We’re going to be answering a whole host of questions on gun safes and fire safety ratings, as well as informing you on everything you need to know that are frequently asked, but not necessarily frequently known, questions.

Gun Safes, like regular safes, are fire rated based on how they perform during a series of tests. This set of standards is called the UL-72 standard, and was created by Underwriting Laboratories.

Safes are exposed to fire, an explosion while exposed to fire, and then a 30ft fall while exposed to fire. How the safe performs, and for how long will determine the fire rating the safe achieves.

When safes are tested, they’re put through their paces in a rigorous fashion, including temperatures of between 1550-2000Deg Fahrenheit.

They’re also exposed to extremely high temperatures and then an explosion, and also a simulated collapse of a building to see what it can survive. It definitely seems like a fun job testing these safes.

What is UL-72?

Underwriting Laboratories devised different testing standards for safes, and they named the standard UL-72. There are three different classes that the UL-72 covers:

• 350 Standard – This standard of testing requires the safe’s interior to remain under 350Deg Fahrenheit, the temperature at which paper starts to smolder and burn. This type of safe is designed to protect paper and nothing else. This is the lower end of the scale and given that a lot of smaller calibre ammunition, even factory made, will ignite at temperatures as low as 275Deg Fahrenheit you won’t want a gun safe tested to UL-72 350 Standard.
• 150 Standard – A more rigorous standard of testing, the 150 Standard is only achieved by a safe that can, after being exposed to temperatures of between 1550-2000Deg Fahrenheit, keep its interior below 150Deg Fahrenheit and below 85% humidity. Although initially used to protect both documents and non-paper data records, it’s a much safer bet than the 350 Standard for gun safes.
• 125 Standard – During the heating period where once again the test subject (safe) is exposed to 1550-2000Deg Fahrenheit, safes need to keep their contents below 130Deg Fahrenheit. They also need to stay below 80% humidity during fire testing, as these safes are designed to keep even floppy disks safe during a fire. This is the premium standard and any gun safe you want to buy should ideally have this fire rating.

Alongside their standard, depending on how well they perform, they’re also given a time rating. This is how long the manufacturer of a safe can guarantee the fire protection. Unfortunately no gun safe can keep its contents safe indefinitely during a fire.

This time rating is usually between 30 minutes and a few hours. Before buying a gun safe check both the standard and time rating, and if the information you’re looking for isn’t readily available, contact the seller.

A lot of the time when fire ratings are missing it’s usually an oversight or they didn’t think the information pertinent. That’s because it’s not their house that can be damaged further by ammunition igniting.

How Are Gun Safes Tested?

When it comes to being tested to the UL-72 standard, whether the safe is for documents or for guns, it’s getting the same tests. We’re going to cover the 3 different types of test that all types of safe get put through before they’re awarded a UL-72 standard rating:

1. Fire exposure – The first test that any fireproof safe is put through is essentially to be put in the furnace and exposed to the same temperatures you’d expect of the average property fire, between 1550-200Deg Fahrenheit. Then, as discussed above, the safe will receive a UL-72 Standard. That is, if it performs well enough to be awarded one.
2. Explosion Test – The second part of the test involves an explosion. This is because originally, before the invention of fireproof gun safes, there was the use of safes to protect records. That’s where the original standards came from in the first place.
3. Fall Test – While being exposed to the heat of the fire, safes are dropped 30ft to simulate the internal collapse of a building, leaving the safe with a big fall. This will test to see how the safe protects the contents inside.

If you want to read the full UL-72 standards, they can be found here. In some cases if you have the money for it, then getting a regular safe that has the dimensions needed to be reconfigured by an engineering firm, you could have not only a conversation piece, but also an absolute best way of storing your guns.

If you’re curious, it could be worth talking to a couple of engineering firms before you buy a safe to reconfigure. Engineering firms will be able to give you a quote on the dimensions you need.

Are Fireproof Gun Safes Worth It?

In a word, yes. If you have sentimental guns in your safe, you’re going to want to do whatever you can to protect them. Unfortunately disasters can strike at any time, which can leave you waiting for the fire department to clear the building before you can go back in and assess the damage.

Although insurance can replace the guns for the most part, they can’t replace the sentimental value.

As a matter of fact, think of getting a fireproof gun safe as a form of insurance. When a fire happens, you’ll have less to worry about with a fireproof gun safe for a couple of reasons:

• Sentimental Protection – We all have our favourites, or hunting weapons that we’ve gotten meals with, which are worth more to us than simply the monetary value of the weapon. That can’t be replaced.
• Modification Replacements – If your firearms are severely damaged in a fire, you’re going to wish you didn’t have any attachments or modifications, especially custom ones. The reason for this is that insurance are unlikely to pay-out for the attachments/modifications, meaning you’ll have to start from scratch.
• Ammunition Ignition – If you’ve got a regular gun safe and a fire breaks out, you’ll be in trouble if you’ve got a few hundred rounds in that safe. Some smaller calibre factory made ammunition will ignite at 275Deg Fahrenheit or higher. With a fireproof gun safe, especially a good one, that’s less likely to happen. It’s worth avoiding if you can, as ammunition may not be able to launch a lethal bullet when ignited outside of a firearm, but a lot of ammo in one place can cause a big explosion causing more damage to your house.

What Can I Do To Protect My Fireproof Gun Safe?

We’ve talked about how a gun safe can protect your guns that can carry a great deal of both sentimental and monetary value, but now we’re going to look at how best to keep your fireproof gun safe as protected as possible:

• Location – Where you place your fireproof gun safe matters. Avoid placing it in a kitchen, or anywhere in the centre of the house. If you place it closer to an exit, then those guns are less likely to be caught in a fire in the first place. Just because it’s fireproof doesn’t mean we want to subject it to fire.
• Floors and Walls – It’s worth noting that if you want your gun safe on the ground floor, mounting it like a floor safe will protect your gun safe, even when there’s a fire. This is because the floor will be hot during the fire, but not as hot as the actual fire. Therefore minimising the gun safes exposure to flames will help protect your guns. The same principal applies for brick walls, but not so much when it comes to drywall.
• Avoid Fires in the First Place – The main thing is to ensure you practice as much fire safety protocols as possible. Some prime advice is to stash extinguishers throughout the house to gain an even coverage. The best way to protect your guns from fire is to avoid starting one in the first place.

Takeaway Points

When it comes time to buy a fireproof gun safe, keep in mind the testing standards shared above, and if in doubt ask the vendor selling the gun safes about fire ratings.

Lastly, make sure to best protect your guns you try to avoid fires at all costs and have extinguishers around.

The post How Are Gun Safes Fire Rated? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Finding the perfect storage conditions for your guns will let you keep them in excellent condition for longer. While looking into this matter, many people worry about whether the humidity levels in their safe are too high for their firearms. Yet, might the opposite case also be a problem?

If you live somewhere with a dry climate then you might wonder whether it is just too dry inside your gun safe. It might also be that you have been using a powerful dehumidifier for a while and have noticed that it seems to be doing its job just a little bit too well.

So, can a gun safe be too dry? Or is it a case of the drier the better? Let’s take a look at the different factors that you need to know about.

What Damage Can Be Done?

The first point to cover here is whether an overly dry safe can cause any sort of damage to a gun. It is fair to say that this isn’t as serious an issue as a safe that is too humid, as this can cause rust to set in fairly quickly. However, it can still lead to some damage being done in the long term.

If the humidity levels fall too low your main concern will be that the stocks could dry out and crack. It can be especially worrying if the humidity levels vary a lot during the year. A consistently low humidity level is unlikely to be as dangerous as one that varies greatly.

How to Check If This is a Problem

The next step you need to take is to find out your current humidity level. This can be done using a hydrometer. It is a simple sort of tool lets you quickly measure the humidity in the air.

So, how dry is too dry for a gun safe? About 50% is the perfect level for keeping your firearms nice and comfortable. If it falls below 40% then it is probably too dry and there is the danger of cracked stocks to think about.

Be sure to carry out this check a few times a year. Naturally, the humidity level of a gun safe can vary according to the seasons. However, some owners also report issues with their safes gradually becoming drier and drier over time.

How to Raise the Humidity Level?

What if you detect a level of humidity that is lower than you would like? The solution here can be to remove any dehumidifier that you have been using. It could be that the environment is naturally dry enough for this to not be necessary.

You should then check the levels again after removing the dehumidifier. If it is now more humid than you would like (above 60% is probably too high) then you might want to try a less effective dehumidifier. You might need to try a few different approaches before getting it just right.

If you live in the desert then you might find that your gun safe has a very low humidity level without you doing anything to cause it. In this case, you could consider using a gun dry pack for added peace of mind.

This is simply a special sort of bag that you put the gun in before sucking out the air. This creates a vacuum inside it, meaning that the firearm is protected from any potential damage that could be caused to it by environmental issues. Of course, this also means that the gun isn’t as easily accessible in case of emergency.

Other Possible Solutions

In some houses, the humidity levels vary a lot from one room to another. For instance, basements are typically damper than other rooms. Therefore, it makes sense to check out each part of the house where you think you might want to put your safe.

Is it naturally dry enough to store your guns here? Or would you need to do something to make it suitable for them? You might find that you have the perfect spot somewhere that you hadn’t considered putting the safe before now.

It is also worth remembering that regularly cleaning and oiling your guns is one of the best ways of protecting them from the elements. Make regular maintenance a part of your annual routine and you will soon begin to notice when a firearm is too dry.

Conclusion

Not every gun owner takes enough time to consider the humidity of their safe. Even if they do, it is a task that is often carried out while thinking purely about the dangers of there being too much humidity in the air.

An overly dry gun isn’t as dramatic or as noticeable as one that is too humid. Yet, it can also lead to problems in the future if you don’t do something about it before it is too late.

The post Can A Gun Safe Be Too Dry? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

In a Rush? Here’s Our Number 1 Choice!

Large: Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX

Small: Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe

About Biometric Gun Safes

Owning guns is a privilege, and one that comes with certain duties of care to others. Keeping guns safe is a priority for every gun owner, and that means security measures that do the job.

It’s not just intruders whom you want to keep away from your guns; many accidents in homes have occurred when children manage to get hold of guns, with obvious tragic results that you don’t want to think about.

Then there’s keeping your gun safe when travelling, either in a vehicle or at a hotel. Plus, you want to be able to access your weapons quickly, while also being assured that others cannot get them.

What’s the answer?

The biometric gun safe is the best bet, and is the most secure and practical method of keeping your guns safe and secure. These clever safes generally use a fingerprint scan to enable opening, and that means that only you – or other permitted persons – can open the box.

It’s simple, quick and very secure, so who makes the best biometric gun case? We took a look at some of the best models around, to save you the trouble! Here’s our run-through of the best biometric gun safes available right now.

The Best Biometric Gun Safes: Our Top 10

1. Vaultek Essential Series

Make a note that the gun safes on our list are in no particular order, so while this one is first, it may or may not be the best! It’s from Vaultek, who have a great range of gun safes so we can rest assured they know what they’re doing. This is a single-gun portable safe that comes with a variety of impressive features. It also features a backlit keypad for easy access in poor light.

Compact Size

At just 10.5”x 8.5”x 2.125” this model from the Vaultek Essential series is perfect for when you’re on the move, and is sized to take a standard pistol in its neatly trimmed interior. There’s room in there for paperwork, perhaps your passport, or other valuables too.

Light and Strong

Made from 18-gauge steel for strength and yet light to carry, this portable gun safe features a full biometric lock with auto-opening lid for quick access, and is designed for toughness and durability.

Rechargeable Batteries

Long-life rechargeable lithium iron batteries power the systems that keep the box secure, and one charge – it takes 2.5hours for a full charge via a micro-USB port – gives you 4-months of operation.

Cost and Value

We believe the cost of this Vaultek biometric gun safe is pretty much where it should be given its specifications, and it is certainly good value. Add it to your shortlist if you have a single pistol to secure.

2. AmazonBasics Deluxe Dual Gun Case

AmazonBasics is perhaps not the first place to visit when you want security for your guns, but this two-gun biometric gun safe is a great price and we believe deserves to be considered – especially if you’re on a budget.

Two-Gun Capacity

This model has room for two pistols, which is a bonus if you like to carry two with you, as well as space for valuables and paperwork. It’s not as compact as some at 14.8” x 11” x 3.7”, but it is a decent size for carrying in your vehicle.

Up to 50 Fingerprints

You can programme this model to open for as many as 50 fingerprints. Of course, this is only recommended when your guns are used by various people, and we would caution against too many people having access to your guns. It also has an access speed of under a second, which is useful

California Approved

Doubts about the brand may be alleviated by the fact this gun safe is approved by the California Department of Justice as a firearms protection device, which gives it a great deal of credence.

Cost and Value

AmazonBasics is there to provide base-level items of a decent quality at sensible prices, and this biometric gun safe is half the price of some on this list. If you’re on a serious budget, the approval mentioned above gives it some gravity. However, we found many customer complaints about it being generally poor quality, even ‘opening by itself’!

3. GunVault SpeedVault SVB500

A neatly designed gun safe designed to handle a single pistol and to be wall-mounted, this one is made from 18-gauge steel and has a nicely padded interior, giving easy access to the gun within at the touch of a fingerprint.

Strong Construction

On the face of it, 18-gauge steel and a specially designed high-strength lock mechanism give this biometric gun safe – from the GunVault brand – all the credentials it needs, but reading further from customers gave us a few doubts about its actual strength.

Interior Light

A clever touch is the interior light which automatically comes on when you open the safe via your fingerprint. This one can memorise up to 20 fingerprints, which is surely enough in an environment where you are intending to limit the numbers of people with access.

Over-ride Key

A nice touch is the over-ride key mechanism that comes with this gun safe, a safeguard that means the key-holder can get at the gun in the event the single 9-volt battery malfunctions or loses power.

Cost and Value

The GunVault safe is around the same price as similar single-gun models that we have included on the list, and should therefore be value for money. Our main concern is that, while we like the strong steel and clever mounting of this one, too many customers have complained it is easy to pick, it arrived with dead batteries, it is unreliable and even ‘dangerous’. In fact, 25% of more than 60 buyers were disappointed with it – not recommended.

4. Viking VX-50BLS Large

This is the first of a few biometric gun safes from the Viking brand, which is one of the market leaders in gun safes and accessories. This one is a large model, designed for holding several handguns plus other items in complete security, and is intended as a permanent fixture rather than a safe for portable use.

Large Size

Measuring 20x14x12 inches on the outside, and weighing 48lbs, this is a substantial biometric safe that has interior space for a number of handguns, plus handy shelves for other items such as valuables, ammunition or whatever you need to protect.

Pry-resistant

Cleverly designed with two 20mm solid steel bars that lock into the sides of the safe when closed, the door and casing of this safe is pry-resistant. The door is steel measuring 5mmm thick, and the dead-bolts are motorised for automatic operation, all for your added security.

Fingerprint and PIN-Code

This Viking safe can memorise up to 32 fingerprints and also comes with an optional single PIN code panel. It also has a laser-cut back-up key for if the batteries are dead, and has an audible warning should you leave the  safe open by mistake.

Cost and Value

If you’re looking for a large, permanent safe for the home, we would recommend you check this one out a little more closely and it weighs in at around the price we would expect for a substantial safe of this size – around the $250 mark at the time of writing. It also gets several great reviews from a large number of satisfied users but – and it’s worth bearing this in mind – some have said it does not recognise some fingerprints, seemingly randomly, and there are complaints about overall quality.

5. Viking VS -25BL Safe

Another from the Viking range of biometric gun safes – and they are a favourite with many gun owners – this one is, essentially, a smaller version of the model above, with all the same attributes in a more compact size.

Compact and Secure

This Viking safe measures 10x14x10” and is therefore a lot more compact than the sister model above. It is designed to hold a couple of pistols and other accessories, and is made from one-piece steel with a door that is 5mm thick for added strength.

Dead-Bolts

As with the above, this safe features two 20mm motorized deadbolts that lock into the sides of the safe. The added security provided by these means that prying the door is not possible. The base also has pre-drilled holes for strong anchor bolts – which are supplied – to lock the safe in place.

Fingerprint and Keypad

The safe can memorise 32 fingerprints and has a keypad that can accept up to an 8-digit PIN code. It also comes with a laser-cut, secure override key for the event that the battery is not responding. The interior of the safe is carpeted for protection of your precious guns when taking them out or putting them away.

Cost and Value

This model ranks as good value among some of the other safes of similar size but it’s not cheap. The added security features are very welcome, especially the deadbolts, and it has met with many favourable comments by users. However, there are notable complaints from some buyers that the biometric reader is unreliable, and quite a few saying the safe they received simply did not do the job, so there’s work to do on Viking’s part in the quality control department.

6. Barksa Biometric Safe

This neatly designed biometric safe comes from the Barksa brand, and on the face of it, looks like it should do the job. It’s a decent size while not being too large, it has some impressive security features and – while not the cheapest – it’s not a bad price in comparison to the others on the list.

DOJ Approved

This Barksa biometric safe comes approved by the Department of Justice as a viable safe for firearms, which is a very decent accreditation. It is made from solid steel – albeit just 14-gauge – and is designed to be tamper-proof to the greatest extent.

Decent Size

The safe is a good size while not being too large, and would be perfect for – say – a couple of handguns and other belongings. External dimensions of 14.5×16.5×8” mean it does nto take up too much space, but it is not the safe to choose if you are looking for a portable model.

Deadbolts

Two 20mm steel deadbolts lock into place when the door is shut, and can only be removed when the biometric fingerprint detector recognises one of the 120 possible authorised persons. It opens very quickly for easy access, and also has pre-drilled holes for if you want to secure it in place which is highly recommended.

Cost and Value

For what it is, this compact yet usable biometric gun safe is a little more expensive than some others, at just shy of $200. We like its security features – especially the deadbolts – and also the fact it comes with a spare emergency battery pack, which other makers could perhaps consider. However, while there are many positive customer comments, there are also varied complaints about it being easy to open – one user’s kid opened it and his fingerprint wasn’t registered – and general poor quality, so the jury is out on this one.

7. Cahoo Fingerprint Lock Cabinet

This model is here mainly as a precautionary tale, to show the mistake you can make by not reading descriptions properly. It might be a biometric safe – of sorts – but it is not a gun case and – despite the low price – should not be purchased as one. For that reason, we will leave this here: if you want a box to shut away stuff you don’t want others to get, this is perfectly good, but for guns, it’s potentially lethal – steer clear!

8. Viking Security Safe – VS52BLX

Back to the real stuff with this model, which is another large model from the Viking range. As such, it features all of the attributes that come with the other large models from this highly regarded brand, and perhaps some of the problems we have already mentioned.

Bigger Size than Usual

Measuring 19x14x4 inches on the outside, this one is designed to be fitted flush in a wall space, and is a substantial biometric safe that has interior space for a number of handguns, plus handy shelves for other items such as valuables, ammunition or whatever you need to protect. It’s not as deep as the other large Viking model, but offers decent size within.

Pry-resistant

Cleverly designed with two 20mm solid steel bars that lock into the sides of the safe when closed, the door and casing of this safe is pry-resistant. The door is steel measuring 5mmm thick, and the dead-bolts are motorised for automatic operation, all for your added security.

Fingerprint and PIN-Code

This Viking safe can memorise up to 32 fingerprints and also comes with an optional single PIN code panel. It also has a laser-cut back-up key for if the batteries are dead, and has an audible warning should you leave the  safe open by mistake, plus it features an interior light so you can see what you are doing in poor light.

Cost and Value

This is not a cheap item – you’ll pay a little more than $200 for it we reckon – but t=it is a Viking and we do like the idea of a recessed all safe. It’s not as deep as some, and therefore there is less room inside, but it will handle a couple of guns, and the security features are reassuring. Be aware, however, that quite a few buyers have commented on the poor battery life – more than a couple say they last just one night – and the inability to open without the key as the keypad is unreliable.

9. Viking VS-20BLX Mini

The smallest biometric gun safe in the Viking range is this one, the VS-20BLX Mini, which at just 8x12x8mm is clearly not going to handle much more than your sole handgun. However, it comes with all the usual Viking security attributes, including the double deadlocks, and is s sensible price. It’s also quite portable so you could take it on the move.

Very Compact Size

This Viking safe measures 8x12x8” and is therefore a lot more compact than the other models in the Viking range – hence the ‘Mini’ tag. It is designed to hold perhaps a single pistol – perhaps 2 at a push –  and other accessories, and is made from one-piece steel with a door that is 5mm thick for added strength.

Dead-Bolt Security

As with all Viking gun safes, this safe features two 20mm motorized deadbolts that lock into the sides of the safe. The added security provided by these means that prying the door is not possible. The base also has pre-drilled holes for strong anchor bolts – which are supplied – to lock the safe in place.

Fingerprint and Keypad

The safe can memorise 32 fingerprints and has a keypad that can accept up to an 8-digit PIN code. It also comes with a laser-cut, secure override key for the event that the battery is not responding. The interior of the safe is carpeted for protection of your precious guns when taking them out or putting them away.

Cost and Value

Viking safes are never cheap – they are one of the biggest-selling brands on the market after all – and while this one does appear a touch expensive when compared to some, it’s worth bearing in mind that few biometric gun safes this small will feature two motorized deadlocks as added security. As always, we have to mention some poor quality reviews, especially with regard to the fingerprint reader, as well as the electronics giving up quite easily.

10. Secu Top-Loading Biometric Safe

Our final selection is another compact biometric gun safe, this time from the Secu brand, and it has the unusual feature of being a top-loading device. It is made from sturdy steel, comes with deadlocks, and is surprisingly affordable, but is it the real deal?

3-Way Opening

This model offers biometric fingerprint opening by way of the usual electronic keypad, with 32 possible fingerprints permitted, plus it has a PIN code system and a back up key. This is all good so far, and we like what we see – although that price is suspicious.

Thick Steel

The body of the safe itself is made from thick and strong 1/8” steel for added protection plus the safe comes with dual deadlocks that lock into place when the door is shut, preventing prying open and adding to the strength already provided by the drawer. It also comes with two anchor bolts so it can be secured to the floor or wall, which we strongly recommend.

Compact Size

The external measurements of this compact and neat biometric safe are just 11.75×8.75×4.25”, making it a surprisingly small device, with just ¼” lost on internal dimensions. The interior is padded to protect your guns on entry, and it is powered by 4 x AA batteries.

Cost and Value

Now, we’re concerned here, as this little safe – complete with its impressive on sight security features – can be bought for around $70, which is considerably lower than many others of a similar size, so is it up to the job? We found a good number of very positive customer comments praising its effectiveness and value for money, but also many saying the locking mechanism is poor quality, they needed the key to open it, and it wouldn’t lock, so the choice is yours!

Buying Help

That’s our list of the 10 best biometric gun safes you can buy right now, but which – if any – of the above is for you? Before we get to the point where we recommend one or more, let’s just have a chat about some of the factors we came across when we were looking at these.

Some Features To Think About

While researching these biometric gun safes we were surprised by a few things we came across. The first was that almost universally, as many customers loved the product as had some serious complaints about it. The main complaints involved the biometric touch pad not working for them. When we looked at this problem more closely, we came across a possible explanation.

On a few of these, but not all, it would appear that the instructions that come with the safe – whether a handbook or just a leaflet included the statement, or similar, in small print that biometric readers ‘may not work for persons aged over 55’!

Apparently, this is because with age, our fingerprints become less vivid and – therefore – less recognisable to anything but the most sophisticated biometric readers. That’s certainly something to think about!

So, we need to give you a verdict. In fact, we’re going to recommend two – one that is a large biometric gun case, and the other a smaller one, so let’s have a look!

Our Verdict

Bear in mind that this is merely our opinion and that there are many more gun safes on the market than the 10 listed above, and this is our choice. If you want a large, permanent fixture gun case, we think the Viking VX-50BLS Large is your best option from those above. It’s a good size, it is well-made, it comes with the usual Viking security features, and while it’s among the most expensive on the list, we don’t see the point in skimping on expense for something as important as gun safety.

If a small safe is what you want – perhaps for a single handgun – we recommend you take a closer look at the Vaultek Essential Series. Sensibly priced, a decent single-gun size and with some very happy customers – and of course those not so – it does the job it’s designed for, and would be great for carrying your gun while on the move.

There it is then, and we hope our article has helped you find the gun safe that is right for you, so remember, keep it locked at all times, and allow only those you trust to have access, and you should have the ultimate in safety where your guns are concerned.

The post Best Biometric Gun Safe [2024’s Top 10 Recommendations] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

If you buy more guns or accessories then the interior could soon become cluttered and difficult to use. This is annoying to deal with, and it could even mean that you struggle to get your firearms out quickly and safely in an emergency.

Some safes come with adjustable shelves and a few even some have built-in organizers included with them. Yet, it is likely that you end up looking for the best gun safe door organizer at some point too. How will you make sure that you choose the right one?

What Are the Benefits of Getting an Organizer?

There are a few reasons for choosing to add one of these organizers to your safe’s door. For a start, it means that you can store more things in it. If you have increased your firearms collection or bought some accessories recently then you might now need to buy a bigger safe. You might also decide to store passports, money, and other important stuff in here.

Alternatively, if you haven’t yet bought a safe then this may allow you to choose a smaller model when you do so. This will save you money or else allow you to buy a better quality model for the same price. By increasing the internal space you make your gun safe a lot more useful without paying for a bigger, bulkier model.

It also makes life easier when it comes to getting hold of what you need in a hurry. By getting the contents neatly organized you can find what you need in a lot less time. Just imagine how important that can be in an emergency if you hear someone breaking into your house.

You will also avoid the risk of damaging your possessions by storing them in this way. There will be less need to cramp everything together on a shelf or on the floor of the safe. This means your guns won’t get scratched or bumped as easily when you take them out or put them away.

In addition, you can see at a glance what you have in the safe. There will no longer be any need to hunt for ammo or wonder where you put certain accessories.

Overall, the number of useful benefits add up to make this a smart purchase. Considering how low cost these organizers are and how versatile they are, it is definitely worth getting one for your safe. Even if you don’t use if fully just now, it will more than likely come in handy later on.

Do You Need One?

The easiest way to see if you need an organizer like this is to look inside your gun safe just now. Is it cluttered? Are things piled on top of one another? Are you struggling to even see where your guns are?

Even if it isn’t too bad just now, what if you plan to buy some more guns or accessories in the near future? Getting the right organizer just now means that you can expand your collection whenever you want to without any fears.

You might think that that accessories are most popular with small gun safe owners. Yet, even a huge safe can get cluttered and disorganized over time.

How Big Should It Be?

The first issue you will want to think about is what size the best gun safe door organizer for you would be. There are a number of points to take into account here to help you make a good decision.

• How big is the safe you want to use it in? This might seem obvious but not every door organizer is made to fit every safe. You will want to check the dimensions to make sure that it will fit in snugly while making the most of the available space.
• The number of pockets it has. These accessories will typically have a few pockets of differing sizes for you to store things away in. If you know what you plan to keep in here then you can work out how many pockets you need.
• What do you want to store in it? Is this going to be a place to store ammo or documents? Maybe you want to put knives, keys or a clip gun holster in here. There are many ways to use this sort of product and each one will require a different amount of space.

The right size of organizer will definitely make life easier for you. Ideally, it will fit in neatly so that it occupies pretty much exactly the space that you have for it.

Other Points to Bear in Mind

There are a few other factors to remember when you are looking for one of these products. First of all, there is the issue of the material used. You will want this to be made out a strong material that doesn’t get damaged easily.

You will also want to see how it is attached to the safe. There are often a couple of ways of doing this, with the end result being that it is firmly attached to the interior of the door. Installing a gun safe door organizer is an easy task that should only take a few minutes with a well-designed product.

Then there is the cost to consider. If you have spent a fair amount of money on a brand new safe then you won’t want to spend a lot more on an organizer on top of that. Thankfully, these are reasonably low-cost accessories that offer good value for money. When you consider the benefits we looked at earlier, this is definitely a smart purchase.

Finally, you will want to check that the individual pockets are all of the right size for you. Everyone’s storage needs differ from everyone else’s, so you will want something that is exactly right for you.

How to Make a Good Choice

By taking all of the previous points into account, you should be able to make a good choice. As we have seen, there are a few factors to take into account but there is nothing particularly difficult for you to think about before making your decision.

You might also want to see whether there are specific models recommended for your own safe. Although, generally speaking, there is no real need to combine certain safes and organizers together. As long as an organizer is the right size for your door, you should be able to use it there without any fuss.

If you need some help deciding then a model that we would recommend is the RAYMACE Gun Safe Door Panel Organizer. This model measures 10 inches in width and 29 7/10 inches in height. It also has a couple of small pockets as well as medium sized pocket and a larger one too.

There are a couple of different ways of sticking this organizer to your safe’s door. Whichever way you do it, it will then remain firmly stuck to surface, giving you a reliable place to keep your valuables. It does the basics well and is also nicely attractive to look at.

This is just one of many different products of this types on the market just now. However, we feel that it offers a good balance by giving a high level of value at a decent price. You can keep your guns and other valuables safe and sound in here without any worries.

So, To Summarise

There is no doubt that getting the best gun safe door organizer for your possessions is a terrific move. This is the ideal way of keeping all of your stuff nearly stored away and easy to get hold of whenever you need it.

This might seem like simply a way of adding some extra convenience to your life. However, it is worth remembering that this will also help to keep your accessories and valuable in good condition. Buying a good door organizer can save you time and money in the long run, as well as cutting out some unnecessary hassle from your life.

Make a smart choice and you will make your gun safe even more useful.

FAQ’s

Q. Do I need a gun safe door organizer?

A. This product isn’t essential. However, for many people it makes their safe far easier to organize. It is more important if you are short of space inside the safe.

Q. Are they expensive?

A. These organizers are generally inexpensive. Certainly, it works out far better than buying a new safe when you are at risk of running out of storage space.

Q. Are door organizers difficult to install?

A. You should have no problem fitting your new organizer. They are typically designed to easily stick onto the interior of the safe’s door.

Q. Does the material my safe door is made of matter?

A. No, the best gun safe door organizers are made to stick effortlessly to any type of surface.

The post What’s The Best Gun Safe Door Organizer? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

The best solution is to use a gun safe dehumidifier (you can find the best ones here) inside it. In this way, you can keep everything inside it as well protected as possible no matter what the weather is like outside.

This is an especially important point if you live in an area with high levels of humidity. However, it is something that everyone should consider doing anyway. So, how will you go about this? The truth is that you just need to follow a few simple steps.

Choose the Right Model

There are two main types of dehumidifier that are typically used inside safes these days. These are the silica gel and rod models. Both of them carry out the same job but they work in slightly different ways.

The gel models aren’t electrical and can simply be placed anywhere inside the safe. They then go about the task of absorbing any moisture that it is in the air. This is similar to the little packs of gel that are used to keep things like shoes free of moisture while in their boxes.

With the rod type of dehumidifier, this is an electrical device that warms up the air in the safe to a small degree. This gives the same end results as with the silica gel, as it leaves the air drier. They are sometimes known as golden rods.

The one that you choose is really just down to personal preference. Some people find that one method works better than the other for them. There should be no substantial difference in the results that you see whichever you finally choose, though.

Location is everything

As we have just seen, there are a couple of different models to bear in mind. Depending upon which one you choose, you then need to find the best spot in your gun safe for it.

• Silica gel dehumidifiers can be placed pretty much anywhere. Their performance will be unaffected no matter where you place them.
• Rod style dehumidifiers work best when they are placed on the floor of the safe. This allows the heat to rise and take the humidity out of the air as it does so.
• If you are using a rod then you may need to connect it to your home’s electricity supply. Gun safes tend to have a small hole or slit near the bottom that lets you pass the cable through it.

Arrange Your Guns to Allow Airflow

Where you place your dehumidifier is just part of the solution. There is also the question of how you allow the air to flow through the contents of the safe.

Ideally, you will make sure that the guns are well spaced out. This might not be particularly easy to do if you have a lot of guns and your safe isn’t particularly big, though. On the other hand, if you have a big, relatively empty safe then it will be a lot easier to do this.

Of course, if you haven’t yet chosen a safe then you might decide to choose one this is bigger than you really need. This will allow you to leave enough room for the air to flow through your firearms at all times.

How Many Dehumidifiers Should You Use?

When you are looking at installing a gun safe dehumidifier, you will want to consider where one is enough. This really comes down to how big the safe is, how many guns you own, and how humid the air is.

It is a good idea to measure the humidity when the safe is empty, and then do it against after you have installed a dehumidifier. In this way, you can see what difference one of them has made.

Where to Put Your Gun Safe

Let’s not forget that the issue of where you place your safe is another important factor. If you choose a cool, dry spot then this will help you to keep the humidity levels inside it nice and low.

Not everyone can do this, but if you can then it makes sense to spend some time thinking about the ideal location. It will help to take some of the strain off your dehumidifier.

Remember to Carry Out Maintenance

Once you have installed the model that you prefer, you can leave it working away day after day. However you also need to remember that you may need to carry out some maintenance on it at some point.

For instance, the silica gel models need to be dried out or reactivated once they have absorbed as much moisture at they can. This is usually easy to notice, as the beads will change color over time.

The length of time between maintenance checks will vary, largely depending upon the exact model that you use and the humidity levels in your safe. The manufacturer will give you an idea of the length of time you can expect to use it for, but this won’t be exact.

It is a good idea to keep a note telling you when you check whether maintenance is required. You can clearly mark the date on here and stick it onto the side of the safe or somewhere else where it is clearly visible.

Rod style dehumidifiers don’t really need any maintenance carried out on them. However, it is always a good idea to check on it now and then, to ensure that it is still working properly.

Summary

Installing a dehumidifier in your gun safe is actually a very simple process. The more difficult aspect of this is in finding the right model for your needs.

If you do this well then you can look forward to a long life for your firearms, as they will be well protected from the various types of damage that too much humidity can cause over time.

The last question on your list.. do they work!? See below.. Thanks for reading!

The post Here’s How To Install a Dehumidifier In Your Gun Safe appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

The simplest solution can be to carry a handgun. This is an effective way of increasing your personal security wherever you go. It is an option that more and more people are turning to in a bid to stay safe in these dangerous times.

Yet, few of us want to carry a gun in our pockets, do we? What if it goes off accidentally? Or you lose it? Or a criminal grabs it off you? This is why we need to find somewhere secure to store it when we are far from home and the office.

A travel gun safe can be the ideal solution, provided that you understand what exactly you need.

What Do You Want from This Safe?

Every type of gun safe on the market has different pros and cons. This is because they all designed for varying situations and uses. You need to decide which one is perfect for you.

So, what do you want from a travel gun safe anyway? As with any other kind of safe, you want it to be tough and really difficult to break into for starters. A flimsy safe that can be easily opened isn’t worth the bother.

However, you also need it to be fairly small and light as well. If you are going to be taking it out with you then you definitely don’t want a huge, bulky thing that weighs you down. This is especially true if you need to be mobile an agile for your job.

Maybe you want to keep it in your auto’s glove compartment? In this case, you will want it to be the right size to fit in snugly.

You also don’t want the gun inside to get damaged while you carry it around. Therefore, it needs to be heavily padded on the inside and durable on the outside.

How Might You Use It?

It is clear that everyone who uses a handgun safe like this has different reasons for doing so. Some people report that they put it in with their hold luggage when travelling by air. This is essential, as the TSA regulations state that firearms need to be securely packed when in transit on a plane.

Others will travel with their gun safe in their car. You might even just carry it around with you like a briefcase. Of course, you can also use this safe at home by putting it in your nightstand or under your bed.

The versatility on offer is one of the main reasons for choosing a travel gun safe like this. You can use it in a number of days as your circumstances change.

What Features Are Most Important?

There are some features that might be especially important to you. This really depends upon your own preferences and also how you prefer to use it.

• A comfortable handle. If you are going to be carrying this travel gun safe a lot of the time then a comfortable handle is essential.
• The type of lock. A gun safe is only as good as the locks that it uses. In some cases, a lock it already fitted, while others allow you to fit one or more padlocks to them.
• The size. The majority of small travel safes really only fit one handgun or pistol. If you need to carry around more than this you will need to look at the bigger models on the market.
• The internal padding. How thick is it? How easy is it to customize? If you feel that the safe is going to get thrown about a lot then this is particularly important.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

We have seen by now that a good travel gun safe can be a smart purchase for a number of situations. Yet, you may wonder whether there are any possible drawbacks that you need to take into account when thinking about buying one.

If you definitely need to take a gun out with you then this is the type of safe that you need. But, if you are only going to be using it at home then a different kind of model might suit you best.

Would a wall-mounted gun safe or an under the bed model be better for you? The ease with which this safe can be picked up and carried away means that leaving it around your home isn’t always the ideal approach. It is for a very good reason that these are known as travel safes.

Another point to consider is whether you really need to take a gun outside in the first place. Could this make you a target for criminals and increase the risk instead of decreasing it?

How to Make a Smart Choice?

If you are ready to buy your new gun safe then you are sure to be excited about it. This is the sort of purchase that is fun to make as well as being extremely sensible too.

The last remaining question is around how to make a smart choice. How do you end up with the best travel gun safe for your needs and budget?

The starting point has to be with the size of the gun and how many guns you want to keep in your safe. If you have only 1 small firearm then you can take your pick from just about any model you find.

The weight is also important to a lot of people. Some of us like the reassurance of a heavy gun safe, while others prefer a lightweight model that is easy to move around.

Looks are also important to some people. Do you want a no-nonsense safe, an attractive one, or perhaps one that looks highly professional?

Our Recommended Choice

There are plenty of models around that you can use when you travel. So, which one is best for your needs?

The Elephant E120 Safe!

We really like the Elephant E120 Handgun Pistol Hard Case for Small to Medium Gun. This is a compact but robust gun safe that you can take anywhere with you.

It fits a variety of handguns, pistols and revolvers inside it. The inner dimensions are listed as being 8.81″ x 6.37″ x 3.77″. So, not every small gun fit in here.

A few of the models that you can store in here include the Glock 19 , Sig Sauer P226 , Smith & Wesson M&P under 8. It has been built using stainless steel and you have the choice of putting either 1 or 2 padlocks on it.
We also like the fact that there is a limited lifetime warranty on this travel gun safe. It is nice and tough, so you don’t need to worry too much about how you treat it out on the road.

It is also good to see that internal foam is easy to cut into shape. This means that you can customize it to your needs very simply. The handle is very comfortable to hold too, so you won’t need to worry too much if you need to carry it about a lot.

FAQs

Are travel gun safes less secure than bigger models?

It stands to reasons that they safes aren’t as tough as big, reinforced gun safes. However, the best ones are solid enough to keep your firearms out of harm’s way. A determined, experienced thief can probably break it open eventually, though.

Does any type of gun fit into them?

No, these are small safes that only have room for certain handguns and pistols. You should be sure to check the exact specifications on any model you are interested in buying.

Can I take it on a plane with me?

Many gun owners have reported taking their guns on flights with absolutely no problems. Naturally, it will need to go in the checked hold luggage rather than in the cabin with you. In fact, TSA regulations say that your gun needs to be in a locked, hard case. You might like to check with the airline in advance, though.

Is it legal to use one?

You should remember that in the California penal code, firearms need to be carried in a locked container. In this case, a secure gun safe meets the requirements. In other parts of the country, or elsewhere, you might want to check the local legislation in advance.

Conclusion

When you choose the best travel gun safe for your needs, it gives you a tremendous amount of security when you are away from home. This can be vital in making you feel comfortable in awkward situations.

Of course, to truly stay safe you need to make a smart choice of safe. Take into account the factors we have looked at here and you will be just fine.

The post Best Travel Gun Safe – The Key Features! appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Perhaps you have decided to keep a gun at home to do this. Plenty of plenty make this choice and sleep a lot better at night because of it. Yet, there are still some details you need to sort out in order to do this well.

First of all, is the question of where keep this firearm. In a gun safe is the obvious answer. Yet, this leads us to ask where the safe should go. Is under your bed the smartest location for it?

There are some reasons for believing that putting a tough safe under your bed is a great idea. So, what do you need to know about this type of model?

Easy Access

Perhaps the biggest reason for choosing an under bed gun safe is to have easy access to it during the night. Can you imagine having to scramble about the house in the dark looking for a gun safe after hearing an intruder? Sounds like a terrible plan, right?

By keeping a firearm under your bed, you will be able to get to it in seconds, even in the pitch dark and with your heart pounding.

This means that you will be ready to defend your home in far less time. Naturally, you will hope that this never happens. However, you will be ready in case it does.

Another option is to put a small gun in your nightstand. This also gives you fast access, but you might not have as much room in here as under your bed.

Hidden and Out of Harm’s Way

The second crucial point is in making sure that no-one else can find this gun safe. If an intruder finds it then they could steal it. Even worse, they could use the firearm in it to threaten you and your family.

Who else do you want to keep far away from this weapon? That’s right, any kids who live in the house shouldn’t be able to get hold of it either. The number of gun-related accidents involving children is very worrying.

One of the main reasons for using a gun safe in the first place is because no-one but you can get into it. If it is hidden and out of sight then the chances of this happening are even lower.

Of course, it isn’t entirely impossible that an inquisitive child could crawl under the bed to play, is it? This is why it is also important that the safe has a secure, child-proof lock that only you can open.

Doesn’t Clutter Up Your Home

Some people love the idea of a big, bold gun safe sitting in a prominent place in their home. This can act as a deterrent while also being a feature in the home’s decoration. Yet, others simply don’t want to clutter up their house in this way.

If you want to get a gun safe but don’t want it to take up valuable floor or wall space then under the bed is a smart place to put it. This is probably going to be really important if you live in small apartment or in a home that has a minimalist style.

Sliding a safe under your bed means that you keep the place neat and tidy. You could even use it to store away documents, passports, and other things that currently clutter up your bedroom.

Peace of Mind

There is no doubt that getting a quality gun safe will give you peace of mind. This is the sort of secure storage space that lets you sleep soundly at night.

Will putting it under your bed make you feel even safer? It might sound strange but it is possible that it does. Knowing that your gun is so close to hand is a very reassuring feeling when you put out the lights at the end of the day.

You will know that no matter what happens during the night, you will be ready to swing into action.

The Different Under Bed Gun Safe Options

As you can imagine, there are different gun safes of this type on the market. Therefore, it is important that you work out which is perfect for you.

To do this, you can consider some of the main features that you might like to have.

• Rolling safes. The simple addition of some wheels makes it a lot easier to pull out the safe.
• Anchored into place. The alternative to the previous point it to anchor the safe into place with bolts. This will make it more difficult for you to get to it, but means that thieves can’t just carry it away with them.
• The size. You might picture a really small safe, but there are also under the bed models that are big enough for shotguns or for various firearms.
• The type of lock. We looked earlier at the importance of being able to access your guns quickly. Do you prefer a traditional lock with a key, a numbered keypad or a fingerprint scanner for this?
• Battery-operated or not? A lot of gun safes run off batteries. With under the bed safes, the problem with this is that you might forget about it and let the batteries run out.

The Disadvantages

Are there are any disadvantages to keeping your gun safe under your bed? For many people this is the perfect move, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to think about some of the possible drawbacks.

• May be awkward to get to in a rush. Not everyone has a big, clear space under their bed. If you store other things here then you may block the access without realizing it.
• You may not find one big enough. By their nature, these safes aren’t as big as some others. If you have a few guns you may need to keep just one of them in here.
• Not as sturdy. These gun safes for under your bed tend to not be as robust as others. Many of them would fail to stand up to a determined attack.

What Safe Should You Choose?

It is clear that choosing the right safe is crucial here. There are a number of factors to take into account that will determine where it suits you or not.

The starting point is to think about your needs. Which of the features that we looked at earlier are likely to be of interest to you? Are there are any of the potential drawbacks that you especially want to avoid?

If you want a solid, all-rounder then we recommend the ECR4Kids Lock and Roll Portable Under-Bed Personal Safe. There are a number of reasons for choosing this model that you may like to consider.

For a start, it is relatively lightweight. With a weight of just 11 pounds, it is the kind of safe that you can easily move from one spot to another.

Even better, it comes with wheels that make it easy to drag out from under the bed. However, the fact that it can be secured using a steel cable means that burglars can’t just take it away with them.

It is also big enough to fit in valuables as well as a handgun. The width is 16.3”, the depth 26.5”, and the height is 5.8”.

This makes it a versatile type of safe that you can use at home or else take away with you whenever you travel. It is advertised as being the kind of safe that is ideal for use in college dorms, boats, RVs, and even vacation homes or hotels.

This isn’t the toughest gun safe on the market just now. In order to be so light and portable, it is made from durable plastic with metal trim. An experienced and highly determined thief could break in here eventually.

Overall, this is a sensible, low cost type of under bed safe that we would recommend. If you want to keep just one gun at home for security reasons then this is a good place to store it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are under bed gun safes expensive?

A. Not usually. Because they are typically smaller and less sturdy than free-standing safes they are often cheaper.

Q. Are these safes heavy to move around?

A. Some are heavier than others. If you plan on moving the safe from one room to another then look for one that is relatively light but that can be anchored to the floor or elsewhere.

Q. Is any installation work required?

A. No, you can opt to simply slide the new safe under your bed. Alternatively, you could drill some holes to anchor it, which shouldn’t be too big a job.

Conclusion

An under bed gun safe is a good idea for many people. Even if you have a bigger safe elsewhere in the house, putting one of these models under your bed will help you to feel more secure.

Choose a model that meets your basic needs and you will find that a peaceful night’s sleep is that little bit easier to achieve.

The post Under Bed Gun Safe, Good Idea or Not? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Well, almost. There is still a little bit of work to be done before you can put your guns into their new home. Given that many of these safes are incredibly heavy, moving it into place could be a real effort. So how can you do it most easily?

The following tips will ensure that your new safe gets into the right place with a minimum of fuss. They will also be just as useful if you are moving an existing safe from one part of your home to another.

Understand the Weight and Dimensions of the Safe

Did you read the weight and dimensions of the safe when you bought it? This information is contained in the product details of any safe that you buy on the internet. Yet, some people neglect to take it fully into account.

You should take some time to consider these details, ideally before you even buy it. Is it the right size that you need and is it a weight that you can handle? It can be difficult to get an idea of how heavy something like this really is just by looking at. Does a friend have a similar safe that you can go and check out?

You need to remember that good-quality gun safes are made out of thick steel, which makes them very heavy. If you don’t need such a heavy robust safe then maybe it makes more sense to look for smaller models that are easier to move around.

Plan the Route You Will Take

If you order your new safe online then the site should tell you where it will be dropped off. Typically, this will still leave you a fair distance for you to get it to the place you want it to be. Some delivery guys will go the extra mile but you shouldn’t be counting on them doing this for you.

The most you can expect is for it to be left in your drive or somewhere else that still leaves some work to be done. If the delivery firm offers to take it further for an extra cost then this is worth considering, as it will save you some hassle.

Either way, you need to work out where it needs to go next. Do you already have a spot designated for it in a certain room? If not, then now is the time to think about it. In this way, you will avoid any rushed decisions that you might end up regretting.

With the safe’s destination sorted, it is time to plan the route there. Are there stairs or narrow gaps along the way? Do you need to move any pieces of furniture out of the way? If in doubt, make a bigger gap for your safe than you think it really needs.

Walk through the proposed route and work out how to overcome any obstacles that are in your way. It should only take a few minutes and it will make the whole task a lot less stressful.

The last thing you want is to get halfway to your destination before realizing that the route there is blocked for one reason or another. If you plan well then you will know exactly what to do every step of the way. However, if there is something in the way then planning in advance will allow you to work out how to resolve this problem.

Get Some Help

It is unlikely that you can move a heavy gun safe on your own. Even if you were to somehow manage it, you run the risk of causing yourself a bad injury. Apart from the weight, they are also big and bulky. It is a far better idea to look for some help to do this.

Do you have friends, relatives or neighbors who could lend a hand? Having a group of 3 or 4 people to move the gun safe can make life a lot easier. Having said that, you shouldn’t forget that there is a limit to how many people can get a grip on a safe at one time.

If you have a group of 8 or 10 people gathered around the safe then they are just going to get in each other’s way. It is a lot better to have a smaller group that you know will work well together.

Perhaps you could organize some food or drinks as a reward for them afterwards. Letting them know that it is going to be a fun day might encourage more people to come over and help you out. The actual time spent lifting and moving should be pretty short anyway.

Understand the Basics of Lifting Heavy Objects

Have you ever lifted heavy objects like this in the past? If you have then there is a chance that you already have a decent grasp of how this has to be done. If not, then it is important to find out what technique you need to use.

Lifting heavy items in an incorrect way is one of the main reasons why people get injured at work and at home. Yet, it is fairly easily to lower the risks just by understanding what it is that you need to do. If you use a good technique and don’t try to lift more than you can manage then you should be fine.

The first step here is to adopt the correct posture. This means getting as close as possible to the safe and keeping your back straight. Once it has been lifted into the air move your feet to change direction, rather than twisting your body. Remember to bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting it up and setting it back down again.

Don’t try and rush the move. Steady, firm steps will allow you to get there far more safely than rushing will.

Use a Furniture Dolly

Our ability to move heavy objects is made a lot easier by putting something under them to slide them over. The Egyptians knew this when they built the pyramids and the people who built Stonehenge knew it as well. The technique still works as well now as it did back then.

The best, modern way to do this is with a furniture dolly. This is a simple piece of moving equipment that makes any load lighter. They aren’t particularly expensive to buy but you might prefer to try and borrow or hire one if you are unlikely to ever use it again.

Be sure to choose a dolly that is strong enough for the weight of the safe. These dollies are easy to use and will take a lot of the strain for you, if you’re after a recommendation, you cant go wrong with this Cosco dolly from amazon.

What About the Stairs?

If you are lucky then there won’t be any stairs in your way. But what if there are? Some people like to store their firearms in the basement, which usually means going down some stairs. Is this going to be an obstacle that you simply can’t get past?

This video shows how a team of professional removers move a big safe up a flight of stairs. While they make it look pretty easy, this is a task that you shouldn’t underestimate. It is probably going to be the trickiest part of the job for most people.

As you can see from the video, they keep the safe on the dolly as that move it up the stairs. It is vitally important that it is firmly fixed on here and doesn’t have any chance of slipping while you move it.

Take Out Anything That Can Be Removed

If you have just received your gun safe then it is going to be pretty much empty. Your firearms are no doubt sitting somewhere, waiting for you to put them in it.

Yet, might there be something inside the safe that you can take out to lighten it at least a little? Generally speaking, the only removable objects inside will be the instruction manual and maybe a couple of removable shelves.

You might decide that it isn’t worth the effort to open the door in order to take these things out. After all, it can be far better to sit down in a more relaxed moment to open it for the first time and discover how it all works.

Things are different if this is an existing gun safe that you are just moving from one room to another. In this case, it makes perfect sense to take out the guns, ammo, and anything else that is inside it just now.

It is still going to be pretty heavy, of course. However, this will remove a little bit of weight. Just as importantly, it means that the contents won’t be rattling about and potentially getting damaged as you move it.

Don’t Damage Your Property

There are likely to be a few moments in the moving process when the safe is in danger of damaging your walls, doors or furniture. This is especially true when it has to go up some stairs, round corners or through narrow gaps.

What you don’t want to do is to scratch, break or damage anything as you move through the house. Therefore, it is worth putting some effort into protecting your property.

For a start, you could wrap some protective material around the safe itself. Old towels or clothes can be used to prevent the edges of the safe scraping or otherwise causing damage as it is being moved.

The other aspect here is that of clearing fragile items well out of your way. In fact, it is best to clear a path by removing anything that could get damaged by the safe in its progress through your house. By working steadily and carefully you should get it all done without any problems.

Fix It Into Place

Now that that your safe is exactly where you want it to be the work is almost over. However, there is still one last thing that you need to do. That is the task of fixing the safe into place.

The thing is, if you are capable of moving your safe then so are thieves. So, if someone breaks into your home they can just take the safe away with them, to open at their leisure later on.

This is why good gun safes all come with locking bolts. These bolts are used to fix it to the floor, or in some cases to the wall.

The thing to bear in mind is that you need to drill holes for the bolts and then put the safe into place to fix them. If your friends have left and taken the dolly with them then this could prove to be impossible for you to do alone.

Therefore, once it is in position you should look to bolt the safe into place while you have help at hand. Try and have the tools ready so that you can do this quickly and effortlessly. Having done this, it is now ready to use and you shouldn’t need any more help.

Take Your Time

Finally, it is understandable that you will be keen to get your gun safe into position. If you have been waiting for this moment for some time then you won’t want to wait any longer. A gun safe is a terrific purchase and the sooner it is ready to use the better you will feel about you and your family’s protection.

Yet, rushing in to move it can turn out to be a big mistake. It is far better to take your time and do it right. Spending just a few minutes here can make all the difference.

After the job has been carried out satisfactorily, you will be ready to enjoy years of faithful service from your new gun safe.

The post How to Move Your Gun Safe, Even If It’s 1000lbs! appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

How will you do this? What model will you choose to meet your security needs? Among the many options on the market right now, the in wall gun safe model is as popular as ever. This is a timeless way of keeping guns out of harm’s way that it is well worth considering.

What is this type of safe all about and why should you consider getting one?

The Basics

This is a safe that is fitted into the wall. You will have seen them on movies in the past, often hidden behind paintings to fool thieves.

The truth is that hiding your wall mounted gun safe in this way isn’t considered to be a good idea by everyone. You could lose valuable seconds when rushing to get hold of a firearm in an emergency. However, it is definitely worth considering how you can make sure that your safe isn’t easily spotted by intruders. Thankfully, most of them are designed to be easy to conceal, or simply hard to spot.

Many of the characteristics and features are similar to those found in any other type of gun safe. This means that you can typically expect to be able to choose from different types of locking mechanism, locking bolts to secure it, a manual over-ride key, and a warning beep when the door opens. You will also get a sturdy door while many models have a plush interior with removable shelving that it is easy to organize.

Benefits of an In Wall Gun Safe

Before you get started, you may wonder why you should look for the best in wall gun safe that you can find. Are there some specific benefits that this kind of model gives you that you need to know about?

The fact is that there are some big advantages to a wall safe that you should take into account when making your decision.

• They can be easily hidden. For many people, this is the biggest benefit to a good wall-mounted gun safe. Anyone who breaks into your home is going to find it a lot more difficult to locate your guns. Clever interior design can help to hide the safe even more, by getting it to blend on or hiding it in a location where it is hard to see.
• They are tough to break into. Naturally, you expect any type of safe that you buy to be tough to break into. The importance of keeping firearms out of harm’s way makes this even more vital in gun safes. These wall-fitted gun safes are as sturdily built as any other type of safe. They also have the added advantage of having less surface area for intruders to attack. Only the door is on show, and this is typically the toughest part of any safe.
• They can be located out of the reach of children. Another big concern for a lot of people is that their children might get hold of these guns. This is potentially extremely hazardous, as recent news stories have shown us. Floor standing gun safes may have their locks at a level that youngsters can tamper with, while wall-mounted models can be placed well out of their reach.
• Different sizes are available. It is easy to think that these wall gun safes all are fairly small. After all, we tend to only see a modest sized door on display. Yet, there are a range of different sizes you can choose from. Most people go for a safe that is big enough for one or two handguns but some of them are big enough to store more than that. Remember that they are typically limited in size by the fact that they need to fit between your wall studs.
• They are unobtrusive. One of the big issues with free-standing gun safes is that they take up a lot of room. Also, if you put one in your nightstand than it is taking up space that could be used for something else. On the other hand, a wall safe is unobtrusive and won’t cause you to have to move around your furniture to fit it in.
• Can go in a closet. If you want a cleverly hidden gun safe then you could install one in your closet. This is a very simple and effective way of making it difficult for intruders to find.
• Easy to install. When you see a gun safe in a wall you might think that it must have been tough to put up. Yet, this isn’t the case at all. We will look later on at the steps needed to install a safe of this type.

Who Would a Wall Mounted Gun Safe Suit?

Now that you know the basics, is a hidden wall gun safe right for you? This isn’t the only type of firearm safe around and you might wonder whether to choose this or something different.

There are probably a few different types of people who would prefer this sort of safe in their home. By taking those previous benefits into account, you can see whether this is a model that is right for you.

• Someone with limited floor space. Clearly, not all of us want to have a giant safe taking up a lot of our floor space. If you live in an apartment or have limited floor space then this is a terrific option. There is also the fact that you simply might not want to have a big safe sitting out in your home
• Someone who doesn’t want people to know that they have guns at home. There are many reasons for not wanting to let visitors or intruders know that you have guns at home. A hidden wall gun safe is one of the smartest ways of keeping this a secret. No-one who enters your property will know that you have a gun safe.
• Someone with highly inquisitive children. Do you worry that curious kids could find your firearms? Of course, it is highly unlikely that they could open the tough door of a gun safe. Yet, what if they found the key or if you didn’t close the door properly? Putting a safe in a place that they can’t reach will let you breathe more easily.
• Someone with just one or two handguns. Maybe you simply don’t need a safe that is any bigger than this. If you have just one or two handguns at home then a wall mounted safe is probably going to be big enough for your needs anyway.
• Someone looking for a good value safe. This sort of gun safe tends to be really good value for money. If you want to get a low cost solution to your firearm storage needs then this is a sensible choice. You won’t need to pay a fortune for a safe that you fit into your wall.
• Someone who is comfortable doing some light installation work. The good news is that these safes are a lot lighter than bigger models. This means that they are far easier to move into position. However, you will need to feel comfortable with the idea of doing some fairly light installation work.

What to Look For?

If you have decided that getting a wall-mounted gun safe is your best option then you will want to know what specifications and features to look out for. The truth is that the details are pretty much the same as with any other type of gun safe.

• The right size. As mentioned earlier, this kind of safe comes in a variety of different sizes. Therefore, to get started you need to consider the size that best suits you. How many guns do you plan to store in here? Do you want to keep ammo, important documents, and other valuables in here as well?
• A locking mechanism that you can trust. It is important that you can open your safe quickly and effortlessly whenever you need to. This is why many people opt for one that comes with a digital keypad fitted to it. A biometric fingerprint scanner is another sound option that allows you to open the door without any hassle, although it will almost certainly cost you more.
• The design. It makes sense to choose a safe that is going to fit in seamlessly to your home. The right size, color, and shape will go a long way to letting the safe blend in to the surroundings.
• Added security. There are some useful security features on the best wall-mounted gun safes that you should be aware of. For instance, they often come with a cut-away frame that hides the walls behind it, making it tougher to break into. Others may have extra thick bolts or tamper proof hinges.

How to Install the Safe

If there is one aspect of wall safes that worries you then it is probably the installation. None of us like to damage our walls but in this case it is a relatively simple process that won’t cause too much of a mess.

• Find the right spot for it. Do you already know where you want to put your gun safe? In the bedroom is a popular location but it is important that you consider your needs and decide on the perfect spot for it.
• Decide whether you will hide it. Will you put your safe behind a cabinet or in some other place where it isn’t obvious? You need to be able to access it quickly if needed but it also has to be somewhere that a thief wouldn’t immediately think of looking.
• Measure up. Ideally, you will choose a location and measure the space before you buy your new safe. This will allow you to choose one that fits in perfectly. In almost every case, the best idea to make use of the space between the studs in the wall. You can locate these studs using a stud finder device.
• Mark out the space that you need, taking into account the positions of the studs. Be careful to avoid wires and pipes while doing this. The corners of the safe need to be close enough to the studs for you to attach it to them.
• Don’t worry too much about how you cut the wall. A good wall safe will hide the cut section. Just be sure to start off by cutting a smaller hole than you need, and then gradually make it bigger.
• Carefully slide the safe into position and attach it to the studs through the pre-drilled holes in the walls. This final step is what allows you to have a firmly secured safe that can’t just be lifted out. Your safe should come with bolts for this task.

Check out this great video on how to install your wall safe.

Choosing the Right Location

We have looked at the importance of the location a couple of times now. Perhaps it is time to look at this matter in more detail. Specifically, how will you choose the right location?

This is an issue that deserves some thought. So, what are the points that you need to consider to get it right?

• In the bedroom? The bedroom is where many people want to keep their guns. The simple reason is that there is a great deal of security to be felt in having a firearm close to your bed. If you hear strange noises in the night then you can very quickly arm yourself.
• In a kid’s room? At first, the idea of storing guns in a kid’s room might seem unthinkable. Yet, there is no safety risk if they are in a safe, especially if it is too high for them to reach. The reason that this room is sometimes chosen is that intruders are less likely to look for guns in here.
• In the living room. This might seem too obvious a hiding place, as it is a room that a burglar is going to look for valuables in. However, the benefit here is that you can more easily hide it behind books or cabinets. The kind of bulky furniture and decorations that are able to conceal a wall safe won’t look out of place in here.
• In the kitchen. Anyone who breaks into your home isn’t likely to be too interested in your kitchen. This is why a well-hidden safe in here can be a smart move. There is a chance that the intruder completely ignores this room to look elsewhere for valuables.
• In the closet. Most people’s closets aren’t particularly interesting for burglars. This is why they make such good places to hide gun safes. As usual, the key is in putting the safe out of sight but not in a place where you struggle to get to it.

Should You Get a Free-Standing Safe Too?

Is a wall-mounted gun safe enough for your needs? For a lot of people, this all that they need to store a handgun or two in. If you just want to feel more protected at home than this is an ideal, cost effective way of doing it very simply.

Alternatively, if you have a big collection of firearms then you might want a free-standing model too. For instance, you might want a big safe for long rifles but a wall-mounted gun safe to keep a pistol close to your bed as well.

If you are just starting out with a new gun collection then a wall mounted safe might be perfect. But will you soon outgrow it? If you are planning to buy more firearms in the future then you could soon find that this sort of safe becomes too small for you, if so, check out our massive article on the best gun safes on the market.

Each case is different, so it worth taking a few minutes to consider your own situation and needs before buying.

Best In Wall Gun Safe Reviews: Our Top 5

Bearing all of that in mind, it is time to look at a few of the best models around. Which of the following is going to be best for your needs?

1. Paragon 7750 Electronic Wall Lock and Safe.83 CF Hidden In Wall Large Safe

The Paragon 7750 wall lock and safe is designed to fit easily between the studs in your wall. Pre-drilled holes mean that you can use to fix the anchor bolts that are included. The flat panel design means that it can also be fairly easily hidden. It measures in at 22 inches in height, 16 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.

With this wall lock and safe you get a 10 year warranty from the manufacturer. It can be opened in two different ways; with a key or by typing in the special access code that you set for it.

The construction is of 1/8” thick solid steel and it is set up to be incredibly difficult to break into even when using tools. The hinges are tamper proof and inside you get grey carpet mat padding to protect your valuables from damage, as well as a couple of removable shelves.

The PIN on the electronic lock needs to be set to a code of between 3 and 8 numbers. It weighs about 39 pounds and the color is classed as off white.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Solid construction, tough to break into
• 10 year warranty

Cons

• May be too small inside for some people’s needs

2. Stack-On PWS-15522 Wall Safe with Electronic Lock

With this Stack-On wall gun safe you get a tough-looking place to store your handguns. As is typical with the best in wall gun safes, it has been designed to fit in the space between studs on a standard wall.

This gun safe uses AA batteries to run. These batteries run the electronic lock, which works with a 3 to 8 digit code. Inside, you get a couple of removable shelves included, although they aren’t adjustable. The whole thing should be easy to set up, especially at it comes with the right mounting hardware included.

It is also possible to mount pistols inside it if you want to. This is thanks to the hook and loop straps that are fitted to the safe. You also get a key rack mounted on the door and reusable key tags too.

This safe is 13 3/4 wide. This means that is can fit perfectly between 2×4 wall studs on 16 in. centers. It weighs some 30 pounds.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Solid and looks good
• Easy to organize interior

Cons

• Some reviewers mention problems with using the keypad

3. Protex Electronic Wall Safe (PWS-1814E)

In this case, the Protex Electronic Wall Safe offers 44 cubic feet of storage space for your firearms and other valuables. A motorized locking bolt system means that the door open automatically. So, once you type in your code the door just springs open for you.

It is the right size to fit in snugly between 16” on center wall studs. You get a digital electronic locking safe with this safe. This means that you type in your secret access number to a small keypad.

Installation is simple and the flanges do a good job of hiding any mistakes that you make when cutting into the wall. Inside, you get a couple of removable shelves that make it easier to organize your belongings.

The dimensions are 18.2 x 3.9 x 14.1 inches. The safe weighs 28 but it is going to be virtually impossible to shift once you attach it firmly to the studs. Finally, it needs 4 AA batteries.

Pros

• Automatically opening door is a nice touch
• Simple to install
• Electronic keypad entry

Cons

• A few complaints about the quality of the materials have been noted

4. Flat Electronic Wall Hidden Safe .83 CF for Large Jewelry Security-Paragon Lock & Safe

Like most of the best in wall gun safe models, The Paragon Lock and Safe fits in between the studs on your wall. This makes the installation simple and not too messy.

You can open it with the keypad (using 3 to 8 numbers) or else using a key. The flat design means that it is easy to conceal behind a closet or in some other location where it is hard to spot.

It is built of 1/8″ thick solid steel and has tamper proof hinges. Anchor bolts are included, making it easy to fix the safe firmly into position. The interior has decent matting that protects your firearms from scratching.

This safe’s outer dimensions are listed as; 22″ high x 16 1/4″ wide x 4″ deep. The interior dimensions are as follows; 20.25″ high x 14.25″ wide x 3.8″ deep.

Pros

• Good value money
• Solid construction
• Looks good

Cons

• A few comments about the keypad not being fixed level

5. Paragon 7725 Flat Superior Electronic Hidden Wall Safe .83 CF for Jewelry or Small Handgun Security

The final option to look at here is the Paragon 7725 wall safe. The first point to mention here is that it comes with an impressive 10 year warranty.

Like most good models of hidden wall safe, it is easy enough to install. The frame is neatly designed to hide the drywall section you have cut, just in case you don’t get it exactly straight.

The outside dimensions are listed as 22 inches high x 16 inches wide x 4 inches deep. It is worth noting that the door opens to the right, as is the case with most in wall safes.

Construction is good, with 1/8″ thick solid steel and tamper proof hinges used. Inside, you will find gray carpet mat padding on the bottom. As you would expect, you can open the door using a key or a 3 to 8 digit number on the keypad.

Pros

• Nice attention to detail
• Easy to operate
• Looks more expensive than it is

Cons

• Some reviewers have had problems with the locking mechanism

Best In Wall Gun Safe: Conclusion

There is no doubt that this kind of safe can work wonders in making you feel more secure at home. Even better news is the fact that it is a lot easier to install and use than you might think.

By choosing a wall mounted safe you can make sure that you keep your firearms store away without cluttering up your home. If you want a highly convenient way of keeping your guns somewhere only you can get to them then this is ideal.
Don’t clutter up your home with a giant gun safe when fitting a smaller model to your wall could be the smarter choice.

FAQ

Do I need to get a builder to install an in wall gun safe?

No, this is a fairly simple task that most people are happy to take on alone. We have included instructions further up in the article.

Is a wall mounted safe as secure as a free standing model?

The quality and strength of different gun safes varies widely. In general terms, these safes are sturdy and have the added benefit of being attached to the studs in your wall.

Do I get a warranty with a wall safe?

Some safe manufacturers will give you a warranty with your safe, with a few of them even going up as high as 10 year. It is a good idea to check this before buying.

Do all wall safes have doors that open to the right?

This is the most common type of door opening. Some users have suggested hanging it upside down I needed, although this would result in the keypad being upside down too.

Should I hide my wall safe behind furniture or a painting?

There are differing opinions on how best to do this. In general terms, it is good to make your safe hard to find but it is also important that you can open it easily when necessary.

The post Best In Wall Gun Safe: Keep Your Safe Hidden! appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

If you’re in a rush, here’s the top 3.

Good Budget Option

Pro Breeze Gun Safe Dehumidifier Non Battery Operated Dehumidifier for Closet Wireless Desiccant Dehumidifier for Small Spaces, Wardrobes, Cars, Non-Toxic Cordless Rechargeable Dehumidifier

Excellent for Larger Safes

Lockdown GoldenRod 12' Dehumidifier Rod with Low Profile Design and Easy Installation for Gun Vault Humidity Control and Rust Prevention, Made in USA

-

-

$15.99

$32.01

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Good Budget Option

Pro Breeze Gun Safe Dehumidifier Non Battery Operated Dehumidifier for Closet Wireless Desiccant Dehumidifier for Small Spaces, Wardrobes, Cars, Non-Toxic Cordless Rechargeable Dehumidifier

-

$15.99

Buy on Amazon

Excellent for Larger Safes

Lockdown GoldenRod 12' Dehumidifier Rod with Low Profile Design and Easy Installation for Gun Vault Humidity Control and Rust Prevention, Made in USA

-

$32.01

Buy on Amazon

One of these risks is that of high gun safe humidity levels building up. This is something that you might not have thought about before now, but it is worth spending a few moments to think about it now. After all, it could be the difference between having some major problems in the future and being able to avoid them.

By looking for the best gun safe dehumidifier you can take a big step towards creating the perfect dry environment for your firearms to be stored in. You might be surprised to find that there are a few different options for doing this.

First of all, it is important that you understand why this product is important and then look at some of the options that are available to you. Let’s start by considering what harm could be done by having high moisture levels inside your gun safe.

What Damage Can Too Much Humidity Do?

The first question you might have is around what kind of damage too much humidity can actually do to your safe, as well as to the guns and accessories inside it. It might not seem like a big danger but there are definitely some issues that you need to be aware of.

The following are a few of the problems that can result from having a gun safe with high humidity levels inside it. It is worth bearing in mind that many of us don’t open our safe door very regularly. This means that any moisture issue can go unnoticed for quite a long time.

• Damage to your ammo. If you store ammo in your gun safe then it is at risk of damage from high humidity levels. It can reduce the performance of bullets or even stop them from working at all after a while. This is likely to be the first thing to be damaged if moisture levels rise too much.
• Encourages the growth of mold. A lot of dampness can lead to mold appearing in your gun safe eventually. This is most likely to start out on the foam coated pieces that are typically used in the interior of these safes and can spread over time. You can clean mold off gins but it is far better to avoid it building up in the first place.
• Causes rust to build up on the guns. Even the toughest and most durable looking guns can suffer from rust problems if humidity levels are too high. This can affect the functions and the appearance of the guns if it goes unchecked for too long. While it can be cleaned off up to a certain point, there will come a stage at which the damage is too much to clean.
• The safe can get rusty. Even a big, durable gun safe can succumb to rust damage over time. This is something that can slowly eat away at the metal over the course of months or years before you notice it.
• It can damage other items in the safe. Many of us use our gun safes to store important documents, jewelry, money, and other valuables as well as guns. Too much humidity can damage these things too. In many cases, these objects are fragile and far more susceptible to humidity damage than firearms are.

What Else Can Be Done to Keep Humidity Levels Low?

Since we are looking at the best gun safe dehumidifier here, we will be covering the advantages of these items. However, this isn’t the only way of maintaining acceptable levels of humidity inside your gun safe.

The following are a few of the other steps that you should take to keep this matter under control. Some are easy to carry out and some carry the task reasonably well, although none of them is enough on its own to you do without a good dehumidifier too.

• Put the safe in a cool, dry place. The part of the house where you put your safe is of vital importance. This is because you need to be sure that it won’t suffer from too much heat or moisture inside it or around it. It is common for people to store their gun safe in the basement, which is a room that can have dampness problems in some houses.
• Check inside regularly. There is the risk that the humidity levels build up inside your gun safe without you even noticing that it is happening. Thankfully, this is something that can be easily avoided simply by opening the door occasionally and having a look inside.
• Use a fan. Placing a fan near the safe help to keep it fresh and cool, which will also keep the humidity under control. This is likely to be more of a temporary solution to clear humidity rather than a permanent solution, though.
• Place desiccant silica gel packs inside. These packs – like those that come in boxes with new shoes – are ideal for keeping moisture levels low in a small, enclosed safe such as inside a safe. Many of the best dehumidifiers use this sort of technology but you can also simply buy some of the packs if you prefer. Remember that this material can be dangerous if eaten by children or pets.
• Use charcoal, baking soda or coffee grounds. Plenty of people swear by these things for helping to absorb moisture in any sort of situation. If you plan on using any of them then you will want to keep a close eye on how they are doing and replace them when necessary.
• Protect your guns from rusting. There are numerous products around that help you to keep your gun free of rust. These include sprays and creams. Remember that keeping your gun dry and clean is essential for avoiding it rusting.

It is worth pointing out that humidity levels shouldn’t be allowed to drop too low in your safe either. This can lead to the ammo drying out, for example. Look for humidity levels of around 50% inside the safe to get the ideal storage conditions for your firearms.

The climate where you live will play a big factor in how high humidity levels are. However, it is also worth checking out inside the safe as well. It could very well be higher or lower than you thought.

How to Check the Humidity Levels?

Maybe you wonder whether your gun safe currently has a dampness problem or not. This may be noticeable in severe cases but in other situations it might not be so easy to spot. There might not yet be any strong smell or signs of mold. That’s doesn’t automatically mean that you are free of problems, unfortunately.

The easiest and most accurate way to check humidity levels is with a hygrometer. This device lets you see exactly what the humidity level currently is inside your safe. They are inexpensive to buy and easy to use.

There are specific gun safe hygrometers for sale. These have been designed to go in a safe and will often tell you the temperature as well as the humidity levels.

You can simply put on of these devices inside your safe and instantly see whether there is a problem that you need to deal with. They are typically battery operated and only have a couple of buttons that you need to use.

What If You Notice That It Is Too Humid?

What if you are reading this too late and there is already a high level of humidity inside the safe? You may notice that there is a problem when you open the door and notice a damp, musty smell coming out of it.

In this case, you need to find a solution as soon as possible. The good news is that there are some simple steps that you can take to bring matters under control very quickly.

• Empty out the safe. By removing the guns and everything else from in here, you can look to lower the humidity levels quickly. This will also let you see what sort of damage has been done so far. You will probably also spot if there is something like a leak or a wet gun that is causing the problems in the first place.
• Leave the door open. Airing the safe by leaving the door open for a few hours can be a smart move that brings the moisture problems back under control. If there is an underlying problem then this isn’t going to solve it. However, it will help to remove the immediate danger while you look for a long term solution.
• Clean it out. You may be able to solve the problem by cleaning out the interior of the safe and wiping it down thoroughly. This could be the solution if the humidity has been caused by storing something that was damp in there. Even if this appears to have solved the problem, it is a good idea to check again regularly, in case there is some other sort of issue that is causing the humidity.
• Use a fan. We mentioned a fan earlier. Using one now can also help to lower the moisture levels. Just leave the door open and put the fan into operation in front of it for a while. This will get the moisture levels under control so that you can work out what to do next.
• Find the problem. As noted earlier, you might note what the underlying problem is if you clean out the safe. However, it may not be so immediately obvious. Is it just there is a lot of moisture in the air or is there specific problem such as water dripping into the safe or something else you can look to sort out?

The Advantages of a Gun Safe Dehumidifier

The points that we have just looked at may be enough for you to keep the humidity levels in your gun safe under control. However, if you really want to be sure that you will want to look for the best gun safe dehumidifier that you can find.

There are some worthwhile advantages to doing this that you should know about.

• The best solution. There is no doubt that using a quality dehumidifier is the very best way of keeping the moisture levels in your safe as low as possible. While the other methods we have looked at can being decent results, there is simply no substitute for using a dehumidifier that has been designed for putting in a gun safe.
• No effort involved. The suggestions that we have looked at so far all involve some sort of effort on your part. Thankfully, with a dehumidifier you don’t have to worry about anything at all. At most, you will have to renew the device every few weeks or months, but even this isn’t always necessary.
• Not expensive. Are you worried that this might be an expensive way of looking after your guns? You needn’t be, as this is generally an inexpensive purchase that gives you years of use at very little cost. Many of them don’t even use batteries or electricity to run.
• Highly portable. These are small, light devices that are easy to move around. Of course, the chances are that they spend the whole time sitting inside the same safe. However, if you ever need to move one then you can do this very simply.
• Long lasting. You can expect a good gun safe dehumidifier to give you years of trouble-free service. This gives a tremendous sense of peace of mind, as you will be safe in the knowledge that your firearms are safe and sound even if you don’t check on them regularly.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Silica Gel

These days, the most popular dehumidifier for gun safe is the sort that uses silica gel. This is the same sort of thing that comes packed with new shoes and other products that need to be free of humidity.

These units aren’t electrical and can simply be placed inside the safe. The beads will change color as they absorb moisture. Once they completely change color they can be renewed either by drying them out in an oven or else plugging them in. You then put them back in the safe again.

These units can last for years, even when you need to renew them every few weeks. The frequency with which you do this really depends upon how humid the safe is. Some people find that the beads only change color very rarely or even not at all.

It is a very efficient way of taking moisture out of the air in a small space. The fact that you can see how much moisture it absorbs also means that you have a good idea of how humid the atmosphere really is.

Rod Models

The rod type of safe dehumidifier is sometimes called a golden rod. These are electrical units that give off just enough warmth to keep the interior of the safe a little bit warmer than the outside, allowing the air to circulate and keeping the moisture to be kept at bay.

This is another very effective method of keeping your gun safe completely dry inside. It works away silently and without the need for any maintenance work or care.

Some people prefer this type and others prefer the silica gel. Both are effective and inexpensive, so it is really just a question of personal taste more than anything else. There is no need to think that you need both of them.

Our 5 Best Gun Safe Dehumidifiers!

Having looked at some of the basic details, it is now time to consider 5 of the best gun safe dehumidifier models around. There are all efficient and reliable safe dehumidifiers.

Will one of these devices be perfect for you? Each has some very positive points going for it that you might like to know about.

1. Eva-Dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier – Best Safe Dehumidifier

This twin pack of renewable dehumidifiers promises that you won’t need to get involve with any messy refills. They run silently for up to 10 years and come with an excellent 5 year warranty.

The Eva-Dry E-333 Dehumidifier pack uses renewable silica gel technology. What that means is that you don’t need to use batteries with them or power them up in any other way. They will just silently get to work on absorbing moisture in areas of up to 333 cubic feet.

How can you tell that the unit has absorbed as much humidity as it can? You do this by looking at the beads. As they absorb moisture they change in color from orange to green. It should take up to 4 weeks for them to go completely green, although this really depends upon the circumstances.

Once the maximum capacity has been reached you need to plug in the unit in a well-ventilated area to renew it. Around 10 hours later you will see that the beads are orange and ready to be used again. You can keep renewing them in this way for up to a decade.

This is a child and pet-safe product that is guaranteed to never produce any spills or mess. It is also easy to use, as all you need to do is remember to renew the beads every month or so.

Pros

• Silent, no-mess operation
• 5 year warranty and up to 10 years of life
• Very easy to use

Cons

• You need to remember to plug in the unit to renew the beads every month or so.

2. Goldenrod Original Dehumidifier

The Goldenrod dehumidifier takes a different approach to giving you a moisture-free gun safe. In this case, you get a powered unit that slightly raises the temperature inside the safe in order to dry out the air.

This model comes with a lifetime warranty and is totally maintenance free. You simply put it inside your safe and then let it do its job day after day, year after year. It should give you years of trouble-free service in this way.

It gives you coverage for up to 100 cubic feet of space, so it is fine for all but the most massive safes. This product is built in the USA and it comes in 4 different sizes for varying models of safe. Just be sure to pick the right size for your own safe.

This dehumidifier rod is a little too hot to touch, so be careful about where you place it. The rod comes with full instructions on how to fit it and how to cut the cable to length so that it is less intrusive.

Pros

• A permanent moisture control solution with no maintenance required
• Lifetime warranty
• Full instructions for easy installation
• 4 different sizes to choose from

Cons

• Uncomfortably warm to touch

Still not sure? Check out this user review!

3. Pro Breeze Renewable Cordless Mini Dehumidifier

This is another fuss-free way of keeping your guns and safe without any humidity issues to worry about. The Pro Breeze mini dehumidifier works in areas up to 333 cubic feet.

It is a non-toxic solution, so it isn’t a problem if there are children and animals in the home, although you will want to keep them away from your gun safe anyway. This is a renewable dehumidifier that you need to renew after 20 to 30 days of use in most cases. Some users report that it lasts a lot longer than this between renewals.

There are no messy cables to worry about either. You just plug it in a socket to renew it and then place it inside the safe again. The renewable silica gel technology that it uses means that it can absorb up to 5 ounces of moisture.

When renewing the beads, you plug it in for 8 to 10 hours. The unit weighs just 15.2 ounces and measures 7.3 x 6 x 2 inches, as it is especially designed for use in very small spaces.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Ideal for small spaces such as inside a gun safe
• Pet and child-friendly
• Economical option

Cons

• No warranty is mentioned

4. Cannon Safe SGD57 Silica Gel Dehumidifier

Coming from respected gun safe manufacturer Cannon, this silica gel dehumidifier is a good choice for most types of safe. It offers protection in spaces of up to 57 cubic feet and has an indicator that turns pink to let you know when it needs to be reactivated.

While many products of this type need to be plugged in to be reactivated, this Cannon Safe Dehumidifier just needs to be placed in the oven to be dried out. This probably makes it slightly easier, although perhaps not everyone will prefer this method.

Each packet measures 4 x 4 x 5.5 inches and is extremely lightweight. A few customers have noted issues such as the metal canister rusting and the beads breaking free when the package is delivered to them.

Pros

• Easy to use and reactivate
• Indicator shows exactly when it needs to be reactivated
• Small and lightweight

Cons

• Contains the toxic Cobalt Chloride
• Canister is prone to rusting, according to some reviewers

5. BARSKA 150G Dehumidifier

This small and extremely lightweight dehumidifier is ideal for use in a number of situations, with keeping a gun safe free of moisture chief among them. It measures 5 X 3.5 X 1.25 and weighs just 7.04 ounces.

The Barska dehumidifier has an indicator that turns from blue to pink when the time comes to renew it by evaporating the moisture that has built up. This is done by putting it in a microwave at 600w for just 4 minutes. This is a lot quicker than the models that need to be plugged in for several hours to renew.

One of these units should be more than enough for a small safe. Some owners even say that the dehumidifier never changes color, even after years, meaning that there is no need to renew it in the microwave.

Pros

• Simple to use and to renew
• A good safe for many home gun safes
• A low cost option

Cons

• Some users note that the unit can be ruined by microwaving for too long

Best Gun Safe Dehumidifier: Conclusion

It is clear that there are plenty of good reasons for looking for a dependable safe dehumidifier. This is an easy way of looking after your safe and your firearms. Even if you don’t live in a particularly humid area, your guns could be more at risk than you imagine.

The best models are incredibly easy to use and will give you a moisture-free interior for a long time to come. Therefore, it makes sense to just look for the features and the price that you are happiest with.

FAQ’s

Is a gun safe dehumidifier necessary?

This isn’t strictly necessary but it is always a good idea to use one. It is especially important if you live in a hot, humid climate or don’t open the door of the safe very often.

Are there other ways of keeping my gun safe free of moisture?

There are. In the article we have looked at ideas such as using a fan, baking soda or coffee grounds. However, a good dehumidifier is going to be more effective at removing moisture from the air than any other approach that you might try.

Does the seal of my safe not stop humidity from getting in?

Some gun safes mention in their specifications the presence of seals. These are specifically there to stop smoke, fire, and water getting in and affecting the contents. However, there is no guarantee that they will keep out humidity.

Are humidity levels in a gun safe something to worry about?

It is definitely worth taking this issue into account. Humidity levels that are too high can lead to the safe and its contents being damaged over time.

Can low humidity levels in a gun safe be dangerous?

Yes, around 50% humidity is ideal. Extremely low humidity levels can as damaging as levels that are too high.

Which kind of safe dehumidifier should I choose?

As we have seen in these best safe dehumidifier reviews, there are different models around. These include renewable models that use silica gel beads and powered units. Each has its pros and cons, so you should carefully consider your own needs before choosing.

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