I live in California, have small children and need to buy a closet gun safe. I would like your input. I have a few handguns and rifles. I also want to store some other items in it.

Do I get a safe with just a combination lock or a combination and a key lock?

Are there any "better" manufacturer's or are they basically all the same, with different brand names?

What else do I look for?

Thank you for your answer.

There are a few factors that everyone forgets.

Safes are heavy. Being in California I know they built a lot of homes with elevated floors. If this is your case keep in mind that most safes weigh more that 500 pounds.

You may need to reinforce the floors joices where you put the safe.

Now with that said.
Safes are like insurance, the cost of the safe determines the amount of protection you get. (for the most part)

A security cabinet will keep honest people honest.
A safe with dial, or key and dial, or a touch pad will slow down a determined crook.

If a crook has to spend more than 15 minutes breaking in then they will be more likely to get caught.

You also need to remember, safes are not fireproof.
You can add layers of fire rated drywall (sheetrock) to the inside to add fire resistance to them.

When you select your safe ( I like the cannon safes myself ) make sure you place the side of the door that opens against the wall. This inhibits the ability to pry the door open.

Also, bolt it to the floor.

Part of your select process should also be, find the size you think you need and buy the next bigger size.

you will be amazed the "stuff" that you put in the safe.

This one is called the "bio box"

http://cgi.ebay.com/BioBox-fingerprint-safe-for-gun-home-car-hotel_W0QQitemZ160293545203QQihZ006QQcategoryZ52501QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I was wondering about the quality of these, could they be pryed open easily? do they work well?

The "fingerprint reader" handgun safe I bought was this one that the link will show you. I bought it from Cabelas about 8 months ago.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0022175226013a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=handgun+safe&sort=all&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1

I could only get the print reader on it to work about 50% of the time, so I sent it back for a refund

I also have a computer fingerprint reader from Microsoft that won't work if it gets dusty. That may have been what was causing the problems with the handgun safe as well.....not sure. I didn't want to risk it not opening when I REALLY needed it to, so I just got rid of it.

Apparently after reading some of the comments customers have given other safes of this type, it is a common gripe that they don't always work as intended.

NOT worth risking your life on!!

I tried consumer reports, and they dont rate them. Any ideas?

The top of the line best gun safes in the world are graffunders safe and Vault. These also cost much more than any thing you can get at Bass Pro, Gander Mtn, or Cabales. The Graffunder Safe I am looking at getting is a 48 to 60 gun F class that weighs in at a nice 5400 pounds.

http://www.graffundersafes.com/

Your run of the mill "Gun Safe" is not a safe at all. It is a Residental Security Container (RSC). The RSC will prevent 99.9999999% of the firearm theft in the USA. So do not feel under protected with one.

If you are not in need of the ultra high security of a Graffunder look at Cannon Safes these are the top of the line in the Gun Safes that a normal person can afford.

hear are my top three

Cannon http://www.cannonsafe.com/
American Security (Amsec) http://www.amsecusa.com/
Liberty http://www.libertysafe.com/

I'm thinking for half a dozen rifles/shotguns plus. I think I saw some in the past for around $100.

the only one that comes to mind is made by V-line.

I see a lot of gun safes that store 5+ rifles or shotguns. I don't need or want all that space. Do they sell guns safes for a single rifle and ammunition?

The smallest long gun safe you are going to get is as the first answer indicates, as there is very little to no demand for a single long gun safe.

A better option might be to purchase a lockable metal case that could then be secured to something immobile.

IMHO you should always store ammo in a lockable case away from your firearm(s).

I'm thinking of buying the 12 gun Sentinel gun safe, but I'm not too sure about their quality and construction. I can't even find a website for them.

Inexpensive but functional
They wont keep a pro out or a determined amateur with enough time but they serve the purpose most of us need if they are properly bolted in place

I'm not sure of their fire rating but most safes rely on drywall anyway

If fire is a major concern put a few gallon jugs of water on top of the safe
If a fire gets hot enough the plastic will melt

Is a Stack On Gun Safe one of the better models to get to keep your guns secure? Owning a safe is critical to keeping your gun protected, whether it be from robbers, or your kids.

You can get a number of different kinds of safes, and one of the more popular ones is the Stack On Gun Safe. There are many different models you can get purchase with this company, so which one is the best?

Here is a review of the different models to help you make that determination. First, one of the more popular ones Stack On Gun Safes is the Vault and Safe TDS-528, and this one comes with a twenty eight gun storage capacity and two three digit combination locks.

Therefore, it's highly unlikely that the criminal will figure out the combo to both, just adding to the security level. It even has a steel plate on the lock to further protect your gun.

14 Capacity Gun Safe with Electronic Lock Sentry Safe G1455e Includes FREE inside placement as part of delivery charge. Delivery personnel will place goods inside first exterior doorway garage or carport. Includes up to four 4 steps exterior to first doorway but will not go upstairs. Customer is responsible for final placement unpack and debris removal. 14 Capacity Gun Safe with electronic lock 8.5 cu ft. G1455E Features Combination lock with 3 steel live locking bolts 3 dead bolts Hardened steel plate and concealed hinges Carpeted interior and fixed shelf Bolt down hardware included for additional security Finish Black with Silver Dimensions Exterior 21' W x 17.8' D x 55.1' H Interior 20.7' W x 12.9' D x 54.8' H Warrany Information This product is covered under a limited 1-year manufacturer's warranty. Additional warranty information included in packaging.

Another popular safe is the Stack-On ELITE 24-Gun Fire Resistant Safe and this one has very high ratings in many categories. It is very secure, it is virtually impenetrable to fire (as the name suggests), and it keeps the gun well stored with a padded interior. Therefore, you don't have to worry about your items getting dinged up inside it.

As you might expect, both of these are permanent safes, and certainly not ones you can take with you wherever you go. They are both very heavy, and you will want to either attach them to the floor or wall in order to keep it secure from criminals.

The main negative of these safes is that they don't have as much room as the company claims, but overall, I would definitely recommend either model.

Stack-On ELITE 16-Gun Fire Resistant Safe w/ Electronic Lock

The Stack On Gun Safes with a combo locking system comes with either a nineteen or twenty three gun storage limit, and the gun capacity is really the only difference between the two. It has three steel dead bolts, and five live action ones, giving it a total of eight different locks. This makes it virtually impenetrable.

The door is built of steel, and is extremely hard to pry open, which many criminals obviously try. It hides the safety hinges, and it comes with a key free three digit combination that is also impossible to be drilled through.

Remember, a combination code is inferior to a fingerprint sensor, which is the absolute most secure, but likewise the most expensive. The combination code they use is good enough to do the job in most instances.

Stack-on 28 Gun Convertible Gun Safe

The interior is completely covered with foam and carpet to protect your guns and other belongings, and it's extremely easy to install in the floor.

If you do purchase any of these models, one thing I would highly advocate is that you install them in a large bedroom closet and face them down horizontally. You then just attach them to the floor, and make sure the side with the hinges is facing the outside of the closet.

This way, it is extremely resistant to any robbers trying to break into it. Overall, regardless of which safe you get, the company is known for their high quality, and solid build.

You don't have to worry about anybody hacking or prying their way through there. I would highly recommend a Stack On Gun Safe for your needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/stack-on-gun-safeis-this-the-best-gun-safe-company-823301.html

Author: George Mitchell

About the Author:
Is the Stack On Gun Safe really worth the investment? How can you save money with them? Learn these answers in part 2 of this article by checking out handgunsafereviews.com.

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Owning a gun for personal and business use always entails responsible handling and safekeeping from its users. Owning a gun safe is one of the important factors to consider upon gun ownership. When purchasing a gun safe it is highly empirical to know the best features to look for in order to ensure that you get the quality storage safe where to keep your gun.

Buying a gun safe of good quality is much less expensive than spending for a replacement once your gun gets stolen. There are several stores who sell gun safes of different quality and the choice is left to the buyer to choose the one that fits their budget and meets their quality requirements. One should note that a gun safe that is made of thicker steel always offers the highest quality and better protection for your guns.

With countless gun stores selling gun safes of different brands and quality how will you get a gun safe that comes with better quality and assurance of storing your guns safely and more reliably? Knowing the following important factors that contribute to the quality of a gun safe feature will help you make better decisions when buying a gun safe.

Remline 8 Gun Heavy Gauge Steel Cabinet Safe Sold Individually CASE PACK Sold Individually DETAILS Features & Benefits Hold 8 rifles or shotguns up to 54' tall Top shelf provides additional storage or is removable Foam padded bottom reduces scratches 21'W x 10'D x 55'H 72 Lb. weight UPC 085529009086

1. Gun Safe Size and Weight

Recommendations from the experts on the ideal size and weight of a gun safe will be an interior vertical clearance of 58" and a loaded weight of 750 lbs. A 30" barrel rifle for instance is about 52" long. An extra space will be required thus a 58" interior height is more ideal. This is the recommended minimum interior vertical clearance by experts. The common width sizes are between 36" to 40" which provides enough space for a 16-gun rotary rack on one side of the gun safe with an added shelving unit on the other. These measurements provide an efficient and handy storage of a gun safe.

A 2000 lbs gun safe provides better security but requires professional installation in your home that can be a bit expensive. An alternative option is to go for a 750 lbs gun safe which provides a sturdy foundation that is hard to move while giving enough size and can resist from being tipped over.

Fire Safe Gun Safe Sentry Safe Gs5251 Includes FREE inside placement as part of delivery charge. Delivery personnel will place goods inside first exterior doorway garage or carport. Includes up to four 4 steps exterior to first doorway but will not go upstairs. Customer is responsible for final placement unpack and debris removal. GS5251 Features Ammo box with separate key 7 14 long gun maximum capacity 4 Adjustable interior configurations Beige carpeted interior External hinges Hardened steel plate protects lock from drill attack Solid steel pry-resistant 1 1 2' thick door formed from 3 mm plate 3-number combination lock with lever handle 5 steel live locking bolts 3 dead bolts ETL verified to manufacturer's fire protection specifications. Up to 1200 degrees F for 30 minutes interior temperature remains below 350 degrees Meets California Department of Justice standards for firearm safety Finish Green brass hardware Dimensions Exterior 22 3 4' W x 24' D x 59' H Interior 20 1 2' W x 16 1 2' D x 57 3 16' H

2. Shell Strength and Wall Thickness

This is an important feature of a gun safe as this help prevents your guns from being toasted during a fire. A gun safe should be one with good external strength to prevent the breaking down of its components such as when heated on a fire. Good quality gun safes shells are constructed with continuous wells instead in stitches.

It is notable that steel is very expensive and many gun owners find it more practical to compromise the external shielding of a gun safe to get manageable weight and to spend a reasonable cost. Since most home related gun thieves employ a snatch and grab tactics of stealing guns instead of using cutting tools and gadgets this may seem a practical choice for a gun safe buyer.

14 Capacity Gun Safe with Electronic Lock Sentry Safe G1464e Includes FREE inside placement as part of delivery charge. Delivery personnel will place goods inside first exterior doorway garage or carport. Includes up to four 4 steps exterior to first doorway but will not go upstairs. Customer is responsible for final placement unpack and debris removal. 14 Capacity Gun Safe with electronic lock 10 cu ft. G1464E Features LED electronic lock with 3 steel live locking bolts 3 dead bolts Hardened steel plate and concealed hinges Carpeted interior and adjustable shelf Bolt down hardware included for additional security Finish Black with Silver Dimensions Exterior 21' W x 17.8' D x 64' H Interior 20.7' W x 12.9' D x 63.7' H Warrany Information This product is covered under a limited 1-year manufacturer's warranty. Additional warranty information included in packaging.

3. Locking Device

Experts prefer the feature of rotary combination dial locks as a more reliable locking device for gun safes. They remain to be durable and often times with less hassles to operate than its digital clock counterparts. Cheap electronic locks are known to have its key pad internal to easily wear out. When choosing to buy a dial lock you should look for a UL group II certification feature and a UL Type 1 certification for digital lock gun safes.

Being able to find these good quality features from a gun safe will give you a guaranteed reliable gun safe to buy where you can store your gun safely.

By Peter Garant

Peter Garant is writing home security and gun safety and gun awareness articles for both winchester gun safes Info and magnum gun safes Info web sites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Garant
http://EzineArticles.com/?Responsible-Gun-Storage-by-Finding-the-Best-Gun-Safe-Features&id=1972667

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Popular In Wall Gun Safes:

Stackon GSX-824-GR 24 Gun Convert Fireproof Gun Safe W/ Electronic Lock

Sentry G0135 Black Safe 5 Long Gun Maximum Capacity Safe, 3.5 Cubic Feet, Black

HOMAK HS10036683 Electronic Access Pistol Box, 10-Inch by 3.5-Inch by 7.5-Inch

Having a gun – or a small collection – is one way of keeping your home and family safe. And, if it is responsibly owned, handled and sensibly hidden away, it will be a prefectly safe home security purchase. In any circumstance where your home and family come under threat, you need to be the one keeping them safe, and the only one with access to the firearm. Most people who own guns for home security are responsible in how they store them – but in case you are unsure that your guns are safe, it is worth keeping in mind a few factors.

The first thing you need to remember about keeping guns is that they need to be kept under lock and key. Better yet, them being kept in a safe will mean that you will be the only person who can lay your hands on them. This is for two major reasons. Firstly, if you have kids in the house, or anyone else for whom you are responsible, you need to ensure that they cannot get hold of the weapons. Equally, if someone breaks into your home, they will not be able to use your own gun against you.

Buying an in-wall gun safe is a vital purchase if you are a gun owner. There is no doubt that, responsibly held, a gun can be a vital part of a personal security set-up. But without responsibility, guns will do the very opposite job from keeping you safe – and anyone can tell you that it is better to learn that lesson theoretically than in practice.

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