jamb in pry attack and 4 sleeve overcam design. |
| Shear pins clutches | NA | Shear pin |
| Ul 760 lock | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation type | Fiberboard | Gypsum (fiberboard). |
| Anti drill plate near lock | Yes-plus anti Tungestan carbide Drill Resistant plate. | Yes |
| Door seal | Yes | Yes |
| Continous weld | Yes | Yes |
| IMAGE |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Liberty Presidential Series | Browning Home safe Deluxe 17 | Fort knox-Top Legend series. All other series also comparable. |
| Size (Height x width x depth) |
Varies | 42x31x22 | Varies |
| Weight | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Max guns | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Door type | Composite plus inner solid steel | Solid steel | Special four Fold composite door |
| Door steel thickness | 1/4″ | 1/2″ Plate 1 5/16″ (total) |
3/8″ or 1/4″ solid steel plus 10 gauge inner folded steel metal. |
| Body thickness | 7 gauge | 1/4″ (3 Gauge) | 10 Gauge With stainless steel in legend series.Optional in other series. |
| Fire rating | 40 [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
90 to 120 [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
90 minutes @1680°F Maverick [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
| Burglar Security rating | RSC | RSC | Equivalent to RSC though not Mentioned. |
| Price | $4,279 | $2,999.00- Delux 17 Others $1000 to $9000 |
$2100 to $6100 |
| Remark | All other Liberty safe offer similar security for all its products but varying size and fire ratings.Based on that other safe that can be best value for the price is RV 23 and RV 30 Priced $1,289 and $1,419 resp. | It is advisable if you go after browning safes that almost all models have similar door and body construction but varying size,Fire rating and capacity so you can opt for the best in lowest price range that meet your specs.
Only exceptions are 2.)Platinum plus series ($6,549.00 to$8,699.00) For almost all Door is 1 5/16″ Duo-Formed(Re enforced steel layes) or lighter and body 11 Gauge or lighter. |
Fort knox uses a Special four fold door. First there is a thick steel (3/8 to 1/4 “)base over which is a thick fire board and all that covered bu a 10 gauge steel.
These safes allows you to further invest in them make it custom made from local dealers and add steel into its interiors (along body) and make it resistant to tool cuting or torch cut(using stain less It also has special Gear bolt drive system. |
| Pry tabs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Relockers/Anti puch lock | Yes Two one internal and one external. |
One internal No External-But Specially made steel plate (Omnni barrier system),a part of locking frame over the back of lock. |
Yes Two for drill and punch attack(Foil mechnical backup) and One for cut and Torch attack (Cabled remote relocker)(Not available on Maverick series) |
| Four way dead bolts. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| External hinges. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Anti punch bolts mechanism | Relockers | Steel reinforcement plus anti bolt punch locking system(uniforce) that don’t transfer hammering force to lock. | Relockers. Drill resistant Bolt gaurd plate inside near bolt areas. |
| Shearpin,clutches | NA Slip clutch handle that but do not break from origional bolt moving mechanism. |
NA | NA |
| UL 760 lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation type | Gypsum(Fireboard | Gypsum (fibreboard). | Fiberboard |
| Anti drill plate Near lock | NA | two 1/4″ hardened steel plates and features four 1/4″ Yes Hardened steel pinsYes only in pro series home safes.In all other a Omnibarrier Frame of steel over the lock ,a par of lock protecting system | Yes |
| Door seal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Continous weld | Yes (robotic) | Yes | Yes |
| IMAGE |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Superior safes (Supreme and untouchable series) |
Sturdy safe |
| Size | Varies | Varies |
| Weight | Varies | Varies |
| Max Guns | Varies | Varies |
| Door type | Solid steel | Solid steel |
| Door steel thickness | Untouchable-5/8 ” max Supreme- 1/2″ | 5/16″ Door to 3/8 |
| Body thickness (Inc order) |
Untouchable-1/4″ Supreme-3/16″ |
3/16″ to 4g (0.22″) with stainless steel or extra steel reinforcement. |
| Fire rating | 110 [email protected]°F Not UL tsted |
Not specified. |
| Burglar Security rating | Untouchable-RSC plus Class B construction requirements. Supreme-NA but easily exceeds RSC requirement. |
No tested but exceeds all minimum standards for ratings. |
| Price | Untouchable-$4000 to $6400 Supreme-$3300 to $5400 |
$787 to $1580 All size offer equivalent protection. |
| Remark | The two series of superior gun safe may not be readily available at all online retailers but easily exceeds the security requirement needed at reasonable price and Fire rating | Sturdy safe like to keep cost low so it do not actually got the safe tested by the testing agencies but from their demostration videos there safe easily exceeds the burglary attacks of all kinds.
Only downside is a they dont have any fire ratings which is optional ie by default not included in the safe but they claim |
| Pry tabs | Yes | No But a solid support work for bolts that seems much better. |
| Relockers,Antipunch locks | Yes Glass relockers with remote relocks(A type of relocker which is located a random place away from lock | Yes- 2 Independent Re-Locks Smart patent pressure activated. The other On the lock as normal. |
| Four way dead bolt | Yes | Yes |
| External hinges | Yes | Yes |
| Anti punch bolts mechanism | Double steel door casement on body. | Yes(extremely Resistant). |
| Shear pins clutches | NA | No |
| Ul 760 lock | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation type | Fiberboard | Ceramic wool and fiberglass Wool -2.5″ Fiberglas 1″ on walls and door. 2″ on bootom and top |
| Anti drill plate near lock | Yes Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate | Yes |
| Door seal | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous weld | Yes | Yes |
Selection guide
Most of the larger safe in the market are directed towards the buyers who don’t want to spend much,Its alright except that you must not expect much from these kind of safes.For large safe that are available from $500 to $1500,most of them are not made in USA and are just big boxes for preventing unauthorized access and sometimes other features like easy access or for its decorative value. So before buying look at following features to at least know what you are paying for. We recommend you watch this video by weaponseducation.
Burglar protection
Undeniably the most important part when choosing a gun safe is the security that it provides.Security is measured in terms of tool attack for long guns or snatch and run situation for handguns(we will discuss them later in the article below).
But for the bigger safes it is important because you are condensing a large amount of your owning or value in a small space and that space has to be protected properly.
Before going into all the factors that contribute to the security of a safe you must know that the relative industry standards for measure
of security of gun safes. There are mainly two standards
Performance ratings by Underwriters laboratory Test for Residential containers- minimum rating of UL 1037 is desirable
Construction Rating made by Insurance Services Office. At least class C container.
And/or California Department of Justice (DOJ) has a set of Regulatory Gun Safe Standards
While we will not go much in its details But we will explain the bare minimum things to look in a safe to tell if it will pass above standards even if it is not tested,though most are.
1.) Safe DOOR and BODY steel thickness
There are two areas of steel of varying thickness on a safe.
Steel on Door- is important because it will be the first way the burglar will get into a safe using a pry bar or two.Steel on is generally three times than on the body of a safe.Also don’t get carried away by the thickness of the door.Door are mainly made of two types-composite and solid steel.The composite door have much less steel than a solid steel and are much easier to pry open because it have much less steel and can bend easily.A composite door has thin steel folded over and filled with insulation inside to make it appear thick but actually is weaker than a thin looking solid steel built doors.
Steel on Body. Generally the body is much thinner than the door.Plus since most gun safes unlike true safes do not come with concrete fire liner and instead gypsum(fiberboard) they also don’t offer steel fire liner on the inside.Instead the inner side that hold the fiberboard is fiberglass or other non steel fire lining.The fiber board itself is no comparison to concrete amalgam mixture of true safes in terms of strength.Therefore gun safes are much easy to cut open.But it is relatively less in occurrence and there is a common assumption that while there is a vulnerability it takes much more effort to Axe or cut a safe.Plus it will take more time and make more noise.But yet its important.
If you don’t want to allow that-
1.)Look for safe that has thicker steel in its body too.
2.)Alternatively you can also add additional steel and have it custom made from your gun safe dealers.Fortknox and Sturdy safes allows you the option of adding inner layer of steel inside the already built safe.There may be other safe company too.Ask a dealer for that option before buying a safe.
3.)To prevent it against Torch cutting add an addition layer of stainless steel inside.Stainless steel Dissipate the heat in it body and prevent from temperature of a spot to reach melting temperature relatively.
A word on Steel gauges
Now when researching safes it’s critical to understand that the when reading the gauge of steel the numbers go in reverse order. For example 10 gauge steel is heavier and stronger than 12 gauge steel. 10 gauge steel is the thinnest steel we suggest using. 10 gauge steel is relatively tough for the body, and without some serious tools, it is difficult to get get inside. 12 gauge steel is much cheaper. And for the budget conscious, and I can see where this would be a major factor. 12 gauge steel will keep most people out, but a determined thief with a hooligan tool or a strong axe could still break into your safe.
Weight-One commonly overlooked factor by new safe owners is portability. A safe that is easy to install is easy to steal! A steel safe weighing over 1000 pounds is pretty tough to move. Some safes have holes at the bottom, which allow owners to anchor the safe down into your floor.
Secure against Drilling-Some safes offer drill resistant plate near lock and hard steel(drill resistant steel alloys) reinforcement inside door frame near dead bolts.Though not available on all safes it is still a up when you count on security.
Anti punch bolts-Another way to attack a safe is by first drilling a hole near a dead bolt and then hammering it via an inserted steel rod.Doing so may break the deadbolt on lock and cause the door deadbolts to move inside thus opening the safe without cutting or breaking it.For this reason a good safe will either be hard to drill or have an additional relocker or other anti punch bolts mechanism that take all the attack and do not transfer it to the lock.Rhino safe and Browning claim to to do.
Linkage
Linkage inside the door bolt work are generally made of Shear pins , clutches or weak linkage.All of which can be broken with little force applied to the shaft handle or pry bar attack or bolt punch attack.
A shear force on bolt in a pry bar attack a punch attack or using the door handle shaft with little force can damage the linkage between bolt and internal hinges.It can be prevented from breaking using a longer support system as in sturdy safes or pry bars as in most other safes.
But not many safes company offer much protection in terms of breaking of linkage system on handle.A broken Shear pins and linkage may render a safe permanently locked which might keep burglar out but it also make the safe useless for you.You will have to call a locksmith in that case.Sturdy safe company excel in this design to offer both strong welded linkage and strong deadbolt support system.We could not find much info for other companies listed here so ask your dealer about it before buying.Some company has a feature called slip clutch in which the door clutch get disconnected when a threshold force is applied and can get reconnected again for moving the bolts later.
Anti punch Lock /Relockers
They are anti theft device which prevent the breaking of locking mechanism on bolt work.The lock itself can be broken and punch through a pin to detach itself from the door body thus freeing the bolt work.Thus relockers are absolutely necessary in a safe the moment after you make sure that the door is tool bar pry resistant.Most safe that uses UL listed type 2 lock have built in relockers for locking its deadbolt.Other companies add an other external glass or remote relockers in its safes.
Locking Mechanism
Long gun safe mainly has combination locks.
Combination locks uses either pin pad or mechanical combination to form security codes.Dial locks have been in use for over a hundred and fifty years.They are proven technology that is difficult to, if not impossible to crack. Pin pad combinations are electronic and susceptible to the batteries dying, but are much quicker and easier to open under duress than a spin wheel. Spin wheels are incredibly reliable, and never prone to failure, but are harder to open, especially in the dark or under stress.It also takes more time to open in general.An electronic locks opens in about 10 sec while a mechanical opens in about 40 sec.
Combination lock ratings
Most long gun safe uses electronics locks(90%) or mechanical lock(10%).A good safe company uses at least UL 768 lock.Though it might seem unimportant but there is a huge difference between UL rated locks and the cheap alternative in terms of reliability and pry resistance.A UL listed type 2 rated locks always have a default internal relocker.
Biometric Locks are not common on the long gun safe mainly because if they use a even a medium quality biometric lock on a these safes it will further increase their cost.Plus these locks are still in beta and technologically improving and there aren’t any popular standards yet.
Protection From Fires
Gun safes are not exactly like true fire safes.There are three main difference
1.)A true fire safes will have a fire rating on it.Usually the most popular is UL 72 rating.While most gun safes will not.
2.)A gun safe do not use the same material as used by true safes.They generally use Gypsum firewall(fibreboard) which is very cheap.True safe uses concrete amalgam.
3.)Fiber board or gypsum loses its structural integrity after it looses it water content on heating and since Gun safe do not have inner steel plate that can hold the crumbled Gypsum a threshold long exposure to fire or any impact defeat their use as fire safe because there is no resistance between outside heat and safe interior.
Which means that its fire rating are pretty much useless.It can only give you a relative idea of how much a given gun safe is more tolerant to fire than other. Fire rating works two ways.Degrees and amount of time the safe can withstand that temperature. For example a safe that resist 1300 degrees for an hour means your items are guaranteed protection for an hour against 1300 degrees. Fire ratings also go hand and hand with the price of your safe.If you buy a safe with a fire rating that is below what you trust, consider buying a smaller box to fit in the safe with any irreplaceable items inside of it. In case of a fire you may be able to grab this box as you evacuate.
Door Seal-
While this is a must for for all safe rated as fire proof some safes companies are silent about it.Do enquire about it before purchasing.This seal is something that expands in case of fire making the outside hot smoke to not come inside which otherwise will definitely burn anything inside.
Warranty Lastly, consider checking the warranty that the manufacturer is providing you, because you can never be so sure as to how long the item will last. A decent warranty length would have to be at least a year, as there may be some basic malfunctions that can alter its superior system. Some gun safe manufacturers do provide you with the option to buy longer warranty, so if you’re given a lifetime warranty option, don’t hesitate on getting it.
Also see-
Best gun safe under $1000-Is there any ?