If you’re a gun enthusiast, you know that two considerations stand above all others when buying equipment to make custom ammunition: safety and efficiency. The advantages of a brass tumbler for those that make their own ammunition include cost-efficiency, safe firing, and a ton of saved time.

No doubt you know that there are a ton of ways to clean shells and create high-performance cartridges that fire accurately. A brass tumbler is the safest and most efficient method we know for removing chemical cleaner and other debris from your cartridges. You also don’t need to break the bank to get one: we have plenty of options below for shopping on a budget as well as on a high premium with the highest expectations.

If you’re looking for a brass tumbler within your price range that has all your desired features, this guide not only gives you reviews of the best products we could find, but also a buying guide and FAQs to help you figure out what your needs and preferences are when it comes to shopping for brass tumblers.

What is a Brass Tumbler?

If you’re a gun enthusiast who stumbled on this article without first knowing why you might need a brass tumbler, we’ll give you a quick rundown so you can understand the product reviews below. If you’re already on board, you can jump ahead to the reviews.

For those who want to take advantage of all the options available for making custom ammunition and reap the financial savings of doing so, brass tumblers should be part of your arsenal. Reloading requires cleaning the brass casings to improve the efficiency of your ammo, fire safely, and make them look good as new. To maximize the safety and efficiency of your custom rounds, this is an essential step.

However, cleaning brass casings is a time-consuming task when you have to clean each bullet individually. This is where brass tumblers come in. With a cleaning media like crushed walnut shells and some polishing powder, you can clean a batch of brass casings inside the tumbler in just a few hours with no extra work from you.

There are two main types of tumblers, with results that vary depending on which brand you buy. Both are represented on this list so it’s important to understand the differences.

Rotary Tumbler

Rotary tumblers employ classic tumbler mechanisms with a barrel that the machine turns with the casings inside (hence why it’s called a “tumbler”). For over 50 years, people have been using rotary tumblers to clean their shell casings, taking advantage of multiple types of cleaning media depending on their preferences.

Since a rotary tumbler’s barrel is airtight, you can even try liquid cleaning with stainless steel cleaning media and water.

Vibratory Tumbler

Vibratory tumblers clean the casings by vibrating them in a large bowl. This creates a system of friction that forces the cleaning media to buff against the casings and clean off the scuffs and dirt, including any lube and oxidation.

This type of tumbler is more modern than the other and has only been commercially viable for about 20 years. There’s no major advantage to using them over rotary tumblers, but some enthusiasts prefer them. It comes down to understanding the differences in the cleaning mechanism and comparing them to your needs.

Best Brass Tumbler: The Top 5 Recommendations

Let’s get into the reviews!

1. Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler

The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Vibratory Tumbler uses a more modern mechanism, so it employs a vibrating bowl instead of a tumbler barrel. For those that want the latest tech in their case tumbler, this could be the one.

What caught our eye about the Frankford Arsenal tumbler was its ease of use. There’s an on/off switch on the cord mount for added safety and a clear lid so you can see what’s going on inside. With basic walnut or corncob cleaning media, the Frankford Arsenal tumbler can easily remove lube and oxidation from brass casings with just a few hours in the machine. The bowl is shaped to provide faster brass agitation, which makes it a more comprehensive cleaner than similar models.

This system even extends the life of brass casings, ensuring they can be reloaded again and again. The best part is that the Frankford Arsenal tumbler comes at a value price, making it our easy choice for the best general use brass tumbler on this list.

Those that aren’t experienced with the technology and don’t know exactly what they want out of a brass tumbler can’t go wrong with this one.

2. Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler

The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler is another affordable tumbler that comes with a built-in sifter. This allows you to separate the cleaning media from the casings after a cleaning cycle. In each cycle, the Lyman Pro Tumbler can clean 350 casings at a time, just reminding you how time-consuming it would be to do the same work by hand.

For many people, the biggest downside to a brass tumbler is the excessive noise. Thankfully, the Lyman Pro 1200 tries to mitigate this concern with a rubber lid and feet that reduce the clatter somewhat. It also comes with thermal protection so you can run an extended cycle without having to monitor the tumbler for overheating.

This is an easy to use brass tumbler that handily comes with a built-in media separator and a huge 350-case cycle capacity. It’s also near the bottom of the prices on this list so it’s easy to confirm as one of the top all-around options for gun and ammo enthusiasts.

3. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler

This Frankford Arsenal Platinum series tumbler is a rotary model, meaning you load the cases into a tumbler barrel rather than a bowl. It has a large capacity of 3.3L (about 300 cases per cycle) and weighs about 8 pounds.

The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler comes with a lot of ease of use constructions that are great for beginners. The seal on the tumbler is proofed for leaks so you don’t have to worry about dust from the cleaning media making a mess during a cycle. There’s a clear viewing window so you can see what’s going on inside. But the truth is that you probably won’t be in the room – it’s easy to use the twist cap opening and simple switch and just let it do its thing.

This is one of the smaller rotary tumblers out there, which would be good for tighter workspaces. Unlike some vibratory tumblers, with this rotary model you can use stainless-steel pins as cleaning media, which can be tumbled with water and used to deeply clean certain kinds of casings.

This is where knowing your preferences and experiences comes in handy because you can’t choose between vibration and rotary tumbling unless you’re experienced in creating custom ammo. However, if you want heavy-during cleaning with stainless-steel media in a tried and true tumbling mechanism, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler isn’t the cheapest model on this list, but it’s one of the smallest and sturdiest.

4. Hornady Rotary Brass Tumbler

If per cycle case capacity is your main concern, you can’t do better than the Hornady Rotary Brass Tumbler. The rubber-lined drum can hold 6 liters of media and cases (or up to 5 lbs. of media in total). If you want to use the more aggressive stainless-steel pin media to clean the cases, this rotary brass tumbler is ideal. It even comes with the media, so you don’t have to go out of pocket for it.

There’s a 110V Hornady Rotary Brass Tumbler model, which is standard, but it also comes in a 220V version, both of which can run for up to 8 hours. For a modern touch, this brass tumbler can be activated by a touchpad and timed with a digital interface.

The quick seal compression lid keeps debris dust inside and is lined with rubber to mute the noise. If steel pin tumbling media is your preference, the Hornady Rotary Brass Tumbler has a large case capacity and a powerful motor. The higher price is the only downside to an otherwise powerful and efficient brass tumbler.

5. Rebel 17 Tumbler Stainless-Steel Ammo Reloading Kit

The Rebel 17 Tumbler Stainless-Steel Ammo Reloading Kit is priced high and works for cleaning all caliber sizes, especially primer pockets. The stainless-steel media is included and will never rust or wear out. Even though the Rebel 17 Tumbler has the highest price on this list, the fact that you never have to replace the cleaning media is a huge plus.

With just a few drops of Lemishine Detergent, brass cases can be easily shined and cleaned at a maximum case capacity of 2-4 pounds. The 17 stands for the total weight capacity, which accounts for the increased price.

For the price, the Rebel 17 Tumbler comes with a 5-year warranty on the barrel, a 3-year warranty on the unit, and a 1-year warranty on the motor. The drum is thick and lined with rubber to help with the noise and the seamless drive belt is built to last a long time. Heavy-duty sealed ball bearings and stainless-steel media make this 220V brass tumbler the most intense on this list.

Buying Guide

In order to get the brass tumbler that matches your needs, use this brief buying guide to sort out its main features.

Tumbler Type

We’ve already been over the difference between vibratory and rotary tumblers. Typically, rotary tumblers are more expensive. Vibratory tumblers, on the other hand, can’t use liquid cleaning solutions and stainless-steel media.

Choosing the tumbler type is partly dependent on preference and partly what we just outlined above – the top of this article has more in-depth definitions if you’d like to compare the mechanisms.

Capacity

Brass tumblers are for gun enthusiasts, but depending on your level of experience you may need a higher per-cycle capacity limit. Some on this list have a capacity limit of 17 pounds of media and some have far less. This could be a huge deciding factor when choosing between brands.

Materials

The construction of the brass tumbler may be the biggest non-quantifiable concern. After picking from the two tumbler types and your maximum capacity limit, the material makeup of the tumbler mechanism and container should be a major criterion when you decide what to buy.

Many brass tumblers are made of metal or with metal components but many of the cheaper models also contain plastic parts. This can cause over-twisting a lid or bolt to split its heavy plastic parts. Since a reliable, long-lasting machine is an essential aspect of your choice to buy one brand of brass tumbler over another, comparing the material construction to your needs should be a huge part of your buying process.

Case Type

There are many types of bullet casings, differentiable by millimeter and material. They are not all made equal and you may not be using them all. The brand and model of brass tumbler matters in this sense because they don’t clean all types of cases.

Cost

The cost range on this list is wide, from less than $60 to $300. Those who are looking for budget picks because of their lack of experience or premium options because of the features they know they need, there are brands on this list for them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does a brass tumbler do?

A brass tumbler vibrates a tray or rotates a tumbler barrel filled with dirty shell casings and a cleaning media like ground up corncob, walnut shells, or stainless-steel media. The friction generated between the cleaning material and the casings buffs and cleans the brass bullets after a few hours of continuous use.

Do you need a tumbler for reloading?

Brass tumblers are not necessary for reloaded cartridges or creating custom ammunition. Since casings need to be cleaned before reloading, however, enthusiasts will be searching for the most cost and time-effective way to do so. Since brass tumblers are easily the most efficient way to clean a batch of casings, they should be considered required for reloading by anyone who wants to do it regularly.

Can you tumble brass too long?

You only need to tumble brass for about 2 hours to buff out and clean it to your satisfaction. If you accidentally leave the tumbler on for longer than that, the cleaning media will continue to work on the brass until the media itself is practically dust. The brass won’t be hurt at all. In fact, you would probably lose the tumbler to overheating before you damage the brass.

The Takeaway

A brass tumbler is not a requirement for gun enthusiasts who want to make and clean their own brass casings for custom ammunition. However, reloading can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor without one, depending on how much ammo you plan on reusing. Since you can get a quality brass tumbler for a small investment, most enthusiasts should look into it to save a ton of time and money on their reloading routine.

Our top pick for general use is the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Vibratory Case Tumbler. It’s a reliable machine that has a more aggressive cleaning cycle than most tumblers on the market. It’s easy to use and comprehensively cleans brass for a longer lifespan on your ammo. It does it at a budget price that should fit comfortably within anyone’s needs.

Safety and efficiency are essential when you’re preparing brass casings to be reloaded. Use this article to find a brass tumbler that works for your needs, in terms of the type of tumbler, the cost, the features, and the materials that it services. The reviews, definitions, and buying guide should help you sort out your preferences and your needs in order to choose between the brands of brass tumblers we listed, or to compare ones you found on your own.

The post Best Brass Tumbler Reviews [Top 5 For Every Budget, 2024] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

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

Hyskore Cleaning and Sighting Vise

Quality in both construction design, very precise adjustment options, the ability to accommodate most lengths of gun and strong, metal construction make this model our choice, and it’s a great price too – but be aware, it’s not a shooting vise!

We have provided a brief buying guide for you (below the reviews) – what to look for when choosing a gun vise and so on – and we will end with a conclusion, and if possible, a recommendation from those we have chosen!

So, let’s get cracking – here are our choices for the best gun vises on the market right now.

Best Gun Vise: Our 5 Recommendations

1. Tipton Ultra Gun Vise

The first model we want to talk about is this one, the Tipton Ultra, a heavy-duty gun vise that ticks all the boxes. Now, before we go on, remember that these items are not designed to be pretty. They are practical, precision devices engineered to a high degree, and designed for accuracy and purpose.

This one looks decidedly strange, but don’t let that put you off as it does what it’s meant to do, and according to a great number of buyers, it does it very well.

The overall structure is made from steel tubes, with glass-filled nylon for the actual clamp faces so it will not mark your guns. The ball and socket operation is designed for ease of use and smoothness, as well as to give you just the right level of tension to hold your gun in place.

Front and rear clamps are both height and length adjustable, so you should have no problem getting the right setting for your guns, and the four feet are also independently adjustable for accuracy, and are designed with non-slip fittings.

The rail-mounted modules make for a clever touch when you need to adjust, and each moves smoothly, plus the attached accessory trays are a neat addition that will be welcomed by many users.

The overall unit measures 32”x11”x10.5”, so is quite compact and will fit nicely on a workbench. Designed for cleaning your guns and attaching and setting scopes, and not for shooting when in situ, this gun vice comes highly recommended by many buyers, although a few complain about the fragility of the plastic parts, and some say it won’t hold up a heavy rifle.

We say check it out and the decision is yours.

Need some more info? See the video below.

2. Hyskore Cleaning and Sighting Vise

The name should be enough to tell you that, as with the above, this is not a shooting vise, so is not designed for testing the accuracy of your gun when in the vise. This is important, as there are obvious dangers when shooting a gun attached to one of these.

This one is a more ‘industrial’ looking design and could even be called minimalist. It is another that sits on a rail system for adjusting length-wise, and is made from welded tubular steel for strength.

This vise comes with a plastic utility tray so you have somewhere to keep your tools neat and to hand, and also has adjustable independent footrests, with a clever operation that allows them to be adjusted from above. It is primarily intended for cleaning purposes – where it does the job very well and holds just about any length of gun firmly in place – and setting and adjusting sights.

This one is designed to align the accuracy of your gun to a 3-shot group, and has an accurate alignment system with precision adjustments. It is compact, too, at just 25x12x10” when in its standard set up.

Customer satisfaction is generally very good with this vise – many say it is great value for money at less than $100, and that it is sturdy – yet there are some who come up with the usual complaints about the plastic parts not being up to scratch. It’s a decent gun vise at the price is our opinion, but remember it is not a shooting vise!

3. Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2

Now this most certainly is a shooting vise, and it’s from Caldwell, one of the best-known names in the gun vise world. This could even be called a classic design, and will be familiar to a generation of shotgun owners.

It’s an altogether different device to those above – and will also cost somewhat more at more than $200 – but it is primarily designed for a different purpose. A metal dual-frame construction allows for 18 inches of length-wise adjustment, so you will have no trouble fitting any gun on this.

No-skid rubber feet keep the vise in place, while the fully adjustable front rest offers as much as 2.5inches of height adjustment, so accuracy is not going to be a problem.

The rear cradle is also adjustable and is designed to reduce recoil, while a specially added tray can hold as much as 100lb of lead shot for added stability. Precision adjustment dials are sited so you do not need to remove the gun from the cradle when setting the accuracy.

Materials that come in contact with the gun are all specially selected to be non-marring, and it is very sturdy in construction. Described as a ‘precision shooting platform’, we think it over the top perhaps to buy this for cleaning and fitting sights, as it is a more full-on device.

Customers are almost universal in their praise for the Caldwell DFT 2, although there are some who point out quality control issues, and suggest there could be design changes for the next generation. If you want a shooting vise, this may well be it.

OpticsPlanet have done a great review on this gun vise below.

4. Hoppe’s Gun Vise

Whereas the above item represents the upper end of the gun vise market, being a sophisticated device designed for shooting in situ, the Hoppe’s Gun Vise featured here is at the other end of the scale.

It’s a very simple, effective and affordable gun vise -or, to be more accurate, it should perhaps be referred to as a gun cleaning stand, for that is its primary purpose. Make a note – this is most certainly NOT a shooting vise, and will not function one, so move on if that’s what you’re looking for!

Hoppe’s is a brand that has been in the industry for a long time, and its ‘9’ range – of which this is a part – is respected as a budget yet decent quality selection of gun care tools and accessories.

This model we found for between $50 and $80, so shop around. It is made from strong polymer – rather than steel – and features non-marring materials on the simple side clamps, one at the front and one at the rear. It has a compartment for accessories, and not much else, but that’s not a bad thing.

This is designed – as we said – with cleaning in mind, but could also be used for mounting sights. It does not have precision adjustments and it is not designed for accurate sighting, and as it is plastic, it is not going to be the most accurate vise either.

Customers like it as a grip – something to keep the gun in place when it’s being cleaned – but it is limited in not having any length or height adjustment functions.

It’s up to you, but we reckon there are others on this list for not much more money that perform more functions.

5. CTK P3 Ultimate Vise

The final gun vise on our list caused us a bit of confusion. It is titled in a number of places as ‘Ultimate Shooting Vise’ yet for it to become a shooting vise – that is to make it able to be used to shoot your guns when in place – you need to purchase an expensive optional additional stand to go with it.

So, what we have here is a cleaning and maintenance vise, and one that is actually very clever when we look at it in that context.

It has three adjustable feet on a ‘t-shaped’ heavy duty steel frame, with the rear clamp being fully adjustable along the frame for length. It should handle most sizes of rifle or shotgun, and the clamp faces are – as we would expect – made from non-marring material.

The front rest is adjustable for height, although we should say there is not a lot of precision involved, and it can also be adjusted to hold a pistol.

It’s basic, but usable for cleaning and sight fitting, but were not sure about adjusting for accuracy given the lack of precision adjusters.

So, as a gun rest for cleaning and maintenance it’s great – and many customers give it very high scores – but there are some that say it is hard to get the adjustment right when using as a bore-sight, which we speculated upon above. Perhaps one for the shortlist, but perhaps not – it’s up to you!

Another great review on the CTK P3 gun vise below!

There you have our pick of six great gun vises, each with its own merits, but is there one that you like? Or, are you still unsure what to look for? Let’s see if we can help by looking at the most important features of a gun vise.

Buying Guide

Gun maintenance is the most important aspect of owning and using a firearm of any kind. A poorly maintained gun is a danger – not just to the user but to others in the vicinity – so any items you can invest in that will help you keep your gun in top working order will be a bonus. A gun vise is certainly one of these, so let’s consider the factors that differentiate a good vise from one that may not be so attractive.

The Gun Vise

There is one item of kit that you need for your guns, one that you might not have thought of but will make your life a lot easier. We’re talking about the gun vise, and below we will be giving you the details of some of the best on the market. Why do you need a gun vise, and what can you do with it?

Put simply, a gun vise is a stand for your gun, but a touch more sophisticated than a simple stand! It’s designed specifically for guns – some are for certain types of gun, others for all types of gun – and it keeps your gun in an upright, locked position where you can perform a number of functions.

Some gun vises are designed to hold your gun in place when it is being cleaned. The advantage of this is that you have two hands available, the gun stays perfectly still, and you can be sure you will clean it as thoroughly as is possible. Other types of gun vise can hold the gun in position and you can shoot it from the vise. This allows you to zero your gun, to make sure it is shooting straight, and also to set your sights accurately.

We have looked at the market in detail to find the best gun vises and give you the details that you need to know. First, we will go through each of our choices and tell you as much about it as possible – what it can be used for, what it’s made of and so forth – and with each with give you some pros and cons of the particular model.

What To Look For

Is it a Shooting Vise

The more common question should be ‘do you need a shooting vise’? Only one of the above can be used for shooting – one other has an optional part you can purchase to make it so – so if you are looking for such a vise, that’s your choice. The thing is, do you need one? You will really only use a shooting vise if you want to zero your guns, and it may be best to get a gunsmith to do this for you. If you are going to use your vise for keeping a gun steady while cleaning or fitting a sight, each of the above will do the job, so why pay the extra for a shooting vise if you’re not going to use it?

Precision Adjustments

If you’re going to use your vise to set sights and bore-sights, you need to make sure it has precise adjustment functions. Not all the above have, so make sure you check carefully before you buy.

Sturdy

A metal gun vise is always going to be stronger and heavier than a plastic one, and one that comes with a tray or compartment for ballast even more so. This is something you need to look for with care when choosing your gun vise.

Types of Gun

What type and size of gun will the gun vise take? Most have length adjustment that means they will take any length of rifle or shotgun, but not all can be adjusted to take a handgun, so it’s worth checking this out very careful if you have handguns too.

We would add cost in here as a feature, but a good gun vise should be chosen on quality rather than price, so our suggestion is to set a budget, and find the best you can within that budget. So, of the above six, which would we recommend? Lets see if we can wrap things up.

Our Choice

As we have already said, if you want to use your gun vise for zeroing your guns, you have a choice of one that is specifically designed for the purpose – the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 – and there is no doubt it is a quality product from a great maker, and one of the finest items of its type on the market.

If you want a vise for the usual purpose of cleaning and fitting and setting sights, we like the Hyskore Cleaning and Sighting Vise which is a neat design, is well-made and features excellent precision adjustments, and all at a sensible price in a compact package. As always, the choice is yours, and we hope we’ve helped you find a gun vise that does the job you need, and helps you keep your guns clean and well-maintained at all times.

The post Best Gun Vise [2024’s Top 5 Reviewed] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

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

Winchester 68-Piece Super Deluxe

Great price, great name and a very nice comprehensive gun cleaning kit that comes with everything you need in a case that is string, compact and usable – it’s the one for us from those we looked at.

An Intro To Gun Cleaning Kits

Part of the deal when owning guns is that you need to keep them clean. Indeed, true gun enthusiasts enjoy this part of the routine as much as they do shooting itself.

Of course, the type of gun you have will dictate the type of cleaning kit you require, so we’re going to have a look at what are known in the business as ‘universal’ cleaning kits.

Now, no cleaning kit is truly universal, and nor can it be. There will always be a gun somewhere that every kit struggles with.

That’s the nature of universal items!

What we have done is looked at kits that we believe cover as wide a range of guns as possible, and the rest is up to you!

We’re going to look at various budgets, different types of kits, and give you the lowdown on each, but don’t be surprised if some don’t contain everything you want. For example, let’s say you come across a kit you like, at the right price, but it doesn’t include solvent, for example.

You might dismiss it on that point alone. We say don’t; you can buy your solvent separately, at very little cost, and still get the rest of the kit which you liked.

Also, when it comes to cost, we don’t recommend you simply buy the cheapest one. You want to look after your guns, so they deserve to be cleaned correctly, using decent kit and not budget stuff that might damage them in the process.

So, let’s not hang around, we researched the market and these are the cleaning kits we reckon you should consider – but the choice is yours!

Here’s Our Top 5 Best Gun Cleaning Kits

1. Clenziol Field and Range Universal Cleaning Kit

Our first item is this comprehensive gun cleaning kit from the Clenzoil brand, which offers a variety of items of this type. This one comes in a nice, well-made bag with a strong carry-handle and shoulder strap, and contains cleaning devices for handguns, shotguns and rifles.

If, however, you want a kit that is – for example – just for shotguns, you might want to consider looking for one that is less general and more specific, and you might save some money in the process.

What do you get? Pretty much everything you need including a cleaning mat, various sizes of cleaning brushes and mops covering a wide range of calibres, both rod and pull-through cable accessories, and grease and a pump sprayer.

There’s nothing left out with this kit. There’s also plenty of space in the bag for other kit – it is a large bag so don’t buy this if you have limited space – and it’s a decent price for what it is so is well worth checking out.

2. Vingli Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

While the one above comes in a durable cloth bag, this one features no fewer than 126 pieces, all neatly presented in a metal brief-case type carry package.

This one also offers cleaning mops, brushes and more for handguns, rifles and shotguns, as well as high quality brass cleaning rods,  and a specially fitted interior to the case so everything has its allotted place. It’s all very neat, quite stylish and rather good-looking.

While the kit included is absolutely comprehensive, there is no cleaning oil and solvent included – something we mentioned in our introduction. This is because many people like to choose their own oil and solvent, and there are two spaces left in the case for this purpose.

Is it the one we would choose from this list? It is very nice, and the lightweight aluminium case is very stylish, but we can’t help feeling it won’t withstand the knocks it’s going to get if you take it out in the field, unlike the durable cloth bags of others.

3. Winchester 68-Piece Super Deluxe

There are few brands that resonate in the world of quality guns as highly as Winchester, so does this gun cleaning kit live up to the reputation? It would seem it does, especially in the eyes of many satisfied customers that we found during our research.

This is a 68-piece kit that is aimed primarily at shotguns and rifles, and comes with quality tips, rods, and brushes, many of which are housed in individual containers that attach to the inside of the case with Velcro. This is a nice touch that keeps everything where you want it to be.

The case itself is very nice, a soft-sided one that would be perfectly happy in the field or at home, and with a machined aluminium handle for better grip. The case is also fitted with external pockets for accessories.

There is no oil or solvent included, which is not unusual, and it has pretty much everything you want in what is a nicely designed package. What we are impressed with is the price. We found various, all between $50 and $100, and we think that it’s worth it at even the highest level.

4. The Otis Elite

Otis is a big name in the gun world, so we thought it necessary to include a product of theirs in this list. The first thing we will say is that name brands usually mean higher cost; while that didn’t apply with Winchester, it certainly does with Otis.

This one is more than twice the price of the one above, but as we said in our intro, choosing on price is not necessarily sensible. This is a nice cleaning kit with everything you could want for shotguns, rifles and handguns, and comes in a neatly designed and surprisingly compact case which is a soft design.

You get all the brushes, mops and rods you need with this one – indeed, you do with them all – and it also comes with lens tissues, sprays and brushes for the optics, which is a nice touch. It’s perhaps not as nicely arranged inside as some of these, but it makes good use of space.

In fact, while the general opinion of customers is very positive, quite a few – even those who marked it highly – have complaints about the case itself, which they says is not really up to the job.

5. Pro Shot Tactical .223 Calibre Kit

This one – which is not universal and only for .223 calibre guns – is included so that we can show you the savings you might be able to make should own only one type of gun, and need a cleaning kit especially for those.

This one has everything you need for the calibre including top quality brushes and mops, comes in a very neat little carry bag, and rods that – when combined – are long enough for any rifle or shotgun.

Everything in this package is good quality, the bag itself has a pouch inside for storing other accessories, and it is very small so will be easy to carry in the field, if that’s what you intend to do.

Where it scores highly is in the cost: because you are buying only what you need, and not paying for a load of kit that will be of no use for your specific gun, this one can be yours for less than $30. Compare that to the price of some of the comprehensive kits, and you get a major saving.

There are many such cleaning kits for specific gun sizes and types, and we recommend you check them out.

So, Which is For You?

So, we’ve given you a bit of food for thought with some of the items on the list above, but which one is for you?

We could go into a big, rambling guide as to features you need to look for, but in truth, there’s twos choice here: do you want kit for your specific type or calibre of gun – in which case we recommend you search the market further for more examples relevant to your guns – or are you in the market for a universal cleaning kit?

For the sake of the following conclusion, we’re going to assume the latter, so what’s our choice?

Let’s have a look!

Our Choice

We’ll come clean here: we really can’t recommend any one of these firmly enough, as the market is one that demands your attention, and each of the above comprehensive kits is that – comprehensive and including everything you need bar the usual individual choice items that are often left out.

If we were to buy one from the four kits listed, it would undoubtedly be the Winchester, and not because it’s a great price.

Quite simply, it’s the best-designed case and the one we feel would be easiest to handle out in the field.

So, there you are, a few comprehensive gun cleaning kits to choose from, and we hope we’ve helped you find one that suits your needs and budget.

The post Best Gun Cleaning Kits [Top 5 For 2024] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

In a rush? Here’s our top 2 choices in brief:

1: Armory Racks 8-Gun Store

Neat, simple, fits 8 guns, affordable and versatile. It’s good!

2: SecureIt Pistol Peg Rack

Holds 11 guns of any size, easy to use, not expensive, very strong steel construction.

Choosing A Pistol Rack

If you have guns, then you will already have a gun safe, one that complies with the laws and is secure. The point of a gun safe is, by and large, to keep you safe: the last thing you want is a burglar taking your guns, and them being used in criminal activity. 

Most gun safes are designed and constructed for holding rifles. If you have pistols, you should take a look at gun safe pistol racks, as they are designed to make the best use of available space. They fit into your gun safe – depending upon its size – and are a great way of storing your pistols safely and correctly.

We’ll take up no more space talking about what they are, so here are the top five gun safe pistol racks as recommended by us and by users. Have read and you’ll see just how useful these clever items can be.

Our Top 5 Pistol Racks

1. Armory Racks 8-Gun Store

The first on our list is this model, from Armoury Racks, a company specialising in gun safes and accessories such as this. The reassurance of a known brand is always welcome when dealing with products that are to do with security. This one is designed for 8 guns, and is a very handy and nicely made gun rack with some interesting features.

First, it is made from neoprene with a coated and welded section where the guns are placed, so it is not too heavy if you need to use it for carrying several pistols at once. It comes with 8 spikes that are nicely angled for hanging the guns, plus a tray that is useful for accessories and perhaps another pistol.

This model is designed to handle everything from pocket pistols to full-sized handguns, and can take everything from .22 to .32 calibre in different combinations. You can mix semi-automatics and revolvers, which is a handy touch. It measures 4.75” x 16.5” x 8.75” so check it will fit in your safe.  All in all, a nicely made pistol rack at a sensible price, and one that will suit most gun safes.

Features

• 8 gun capacity
• Comes with a tray
• Mix of types can be stored
• .22 to .32 calibre

2. HySkore 12 Gun Pistol Rack

Coming from the HySkore range, this 12-gun pistol rack is designed to be simple to use and easy to handle. It is a clever design in that, instead of the metal prongs that you mount the gun on in the above model, this has closed cells into which you slot the gun. We’re not sure which is the more appropriate and it is likely to your own personal choice.

This one is made from high-density foam, so is very light and easy to move around, and it’s the simplicity that is the main attraction. There are no customer reviews for it so far, so we can’t pass on what others have said, but nevertheless it appears to do the job and is not expensive.

Features

• 12 gun slots
• Closed cell design
• High density foam
• Cheap

3. Stealth 5 Handgun Pistol Rack

This is another design in which the guns are parked in the upright position, with space between each one so that they do not bang into each other and scratch. It is a flat base with a tall back wall into which slots have been built to stack the guns. The frame is plywood, and it is covered in a soft material throughout in order to protect the guns. 

This one is designed to fit five handguns safely and securely – customer reviews are very favourable and one, notably, confirms that this rack will fit a Glock 43. However, others say that smaller guns such as this may not be suitable, as it is designed for full-sized handguns.

It is nicely made and very simple – and therefore not expensive – and measures 14.75” wide by 8.25” deep, and the back is 6” high – all measurements without guns. It’s good, but make sure it suits your guns.

Features

• Soft material coating
• Five-gun rack
• Made from plywood
• Suits full-sized guns

4. Versatile VR6 Handgun Rack

The Versatile Rack Company specialises in this sort of product, so we expected this one to be good, and it is. Designed to maximise storage space, this one holds six guns in comfort in a metal frame. The frame is polymer coated so as not to scratch the guns. It’s a simple yet effective design that does the job, and does it well enough.

This one is light and compact enough to take to the gun club if you wish – and many people like to have their own stand for their guns when shooting – and it is finished in blue. It measures just 14”x 5.5” and is just 5“ high, and is nicely designed and made.

Being open-ended, this one should suit everything from small firearms to full-sized handguns, and it is made in the USA and surprisingly affordable for a rack from a known brand – one for our shortlist.

Features

• Simple design
• Specialist rack maker
• Six gun rack
• Coated metal frame

5. SecureIt Pistol Peg Rack

This design is one of the most innovative here; think of it as being like a wall-mounted coat hanger, but with pegs for guns! It’s made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel, and is designed to fit precisely in SecureIt safes – a popular brand – but will fit inside others. 

The guns slot via the barrel onto a coated peg – each one has a sleeve covering the metal for protection – and it can fit as many as 11 guns at one time. The rack can be cleverly adjusted for rake, which is a nice touch if you are using it at the club, and is nicely made and very sturdy.

We like this one, it can fit all sizes of handgun from the 9mm upwards to the larger, full-size handguns, and it’s a sensible price, so certainly one that we would recommend.

Features

• 11 peg design
• Steel construction
• Known brand
• All sizes of gun suitable

That’s our five favourites, so which is best? Before we give you our verdict, let’s have a quick look at some of the features you should look for when choosing a pistol rack.

Buying Essentials

Buying a pistol rack to go with your gun safe is not something you should do without research, so in addition to our quick reviews, we advise that you check out manufacturer and supplier information on these and other models. There are a few vital factors you need think about, so let’s have a look at them:

Will it Fit?

The size of your pistol rack should fit your gun safe. Some, such as the SecureIt model we listed above, are designed for that brand’s safes, while others are universal. It’s always worth checking the size with the internal dimensions of your gun safe – most will be designed to the standard size.

How Many Guns?

How many handguns do you need to store? The above fit between five and 12, so there should be something for you. Perhaps buy one with more capacity than you need – you never know when you might buy another gun!

Will My Guns Fit?

Some of the above are designed to fit all sizes of handgun, but a couple might not be suitable for smaller pistols. This is a detail you need to check before you decide which one you are going to buy.

Quality 

You want to make sure you have a quality, well-made pistol rack that is going to last a long time, and that matches the quality of your gun safes. There are some on the list above we like more than others in this respect!

That’s a few of the important points you want to consider, so what do we suggest you should choose? Let’s sum things up.

Our Choice

The choice of five above is a minor selection from a much larger market, but we reckon these are the best of the different types of pistol racks available. Which one would we recommend? The one that fits your gun safe, and you budget, and holds enough guns for you! 

If we were to pick one, it would undoubtedly be the Armory Racks 8-Gun Store. 8 guns is a good amount, this is a quality product, and we like the way the guns are stored for ease of access and safety. It’s a sensible price, too, and a size that will fit most gun safes and cases.

So, we hope we’ve helped you find a pistol rack that suits you, and helps you keep your guns in good condition for their lifetime.

The post Gun Safe Pistol Rack: Top 5 Recommendations appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

In a rush? Here’s our top choice!

Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe

It’s a real safe, very durable, provides genuine security, is thin enough for any drawer and will do the job of keeping your gun safe while offering quick access.

Ever Thought About A Nightstand Gun Safe?

A nightstand gun safe is for your peace of mind. Not only can you store your gun close to where you sleep – so you can get a quick hold of it should you believe you have intruders – but they often come with hidden compartments for jewellery and other valuable items, which is secure should your home be broken into when you are absent.

The thought of night-time intruders is one that can strike fear into people, and sadly these days break-ins after dark are not unusual, but having a gun nearby can also bring added peace of mind. We took a look at five nightstand gun safes to see if we could find one that is suitable for you, without needing night vision goggles! So without further delay, let’s have a close look at them.

Our 5 Best Nightstand Gun Safe Recommendations

1. Casual Home Lincoln Nightstand with Concealed Compartment

While the purpose of a nightstand gun safe is to hold a gun in a secret place, one that is accessible in an instant, you also want a nice-looking and stylish piece of furniture that is not obviously out of place in the room. This design, from Casual Home, is a very nice ‘Lincoln’ style bedside cabinet that looks the part and that features an innovative, easy-access compartment directly below the top.

The space is felt-lined for protection, and a clever magnetic lock system that requires just one swipe from the ‘key’ to open it means you can be in there in a second. It’s a decent sized space, too, so you could put more than one gun in there, or other valuable items that you might want hidden. This is a solid wood item – it’s good quality – so it’s not cheap, but it is a nice design.

You also get two good-sized drawers and a fold-out tray for storage, it is finished in mocha, and it is a traditional design so would fit in with most décor. Measurements are 20”x25”x27” and it requires home assembly. As for customer reviews, it’s a mixed bag: some have given it 5 stars and commented on how attractive it is, others have cast doubt on the level of security the locking system provides – the choice is yours!

Features:

• Traditional stylish design
• Hidden compartment locks by magnet
• Easy opening with single swipe
• Two large drawers
• Compact size

2. Castle Creek Gun Concealment Table

Another design that takes the traditional look as its cue, this one is made from MDF – although it looks the part – and is a little less lavish than the one above. It’s finished in wood-look brown and is designed with two drawer fronts with a space for magazines or storage below, but the hidden compartment in this one is quite clever.

The hidden draws – there are two of them – are inside and behind the main upper drawer. In effect, they are two mini hidden draws that you can only see if you bring them out. We won’t go into the opening mechanism of the hidden compartments in full detail here – that would be to defy the object – but we will say it works, although there is one major flaw: it doesn’t lock, not at all. It’s not, therefore, one we’d want to rely with young kids in the house.

It requires assembly – a couple of buyers have commented that it is quite complex but the instructions are easy to follow – and it measures 18”x18”x24” high, so is reasonably compact, and is a decent-looking piece of furniture. We’re just not sure it provides the necessary security.

Features

• Two hidden drawers
• Made from MDF
• Assembly required
• Plain but quite stylish
• Compact
• Does not lock

3. Casual Home 615-15 ‘Kennedy’ End Table

The two items above have taken the form of bedside cabinets. This one, another from the Casual Home brand, is a table, but it’s a table with a clever hidden compartment that can be accessed in a very simple fashion. You simply remove a ‘stopper’ that drops the underneath hidden compartment. This has met with some criticism, as it is very easy to do, but it’s also favoured by some buyers for giving instant access.

It’s a simple, yet stylish, wooden end table that measures 23”x20”x24” high, and it looks rather neat and modern so would fit in most rooms without standing out. It’s made from solid wood, and is very nicely made, and while the hidden compartment is hidden, nobody could know it was there.

There is some home assembly required and full instructions are given, and there are cheaper items on the market, but unlike some this one is designed not just as a security device, but also as a nice occasional end table that is unfussy and therefore usable. One point to note is that a few customers have mentioned the drawer has a tendency to drop out; we hope Casual Home has rectified this issue as otherwise it is a nice piece.

Features

• Table design
• Hidden space underneath
• Easy opening mechanism
• Solid wood design
• Compact
• Customer complaints about drawer breaking

4. Benjara Benzara Wooden Nightstand

This model is another that is very much in the traditional style – in fact, for some people, it may be a little too decorative – and comes with a very dark wood finish. It is made from solid wood, rather than MDF, and is nicely finished and for a solid wood nightstand is actually rather well-priced. It does require home assembly to some extent, but is quite easy.

The hidden drawer is a simple one; it is behind the upper fascia of the nightstand, above the two drawers, and while neat it is a bit of a cliché where hidden drawers are concerned being the first place a thief will check. On the plus side, it’s easy to get to your gun quickly. The two drawers and the hidden compartment are decent sizes, so no problems there.

This one measures 21”x16”x24” high so is quite compact, and it would look good in a bedroom decorated in a simple yet traditional style. It doesn’t lock, however, so we wouldn’t be happy leaving a gun in the compartment with young kids around, but otherwise it’s a nice piece of furniture.

Features

• Solid wood
• Well made
• Hidden drawer at the top
• Compact
• Nice design
• Doesn’t lock

5. Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe

Our final item is this one, from Vaultek, and if you’re looking for an item of furniture with a hidden gun compartment, you might think this is not for you. It is, though, an actual, compact safe with a quick access system that you can put inside your hidden draw, one that provide genuine security for your handgun, above and beyond all others on the list.

It’s made from 18-gauge carbon steel for strength, and is made even stronger by Vaultek’s noted and proven construction, plus it is designed to be thin enough to drop into a drawer. It measures 10.5”x8.5”x2.125” and will easily fit a decent-sized handgun inside, if not a full-size one. The backlit five-button LED combination is easy to see even in poor light, thanks to responsive technology, and you have more than 40,000 combinations to choose from.

Battery power lasts for up to 4-months and is rechargeable in 2.5hours by USB. If we’re to be honest, this is a must if you want to keep a gun by your bed, especially if you have kids in the house, no matter the choice of bedside nightstand gun safe you choose, as it is the only one that offers genuine security.

Features

• 18 gauge steel and specially durable construction
• Five-button combination
• Backlit buttons
• Very secure
• Thin enough to fit in a drawer

So, that’s five items that may do the job or may not, but which do we recommend you buy? Before we go on to give you a conclusion, let’s have a look at a quick buyers guide.

Our Buying Tips

1. Security

The be all and end all is the security afforded to your gun. You don’t want it to fall into the hands of criminals, and nor do you want it to be accessible by others in the home, especially young children. In truth, only one of the above items offers the level of security we believe to be acceptable.

2. Looks

If you’re buying one of these for looks, fair enough, but make sure security comes above it as a priority. In fact, we’ll cut to the chase now, and give you our honest verdict, straight up.

Our Top Choice!

The simple fact is you want to have your gun close to hand at night, easy to get to, and yet inaccessible to burglars or others in the home. The only item that offers genuine security is the Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe.

Now, fair enough, we know it’s not an item of furniture, but it is a safe. Put it in the drawer of your bedside nightstand – not necessarily one of the above – and it’s there for you when you need it, at night. For added security, by day you can put it away in your home safe, or in your secure gun cabinet.

If you do want to buy one of the nightstands, the one we like best is the Casual Home 615-15 ‘Kennedy’ End Table which is very stylish, simple and elegant, nicely made from solid wood, but keep in mind those comments about the draw misbehaving!

So, final word from us: please consider the virtues of the Vaultek safe very carefully, as it’s the only item here that will truly give you quick access while genuinely, securely storing your gun.

The post Best Nightstand Gun Safe [Top 5 Unbiased Reviews] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Could it be that a lot of people simply haven’t found the model that is right for their needs? It is certainly worth taking some time to look for exactly the gun safe that you need.

Have you been struggling to find one that you feel completely confident about? There are plenty of models out there but narrowing down your options might seem like a tough task. What information do you need to know in order to make a sensible decision in this respect?

Well, one way of getting started is by looking at some reviews of the good gun safes that fit your budget. This Fortress Fireproof 24 gun safe review will cover the strengths and weaknesses of a popular model that might interest you.

Who Are Fortress?

This company offers a range of affordable safes of different types. They seem to be aimed firmly at those gun owners who want good value and convenience rather than a hugely expensive, professional level safe.

Their site doesn’t include too many details about them. However, their headquarters are based in Grace, Idaho. They have proven to be innovative in the past and now have a number of home security products that might be of interest to you.

These are good-quality safes, so you shouldn’t compare them to the cheap, low-quality models that you might have seen for sale. However, they look more expensive than they really are, as they cost less than the high-end models from premium brands.

This brand provides a range of different security products. As well as gun safes, they also have executive, portable, and personal safes as well as steel ammo cans. According to their site, they also produce gun safes under the Heritage brand.

Fortress Fireproof 24 Gun Safe Review – The Size

As the name suggests, this safe is marketed as having enough room to fit in 24 firearms. However, you may already know that the maximum number of guns stated is usually on the high side on any safe. So, you probably won’t fit 24 in here.

The dimensions listed for this safe are 60 x 26 x 20 inches. In centimeters, that is about 152 x 66 x 50. For many people, this is bigger than they need, of course. You really need to have a collection of firearms to justify buying a big model of this type. It is a big, bulky safe so you will need somewhere to put it too.

Yet, what if you need space for a lot of guns? With any type of safe, it is always best to measure the room that you need rather than simply relying on the stated capacity. Remember that you need to always have enough space so that the firearms aren’t cramped together or difficult to take out.

As with most good gun safes, this Fortress model has adjustable shelves that make it easier for you to organize your collection exactly how you want them to be. Don’t forget that a big safe is also ideal for storing other valuables such as documents and cash in, so even if you don’t fill it with guns it could still come in very useful.

You should also remember that moving this item into place is going to take a bit of hard work. It weighs 332lb, so you will want to get some helping hands to aid you. Ideally, you will be able to get the delivery crew to put it right into its final spot.

What Does It Look Like?

It is important to consider the look of a new gun safe before you buy it. This isn’t just a superficial matter about how nice it appears to be, though. There are other points to take into account as well.

For a start, you will want to see how it fits into your home. This model is a simple, classy looking safe that should fit into most homes without too much fuss. It has a smooth, black finish that makes it easy to combine with many types of furniture and fittings.

If you want to make it a centerpiece of one of your rooms then it is a nice model for this task. It looks sturdy and attractive, so you can show it off to the world without any worries.

Another point to look at is how it looks to any burglars who might plan to force it open. A tough-looking gun safe can help to put off any criminals right away.

There is no doubt that the size and sheer presence of this Fortress Fireproof 24 Gun Safe makes it look tough to open. Few thieves will be keen to try and open this safe unless they a lot of time and some tools that they can use.

The Lock Mechanism

A safe is only as good as its locks. All of the tough walls and sturdy doors in the world count for very little if the locking mechanism is weak. So what can you expect from this Fortress safe?

It uses an electronic lock with a digital keypad. This is by far the most common type of mechanism used on gun safes these days. This is because it is a lot more convenient than using keys, but cheaper than cutting-edge biometric scanners.

The lock also a tamper sensitive alarm on it. This means that you will be alerted is something tries to open it. Just as importantly, you will also find out right away if any children start playing with it.

There are higher-quality locking mechanisms out there, on more expensive safes. However, the quality of this lock is pretty much what you would expect given the price. It certainly does the job of keeping your guns out of harm’s way and difficult for thieves to access, while being easy for you to operate when needed.

The Quality of the Construction

This safe is made out of steel. In keeping with the rest of the specifications, it is neither the toughest nor the weakest gun safe around. Once again, for the price it is sort of the level of quality you should expect.

So, if you want a safe that simply can’t ever be broken into then this isn’t it. A determined, experienced thief with the right tools could get in here after some work. However, the quality of the construction is good enough to put most people’s mind at ease.

Recessed doors and a patented notched bolt certainly help to make it more difficult for someone to pry open. It also comes with a kit that makes it easy for you to bolt down into the floor. If that is enough security for you then this model is fine. If you want a higher level of protection then you will need to pay more for it.

The Interior Space

As mentioned earlier on in this Fortress gun safe review, it is classed as being suitable for 24 guns. Yet, it is likely that you only fit in about half that amount comfortably.

It is nicely laid out inside, it has to be said. A good array of shelving options and containers on the back of the door mean that it shouldn’t take you long to get everything neatly stowed away.

It has a reasonably luxurious feel, thanks to the containers on the door and the carpeted finish. It isn’t one of those safes where you need to buy a lot of accessories just to make it usable.

Having said that, you might feel the need to add an interior light to make it easier to access your firearms in the night.

How Does It Handle a Fire?

One of the big selling points here is that this safe offers a degree of fire resistance. It is worth noting at this point that no safe is going to keep your valuables safe for very long in the event of a fire. At best, they will keep the flames at bay for an hour or so.

This Fortress 24 gun safe gives you 40 minutes of protection from fire at 12000 degrees Fahrenheit. This might not sound like much but it could be the difference that stops your guns or your irreplaceable documents from being completely destroyed.

As with other points covered here, this specification fits it into the middle range of gun safes. There are plenty of them that offer no fire protection at all. More expensive models will tend to offer a little longer than this one, but for the price it is a very decent level of fire protection on offer.

What Is the Warranty Like?

A good warranty is always great to get on any product. It is even more important on a relatively expensive like a gun safe that you expect to last for years without causing you any problems.

In the case of this model, there is a lifetime attack warranty included. This means that you are protected in the event of it being damaged by someone trying to break in. It also covers damage caused by fire.

If either of these things happen then they will repair or replace it for you. Ideally, you will never need to use this warranty. But it is still nice to know that it is there in case you ever have to use it.

How Easy Is It to Install?

Fitting a big, sturdy gun safe is a job that needs a bit of planning. This is why it pays to have the job clear in your head before it is even delivered.

The good news is that there is nothing particularly complicated about this Fortress safe that you need to know about. Apart from the actual task of moving it, the biggest job is that of bolting it down to the floor.

This is standard for any good gun safe, as it is what ensures that thieves can’t just carry it away with them. Therefore, you will want to work out where to put it to make this as easy to do as possible. All of the bolts and other accessories that you need for this are included.

It is then a question of setting up the keypad. Instructions for this step are included and it is easy enough to sort out in just a few minutes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great value for money
• Easy to use digital keypad
• Simple to install
• Classic, sleek look
• Reasonable degree of fire protection
• Lifetime warranty in case of attack or fire

Cons

• There are sturdier gun safes on the market

Overall Thoughts

If you are looking for your first gun safe then this is a very good choice. The low price makes it seem like a no-frill option but there is more to it than that.

40 minutes of fire protection and a lifetime warranty in the case of attack or fire help to make this an attractive package that should help you to sleep more soundly at night from now on.

The post Fortress Fireproof 24 Gun Safe Review [All It’s Cracked Up To Be?] appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

When choosing your new gun safe the size has to be one of the most important factors that you take into account. No matter how sturdy it is or how good it looks, if it isn’t big enough to hold all of your firearms then it isn’t going to be a wise purchase.

By the same token, you can’t simply rely on size without taking the security and features into account as well. This is why you should be looking to get the best large capacity gun safe that you can afford and that fills you with confidence.

Here, we will look at a few of the best big gun safes around just now. However, let’s start by considering the issues that you need to think about first of all.

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

Our #1 Recommendation

Sports Afield Professional Series 30.05 CuFt Gun Safe, 60 min Fire Protection

Designed In The USA

NEW and Improved E.M.P Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 39 Long Gun Fire Protection for 60 Minutes AMLD593924-blk

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-

Price not available

Price not available

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-

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Our #1 Recommendation

Sports Afield Professional Series 30.05 CuFt Gun Safe, 60 min Fire Protection

-

Price not available

-

Buy on Amazon

Designed In The USA

NEW and Improved E.M.P Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 39 Long Gun Fire Protection for 60 Minutes AMLD593924-blk

-

Price not available

-

Buy on Amazon

Why Big Safes Can Be Better

It is easy to think that you just need a safe that is the same size as your guns. Yet, this can lead to them being crammed in awkwardly. If you don’t have ample interior space and shelving then you could have to just push in the guns any way that they fit.

This can lead to them being damaged while in your safe or when you try to get them out again. You certainly don’t want your firearms to have scratches or bumps on them if you can help it. By having enough room to organize your collection you can ensure that they all stay in perfect condition for longer.

An even more serious issue is that you might struggle to get your guns out quickly if they are squeezed into a tight safe. Just imagine the situation if you hear an intruder in the dead of night and can’t get out a firearm to defend yourself because they are all crammed in too tightly.

So, it is clear that you can organize your guns more easily in a roomy safe. This is very important regardless of whether you own them for home security reasons, for hunting, or for some other reason.

What Capacity Do You Need?

You will typically see gun and rifle safes’ capacity in terms of how many firearms can fit inside. They might also give you the total capacity in terms of how many cubic feet of interior space they have.

This makes it seems simple, doesn’t it? After all, if you have 30 rifles you need a 30 rifle capacity safe, right? Well, life isn’t always as simple as it seems and this is a good example of when things are a bit more complicated than they first appear to be.

You see, the stated capacity for safes is typically the absolute maximum number of firearms that you could fit in. This means that if you fit 30 rifles into a 30 rifle safe you will probably need to cram together in the way that we mentioned in the last point as being worth avoiding.

How do you know how big a capacity you need, then? If you have 30 rifles then would a 35 rifle capacity safe give you a comfortable fit? What about a 40 rifle safe?

The best thing you can do is to read the details of the product thoroughly and look at the images of it. In this way, it may be clear how many gun you can fit in comfortably without the risk of damaging them.

If this doesn’t help then take a look at the reviews left by other purchasers. Many people will take the time to write detailed explanations about how many guns they managed to fit into their new safe and other relevant details. Some people even say that you should halve the stated capacity, to be completely sure that everything will fit inside.

Of course, if you want to be really scientific about it then you could look for a safe that has an advertised interior capacity shown in cubic feet. You can then work out how much space you need and compare it to the safe’s capacity.

Check out the video below for some added info on purchasing a larger gun safe.

What About the Future?

When you buy a new gun safe this is a fairly hefty investment you are making. You will want to get a model that suits you now and also long into the future. You certainly don’t want to buy a large gun safe that is soon going to be too small for you.

Therefore, it makes sense to think about the future firearms purchases you might make. If you have 30 rifles just now but like the idea of buying some more then you would be best buying a safe that will still be big enough after you expand your collection.

By planning ahead you can leave the right amount of space for the guns that you expect to buy later. This isn’t always easy to do but you should try and work out the maximum amount of space you expect to need in the foreseeable future.

What Are the Style Options?

Does getting the best large capacity gun safe for your needs mean buying a bulky, unsightly object that looks awful? Thankfully, this isn’t the case at all these days. You can keep even a big collection of firearms in a sleek, stylish safe.

If you have long guns such as rifles then you might want a long gun safe. These are typically longer and narrower, so that you can fit in a lot of guns without it taking up too much space at the sides.

Another option is a chunky, sturdy model that is wider and squatter. These are often designed with a retro look that goes very well on this size of safe.

You may also consider one of the display cabinet type of safes that are typically used by hunters. This model shows off your guns while also keeping them safely out of harm’s way.

Safety Issues to Take Into Account

Are there any additional safety issues to take into account when you buy a big gun safe that has room for lots of firearms in it? Is it more dangerous to have one of these at home than a smaller safe?

The first point to make is that a big capacity gun safe may be more tempting to criminals. If they see that you have a lot of guns at home or in your business premises then they may feel that it is worth trying harder to get hold of them.

Bearing this in mind, it is easy to see why a big gun safe should ideally have better security than a smaller model. A tough lock and walls that can’t be drilled through are essential to keep all those guns safe.

There is also the matter of the door being opened more regularly. If there are a lot of guns in there then it stands to reason that you probably open the door more often than you would with a one gun safe. This means that you will want to ensure that it has solid hinges that won’t let you down with repeated use.

Ideally, it will also have an interior door organizer and shelving to make it easy to keep everything neat and tidy. If you have a big gun or rifle collection then you probably also need to store away ammo, scopes, and other accessories as well.

Do You Share with Other People?

If you have a lot of guns in your safe then it is possible that you aren’t the only person who uses them. Sharing a gun safe with other people is a smart way of making sure that you can each access them whenever you need to, but without the risk of leaving them lying around.

In this case, the type of lock you use is vital. Are you each going to have a key that you use or have to write down the code that you need to open it with?

For big gun safes with several users, the best option is a biometric lock. This is a modern type of safe locking mechanism that can be set up to allow access to lots of different people just by scanning their fingerprints.

A big safe like this can also be used for mixed purposes if that suits you. For example, you could fit in a few guns and then other items such as cash and important documents.

Delivery and Installation Matters

A common worry with large gun safes is the delivery aspect. After all, these safes typically weigh something like 400 to 600 pounds. Most companies will only promise to deliver your safe to the point of entry to your home and leave it there.

Will you then need to move it up or down stairs? Will it fit through the doors? Will the floor be strong enough to bear the immense weight?

It seems clear that you will need to plan this well in advance. Ideally, you will be able to get hold of some burly friends to help you to move the safe into place. You need to be really careful not to injure yourself when moving this giant gun safe into position.

As for the installation, the process is usually pretty similar to what you find with smaller safes. This means that you bolt it down to the floor in most cases.

However, the sheer size and weight of the safe makes this more difficult. The best approach would be to get the holes pre-drilled. You can then move it into place with the help of the people who are there to move it into your home with you.

What About Building One?

Since we are talking about massive safes here, you might wonder whether it is a good move to build one instead. There are certainly some advantages to doing this.

For instance, you won’t have those delivery issues we looked at earlier. You might also be able to take advantage of the walls in a basement or small room to make it even stronger and tougher to break into.

On the negative side, this is likely to be a massive, complicated job to carry out. Not everyone has the time, the skills or the patience to carry out this kind of project.

Would Several Smaller Safes Be Better?

Another option to think about is that of using a number of different safes instead of one large model. There are a few situations in which this can be a good move.

• You don’t have space for a single, high capacity safe
• You want to have access to firearms in different parts of the property, or spread over various properties
• You don’t want the hassle of moving and installing a mammoth safe
• You like the flexibility of growing your collection in the way that suits you best, rather than being limited by the size of your gun safe

Best Large Capacity Gun Safe: The Top 5!

Having looked at the different issues so far, you should be ready to look at some models now. The following are a few of the top models that you might be interested in.

Sports Afield 6040 Waterproof 40 Gun Safe

This huge, robust gun safe has room for 40 + 8 guns inside it. It weighs a mighty 550 pounds and looks as solid as you would expect from a safe of this size. You get a programmable, illuminated electronic lock for easy access. The walls, ceiling, and floor are all made out of tough 14 gauge steel.

In terms of the fireproofing, this Sports Afield safe has been proven to stand up to temperatures of 1200oF for 40 minutes. This is mainly due to the triple seal technology that includes seals against water, fire, and smoke. Because of this, you get a lifetime warranty that covers you in case of theft, fire, or natural flood. The external dimensions are 60″ x 40″ x 22″.

Pros

• Big, sturdy gun safe
• Decent level of fire protection
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• None identified (honestly!)

Steelwater Heavy Duty 39 Long Gun Safe

This impressive looking gun safe is a great place to store up to maybe 30 long guns, although the maximum stated capacity is actually 39. It comes with a door organizer that makes life a lot easier when it comes to putting all of your accessories and other valuables in a secure, easy to find spot. It uses a combination lock with the option of upgrading to a digital keypad.

This is a heavily reinforced safe that uses 18 1 ½” solid steel locking bolts, together with a 12 gauge body and composite door. Exterior dimensions are as follows; 59″ x 39″ x 24″. This powerful gun safe also comes with fire protection, giving you up to an hour of withstanding temperatures of up to 1875oF. The overall weight is 689 pounds and it comes packed with useful security features to give you greater peace of mind.

Pros

• Excellent strength with reinforced security features
• Lots of interior room and different ways of organizing the space
• Very easy to set up and get started with

Cons

• Some users state that it only holds up to 15 guns comfortably and may not fit in guns with optics.

Winchester BD-5942-36-10M Win Big Daddy Series Gun Safe

Weighing in at 806 pounds, this Big Daddy gun safe from Winchester has an imposing presence. It is also fireproof, having been proven to withstand temperatures of up to 1400oF for 75 minutes. The heat expanding door seal expands to over 6 times its original size, to stop heat and smoke from getting in to do any damage.

It uses an electronic lock and an auxiliary re-locker keeps the active bolt locked into position when it comes under attack. Inside, the gun rack and fixed top shelf make it easy to organize your firearms and accessories in the way that best suits you.

Pros

• Big, well-designed safe
• Good range of security features make it extremely tough to break into
• Decent value for money option

Cons

• Strong chemical smell can take a long time to disappear

Stack-On SS-16-MB-E 16 Gun Security Safe

Coming from one of the best-known gun safe manufacturers, this Stack-On model is a big, rugged safe that is fitted with an electronic lock. It is marketed as being a 16 gun safe, but expect to fit in some 12 firearms or so if you want them to be nearly stored away without cramming them together. At 168 pounds it is a good deal lighter than many of the best large capacity gun safe options out there.

You get a removable shelf included, as well as a two tray organizer that can be used for storing ammo and other accessories. With a 5-point locking system this is a reasonably secure place to keep your guns, although there are tougher models on the market if you want the highest possible level of protection.

Pros

• Decent value for money
• Lighter and smaller than many big capacity safes, so may be more suitable for some homes
• Electronic lock

Cons

• Isn’t the sturdiest gun safe on the market

Cannon Safe All Rifle 5936 All Rifle, Charcoal Grey

Weighing in at 458 pounds and with capacity for 42 guns, this is a big, solid safe of the no-nonsense variety. It also has a 45 minute fire rating for added peace of mind. The interior is attractively laid out and there is a door organizer kit together with a shelf to make life simpler for you.

This safe uses an electronic lock and has a good selection of reinforced security features to make it tougher to break into. These include 4 inch locking bolts, tru-lock internal hinges, and a triple hard plate for added lock protection. This Cannon gun safe comes with the company’s lifetime replacement promise too.

Pros

• Good range of security features
• Plenty of space, although don’t expect the advertised 42 gun capacity
• Easy to organize interior

Cons

• A few issues reported with the lock failing

Conclusion

Getting the right big gun safe can make life a lot simpler for you. These are excellent places to store a number of guns, provided that you make a wise choice. Don’t settle for cramming your firearms into a tight space when you can find the right model with a bit of shopping around.

FAQ’s

How many guns do the biggest gun safes hold?

You will find gun safes advertised with a capacity of 30, 40 or more firearms. However, this is the absolute maximum figure and it is far more likely that you only feel comfortable storing a lesser number of guns in here.

Are bigger safes better built?

There is no guarantee that a larger gun safe will be of better quality than a smaller model. It is important that you check the exact details of any model you are interested in, regardless of the size.

Are the largest gun safes very heavy?

Those that are solidly built using reinforced materials tend to be extremely heavy. Lighter models will usually have been constructed using lower quality materials and will be less robust.

Are big gun safes more expensive?

A well-built safe that has room for numerous firearms will cost more than a similar but smaller model due to the extra materials used. It may eventually come down to whether you prefer to pay more for added security or are just happy to have a reasonably sturdy place to store your guns.

What features should I look for?

This largely comes down to your own personal preferences and the use that you plan for it. However, in general terms it is worth looking for an easy to organize interior and an electronic lock that can be accessed by several people (if needed).

Are bigger safes easier to break into?

It really depends upon the construction and the quality of the materials used. There is no reason why a quality safe should be easier to break into just because of its size. On the other hand, the greater weight of these models can make them more difficult for criminals to simply carry off.

The post What Is The Best Large Capacity Gun Safe? The Top 5! appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Finding the perfect model of gun safe can seem like a hassle but the truth is that there are lots of fantastic options to choose from right now. The size, the locking mechanism, and the overall style are among the points to take the greatest care over.

This Rhino Kodiak 32 gun safe review looks at a popular model that has a lot going for it. Will it be right for your needs?

Check out the latest price if you’re in a rush.

Who Are Rhino Metals

The company behind this gun safe is called Rhino Safe Co, which is part of the Rhino Metals group. This is a US based manufacturer that was started up in the mid-1990s by a fighter pilot called Don Suggs.

Challenged by his father to build a secure and affordable gun safe, Suggs come up with the patented designs that got the company started on making safes. They now offer a range of gun safes, divided into the Ironworks, Rhino, and Kodiak series of models.

This firm has a good reputation for producing quality safes at a reasonable price. They are also well-known for their policy of employing a lot of veterans in their workforce.

Having said all that, this isn’t yet really one of the best-known safe brands. If you have never heard of them before then you should be pleasantly surprised to find that their safes are well-built and dependable. This definitely isn’t a company that just pushes out cheap and nasty products from a production line.

If you want something even more impressive than this Kodiak safe then their Ironworks range includes their most expensive models. These are designed to look like weathered, distressed pieces from a museum but are actually incredibly tough and well put together safes that do a terrific job. They also typically offer better fire protection and tougher construction than the Kodiak models.

Their Rhino CD series of safes is described on their own site as being “the country’s highest quality safes”.
Many of their models offer a limited lifetime warranty too. They also claim to provide the best customer service in the industry, as well as the best residential warranty.

The Size and Weight

The Kodiak 32 gun safe is a big safe with external dimensions of 59″H x 33″W x 20″D and a weight of 420lbs. This means that it has space inside for up to 32 long guns and 6 handguns, according to the official details.

As is typically the case with gun safes, the stated capacity is an absolute maximum that would mean squeezing them in more tightly than is ideal. It is more likely that you feel comfortable using it with fewer firearms rather than trying to cram them all in like this.

You will be pleased to see a deluxe door organizer and adjustable shelving included with this model. This means that you have a good deal of flexibility in terms of how you fit in your possessions. It also means there is a luxurious look to it when you open the door.

If this safe is too big for you then you can look at the other models available in the Rhino Kodiak range. These include 18, 21, and 28 gun models. However, if you think that your gun collection may grow over time then this 32 gun model is a good choice to give you some extra interior space.

What Does It Look Like?

This is a no-nonsense safe that looks tough and durable enough to handle whatever is thrown at it. A 3-spoke vault style handle and a solid look make this a model that has a classic, timeless appeal to it. If you want a traditional safe then this is a good choice that you will enjoy looking at and using.

Inside, the appearance changes to one of quality and luxury. The use of good-quality materials results in a plush finish that adds to the luxurious feel.

Pre-drilled holes allow you to easily add a dehumidifier and the company’s Swing Out Gun Rack if you want to. The shelving is adjustable, so you can set it up to meet your needs exactly without looking too crowded or disorganized.

The Quality of the Construction

The locking mechanism on this Rhino Kodiak 32 gun safe is listed as using a UL Listed commercial-grade Type 1 electronic lock. This means that it is easy to open using your code but at the same time incredibly tough for anyone to break into.

A thick 2.00 mm steel composite door and body makes this a sturdy safe with no obvious weak spots. In addition, there are 8 big door bolts that are each 1.00” in size. As well as this, a single hardened steel plate means that even attacking it with a drill isn’t going to do much damage.

Quite simply, it is going to take a massive effort and a lot of time for someone to break in here. Even if they are using tools it is probable that they give up before getting their hands on your guns at all.

It is worth noting that this safe is a California-approved firearm safety device. This is because it meets the requirements of Penal Code section 23655 and the regulations issued there under.

A limited lifetime warranty helps to show that the manufacturer has complete confidence in the construction of this safe.

How Does It Handle a Fire?

A good fireproof rating on a safe will give you tremendous peace of mind. This is a feature that ensures you can put your valuables into it without any worries. The flexibility of the interior means that this is an ideal place for storing documents and large sums of money anyway, so the fireproof aspect is ideal.

The fire rating for the Rhino Kodiak 32 gun safe is an impressive 40 minutes at temperatures of up to 1400°F. This is thanks to the fireboard protection that is included in the ceiling, walls, floor, and door.

This model also has a heat-activated door seal that will expand up to 7 times its size in event of a fire. What this does is act to seal the door edge which in turn helps to keep out the heat and smoke while protecting the contents.

These specifications mean that you will feel confident that your safe will stand up to even an extremely hot fire and a fairly long period of being exposed to it. While 40 minutes might not seem a long time, this is a fairly standard period for a gun safe and may be long enough to let you put the fire out before the contents are damaged in any way.

Take a look at this user review of the Rhino Kodiak 32 gun safe.

How Easy Is It to Install?

The fact that this is a big, hefty safe means that getting it into position can be a bit of a tough task. Some forward planning is needed, especially if you need to negotiate stairs, tight corners or some other hazards along the way. You may need to ask for some help for friends or relatives in order to move it into position without risking accident or injury.

Once it is in its final location you will find it easy enough to complete the rest of the installation process. Pre-drilled holes also make it easy to anchor the safe to the floor. You can also add a dehumidifier using the pre-drill opening, to keep your guns in perfect condition.

After this, it is ready for you to load it up with your guns and other valuables. Some users have talked about customizing their interior with movement activated lights and other features, but for most people the standard set-up is probably going to be good enough to meet their needs anyway.

Kodiak also sells a LED interior safe light kit that comes complete with everything that you need to install it at home. The safe comes with a factory installed USB equipped electrical outlet

Rhino Kodiak 32 Gun Safe Review: Overall Thoughts

The Rhino Kodiak 32 gun safe is a solid option for keeping your firearms as secure and protected as possible. With a high-quality construction and some useful features, this is the sort of safe that won’t let you down.

It might not fit in quite as many firearms as advertised, but the guns that go in here are going to be nice and safe. The way that the interior can be neatly organized a big bonus if you like to keep everything well-ordered and ready to use whenever needed.

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Plenty of interior safe with good storage options
• Fireproof up to 40 minutes
• Looks impressive

Cons

• Fairly expensive

The post Rhino Kodiak 32 Gun Safe Review: Our Thoughts! appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Of course, it isn’t clear how many of those people haven’t bought a safe simply because they couldn’t find one that was right for them. Yet, it is easy to imagine that a lot of gun-owners struggle to make a decision on this subject.

If you have been searching high and low for a gun safe then you might be wondering whether you will ever find a model that suits you. There are certainly plenty of options out there but how will you know which one you should go for?

One of the big problems is that most people don’t know enough about the manufacturers involved in this industry. There are some big name, respectable gun safe manufacturers around but you might never had heard of them until you start searching for your own safe.

This is why you may be particularly pleased to see this Sports Afield 24 Gun Safe review. If you are already aware of this brand and trust it then you will may be tempted to choose a safe that has their name attached to it. If you aren’t yet familiar with Sports Afield then maybe you would like to find out more anyway.

Who Are Sports Afield?

Sports Afield is described as being the “world’s premier hunting adventure magazine”. It was established in 1887. They say that their goal is to “inspire hunters” with exciting stories about adventures.

It is the oldest outdoor publication in North America, with early copies at the end of the 19th century selling for 15 cents each. They are well known for having spoken out on concerns about the environment and conservation long before it become popular to do so.

The magazine is now owned by Field Sports Publishing in Huntington Beach, California, who bought it out in 2002. They have moved with the times and now have a popular website too. You may also have seen the World of Sports Afield TV show that was brought out on The Sportsman Channel in 2010.

Their site includes a section on guns and other hunting gear. It is easy to see that they are experts in this area and that they have a lot of experience to pass on to the public.

Sports Afield branded products have been available since after the end of the Second World War. In recent years they have extended their range and offer all sorts of things with their name attached to it.

For example, you can get Sports Afield camping equipment, cutlery, clothing, and even log cabins. Given their long years of expertise in hunting matters it is no surprise to see that they also now offer gun safes too.

Sports Afield 24 Gun Safe Review – The Size

There are a number of gun safes with the Sports Afield name on them, so it is important to make sure that you are looking at the right one when you are looking at the details. The one we are looking at here is a big safe that is designed to hold up to 24 firearms in it. In fact, it is advertised as fitting in 24 long guns or rifles and 4 handguns.

They have bigger safes that can fit up to 40 long guns if you need more space. As usual, this figure is the absolute maximum number of guns that you could cram in. It is likely that you only use it to store a lower amount if you want them to be neatly ordered and to stay undamaged.

This model is part of the Sports Afield Standard Series of safes. They are all bit, sturdy models that look good. The main difference between them all is the size, as there are models for gun-owners with different sizes of firearm collections.

In terms of the different size options that you have, there are models for just about any size of gun collection in this range. These are typically 60 inches in height, with the width and depth varying according to have many firearms are meant to fit in there.

Be sure to check that you have enough space to fit in the safe that you are interested in. You also need a solid base for it. The Sports Afield gun safes are extremely heavy and the biggest models run from 395lbs up to a massive 500lbs.

What Does It Look Like?

The way that a gun safe looks might seem like a fairly trivial point to you at first. After all, the most important thing is that it is sturdy enough to keep your firearms safe and secure at all times. You may also be more interested in the features than in the looks.

Some people intend to hide their safe somewhere out of sight anyway. In this case, the appearance matters less, as there isn’t any risk of it becoming an eyesore in your home or looking completely out of place.

On the other hand, maybe you want it to look good and impress visitors by

putting it in pride of place in your house. In this case, you will be pleased to see that the Sports Afield 24 gun safe is attractively designed and very easy on the eye.

It looks sturdy and dependable but it also looks pretty stylish too. The black finish means that it can blend in just about anywhere that you might want to put it in your home. You probably won’t be buying this model purely for its looks but there is no denying that it looks impressive.

As for any intruders who come across it, they are sure to feel daunted by the idea of trying to force open such a big, robust looking safe. You shouldn’t under-estimate the power of a tough-looking safe in simply putting off thieves from even attempting to bust it open.

The Lock Mechanism

One of the most vital aspects of any safe is the lock mechanism that controls the door opening. You need this to be tough enough to keep out intruders but also easy for you to open without any sort of fuss or delay. If you are going to need to get a gun out in an emergency then you can’t afford to be messing about with locks.

The good news in this respect is that Sports Afield gun safes use illuminated electronic locks. This means that it is easy to find in the dark and then simple to open using your personal code. Some people prefer biometric scanners but numeric keypads are also very effective as well as typically being a good deal cheaper.

This code is fully programmable so that you can use whatever sequence you feel that you will be able to remember most easily. Importantly, the keypad can also be set to silent mode when you don’t want the beeping sound that accompanies the press of every button otherwise.

As you would expect, there is also a backup key to ensure that you never run the risk of getting locked out of your own safe. It is a good idea to store this key somewhere safe that you won’t forget, as you might need it one day when you least expect it.

The Quality of the Construction

While the lock mechanism is something that it is easy to see and judge, there are other vital aspects that you can’t tell by just looking at a gun safe. Among these is the quality of the construction.

Sports Afield safes are made out of 14 gauge steel. This isn’t the thickest type of safe around but it is thick enough for many people’s needs. Certainly, if you want something thicker then you will probably need to pay a good deal more for it.

Their safes also come with 12 tough bolts that are made out of 1.25 inch steel. The door is recessed, which means that it is almost impossible for thieves to pry it open.

The Interior Space

As we saw earlier in this Sports Afield 24 Gun Safe review, this model is designed to give you space to store up to a total of 24 long guns and 4 handguns. When a safe is as big as this it is important that you are able to neatly organize the interior and put everything in the right place easily.

A good array of shelves and barrel rests means that you can store a number of guns without them all banging together or being difficult to get out again when needed.

The shelves are adjustable and removable, so you can move them around until you get the perfect layout for your needs. Inside the door, the bigger Sports Afield models also offer storage for handguns, which is very handy if you have a big collection of firearms.

How Does It Handle a Fire?

If you have looked for a fireproof gun safe in the past then you will already know that not all safes offer this protection. In fact, you often need to step up to the more expensive models to find one that keeps the firearms safe in extreme temperatures.

Thankfully, the Sports Afield gun safes are designed with fire and smoke seals that keep the contents safe from damage. They are rated as being fireproof for up to 40 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

This might not sound like a big deal but even very expensive gun safes tend to not offer much more than an hour of fire protection. The benefit of having a fireproof safe isn’t just in terms of keeping your firearms safe from damage.

It also means that you can choose to keep other valuables in here too. Indeed, a lot of people put their most important papers in here along with their guns to keep them as safe as possible.

What Is the Warranty Like?

When you buy a large gun safe like this it is a big purchase that you need to take great care over. This sort of safe doesn’t come cheap and there is every chance that you expect it to last the rest of your life.

Therefore, getting a warranty is going to make you feel a lot happier about the prospect of your new safe lasting you years without giving you any trouble. So, what is the Sports Afield warranty like?

The truth is that they offer one of the best warranties around. For a start, they give all of their safe products the backing of a comprehensive, no-hassle lifetime warranty. It doesn’t matter whether your safe is stolen, flooded or damaged by fire, they will replace it for you.

You also benefit from a lifetime guarantee on parts, paint and locks too. In addition, you get a free locksmith service if you ever find yourself locked out of your safe.

Check out the video below to see a good look into the inside of the sports afield gun safe!

How Easy Is It to Install?

We all have different ways that we want to use our gun safes. This means that we have varying needs when it comes to fitting them.

Some people want to bolt their safe down to a concrete floor while others will hide it away or just put it in a corner. However you plan to use it, the Sports Afield 24 safe is easy to fit.

It comes with 4 pre-cut holes that allow you to anchor it to the floor very easily. With a built-in internal AC power port and USB ports you can get up and running in no time.

It is also worth pointing out that the door is completely removable. This makes it a lot more manageable to move the safe around and also to organize the contents when you first get it.

Of course, a safe like this is big and heavy, so it isn’t easy to move around. This makes it important that you think carefully about where you are going to put it in your home once it arrives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid built
• Highly customizable interior space
• Great warranty
• Fireproof
• Value for money

Cons

• There are safes made out of thicker steel on the market

Sports Afield 24 Gun Safe Review – Overall Thoughts

This is a solid and dependable gun safe that it is easy to recommend. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it is right for everyone. Since we all have different needs and budgets it is clear that we all need to find the gun safe that is perfect for each of us.

Having said that, the flexibility and overall quality of the Sport Afield gun safes mean that it is an easy choice for many gun-owners to make. This is the kind of safe that you can buy with confidence and look forward to using for a very long time.

It is worth repeating that this Sports Afield 24 gun safe review is based on the model that can fit in 24 long guns. If you need more space or feel that this is too big for you then there are other options to consider in the Sports Afield range.

The post Sports Afield 24 Gun Safe Review: Is It Really That Good? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

Finding the perfect gun safe at a price that suits you is the key to getting the protection that you need. While some people look for basic, low cost models, others want to spend a bit more on a quality product that they know they will be able to rely on year after year.

By paying the right price you will get a safe that has all of the security and features that help to keep your firearms safely out of harm’s way. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily mean that spending a fortune on it. Your premium gun safe options include a range of excellent models for under £1,500.

So, what is the best gun safe under $1,500 and what should you expect to find in a good quality model that doesn’t cost the Earth? This is a big price range that covers a good selection of gun safes that offer a range of features you should be happy with. However, there are also some lower quality safes in this price range that are best avoided.

Once you start looking at the best gun safes on the market you will see that there are some big benefits to paying more for some extra quality. The following are some of the benefits that you can hope to get when you pay for a model in this price range.

A Stronger Build

What most people want above all else in their gun safe is a strong build. You will want the price you pay to give you a powerful gun safe that intruders won’t be able to access easily.

When you look at high quality safe then look to see how long they say that it can keep burglars out for. You should expect a great safe to keep even a determined intruder out for a long time.

On the other hand, if you look at reviews of cheaper gun safes then you will typically see that they can be broken into a lot more quickly and easily. In some cases, a low cost model can be forced opened using only some basic tools and without spending too much time on it.

Biometric Access

There are a few different types of locking mechanism commonly used on gun safes. When you are looking for the best gun safe under $1500 you can expect to be able to choose from the most suitable types of access.

The basic access methods you will find are;

• Keys
• Numbered keypad
• Biometric scanner

The biometric scanner is the best of all of them. This is because you can open the door by letting it scan part of your body to recognize you; typically your fingerprints.

This makes life incredibly simple for you, as there are no codes to remember or keys to carry with you. Equally, there is no chance of someone who is unauthorized just opening the door and getting their hands on your guns.

A good gun safe with biometric access will also give you a back-up key that you can use to open the door with. This means that you don’t need to worry about getting locked out at any time.

Fireproofing

An issue that not everyone takes into account is around what would happen to the contents of their safe in the event of a fire. Yet, by looking through your premium gun safe options you will see that you can protect your guns in this situation.

The best gun safes will typically offer fireproofing of several hours, while lower cost models won’t have any fireproofing at all. When we look at the range of safes of up to $1500 then you can get fireproofing of up to an hour on some of the most impressive models.

Even 30 minutes or an hour of protection could be enough to ensure that the blaze can be tackled before it does any serious damage to what is inside the safe. Of course, this also means that you can choose to use your safe as a place to store cash, papers, and other valuables, as well as your guns.

A Longer Warranty

Getting a long warranty is something that gives tremendous peace of mind on any product that you buy. This is especially true with something as important as your next gun safe.

Some of the top manufacturers in this industry guarantee that they will fix any damage from an attempted robbery, or replace it altogether if it is stolen. This will allow you to feel completely relaxed about what the future holds for you.

The best gun safe under $1,500 for your needs is likely to offer a longer warranty than cheaper models. In some cases, you will even see that safes can come with a full lifetime warranty.

Thicker Steel Walls

We looked at the strength of the safe earlier, and the steel thickness of the walls is a big part of this. Basically, the thicker the walls the more difficult it is for burglars to break it open and grab your guns.

Cheaper gun safes will typically have relatively thin walls that offer little protection. They may look sturdy enough but the truth of the matter is that they can be opened relatively easy.

If you choose a premium gun safe then look for it to have walls that are genuinely thick and tough. This will make sure that breaking into it is close to impossible, even for someone who spends a lot of time attacking it will tools.

In the price range we are looking at here then you can’t expect the very thickest steel to be used. Yet, it should be good enough to look and feel sturdy.

More Room Inside

Spending more money on your gun safe doesn’t automatically mean that you get a bigger model. Some of the best premium models are designed to be compact, after all. There are also big, cheap safes for sale.

Yet, it is true that the most spacious models also tend to be among the premium gun safes. While a lot of cheaper safes are smaller and are designed for handguns, when paying a bit more money you will be able to choose one that is bigger.

A spacious gun safe will give you the room that you need for a collection that you expect to grow over time. You should look for this sort of safe to have an interior organizer or rifle rack to help you to keep your firearms neatly organized and free from damage at all times.

Additional Features

As with most things in life, paying extra money usually gives you access to more features as well. The best gun safes under $1500 will usually offer you some additional benefits that make them worthwhile.

For instance, you may get a luxury interior carpet and a courtesy light that let you enjoy opening up the door to take a look inside. These features might not sound like a big deal but they can give you a lot of extra pleasure for your gun safe over the years that you own it.

Most additional features like these are nice to have rather than essentials. However, if you are looking at your premium gun safe options then they might just help you to decide which one is best.

Reviews of the Best Gun Safes Under $1500

Bearing the previous points in mind, it is time to consider a few of the best models that you might be interested in buying at a cost of up to $1,500. If you are happy to pay for a premium gun safe but don’t want to spend any more than this then the following are a few of the best options worth taking a look at.

1. New and Improved Steelwater Standard Duty 16 Long Gun Safe

This Steelwater Standard Duty 16 Long Gun safe is a high quality option for keeping your firearms safe from harm. It comes with a free door organizer that is of great use in keeping the roomy interior neat and tidy.

Among the main changes from previous versions of this safe is the fact that it now offers an hour of protection in the event of fire breaking out around it. It also has bigger 1.5” locking bolts now and interior lighting too.

The electronic lock system has a numbered keypad and there is also a back-up key so that you will never be locked out of your own safe. It needs just one 9V battery and the keypad can be reprogrammed with your own code of between 3 and 8 digits.

The overall external dimensions measure in at 59” x 22” x 16”. Inside, it measures 55 ¾ x 19 ½ x 12 ½. It technically has room for 16 long guns but has a recommended maximum capacity of 8 to 10. As for its weight, this safe weighs 330lbs.

Pros

• Decent amount of gun protection
• Handy door organizer
• Adjustable and removable interior shelves

Cons

• Probably only fits in 6 or 8 guns instead of the 16 advertised

2. Sports Afield Gun Safe

This Sports Afield gun safe is one of your premium safe options that it is worth spending a fairly high budget on. It has keypad access and a backup key to avoid the risk of getting locked out. The keypad is illuminated and also works on silent mode if you prefer this.

It can be easily anchored to the floor using additional bolts. In terms of the size, it is 40” x 59” x 22”. This is a big, heavy duty safe that will probably put off many intruders from even trying to break in when they see it.

Adjustable shelves let you fit in a larger number of guns very easily and in the way that best suits you. As usual, the ideal number of long guns or rifles that can be comfortably fitted in is a bit lower than the advertised maximum.

The Sports Afield Gun Safe is also fireproof for up to 40 minutes at extremely high temperatures. With a lifetime warranty as well, this is the kind of purchase that you can make without any fears.

Pros

• Lifetime warranty
• Good quality construction
• Attractive looks

Cons

• Not the thickest walls around

3. Stack-On SS-22-MB-E 22 Gun Fully Convertible Security Safe

With this Stack-On SS-22-MB-E 22 safe you get a secure place to keep up to 22 rifles or shotguns. The firearms should be up to 54 inches tall in order to fit in here. There is a total of 4 adjustable shelves to let you organize things exactly how it best suits you.

The interior is also fully carpeted for a luxurious feel, as well as to keep the guns from getting scratched. You open the door using a quality electronic lock that has a numbered keypad and gives a low battery warning when it is time to change the battery.

This Stack-On gun safe weighs 245 pounds and the external size is an imposing 17.6 x 55.1 x 26.8 inches. This means that it is the sort of big, sturdy safe that looks good as well as being very practical.

It could be the best gun safe under $1,500 for you if want a good-looking place to keep your firearms that won’t let you down. A limited 3 year warranty gives added peace of mind too.

Pros

• Big, spacious interior
• Luxurious interior
• Good quality materials used

Cons

Some users have had trouble getting the keypad to operate

4. AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Safe – 2.1 Cubic Feet

What if you have looked at your premium gun safe options but want something a bit less expensive? With this low-cost AmazonBasics safe you get a reliable place to store your guns at very little cost.

It is a 2.1 cubic feet model that is fire-resistant, meaning that you can use it to store more than just your firearms if you want to. The fireproofing is only going to stop the contents from getting damaged for up to 20 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit (649 degrees Celsius). However, this could be enough time to ensure that your guns or irreplaceable documents are saved from disaster.

The body of the safe is made out of 14 gauge heavy duty steel with 5 big 0.75” bolts used to make it extremely tough to break into. As with many of the best gun safes in this price range, the door can be opened using an electronic keypad and there is a backup key so that you never get locked out for any reason.

Inside, there is an adjustable shelf that allows for the storage space to be modified as needed. It also comes with a 1 year warranty to make sure that you are fully protected.

Pros

• Low cost
• Easy to organise the interior
• Feels close on quality to far more expensive models

Cons

• The keypad feels a bit lower quality than the rest of the safe.

5. Fortress Gun Safe

With this Fortress gun safe you can keep your firearms safely stored away in a good quality safe that doesn’t cost a fortune. It has external dimensions of 55” x 20” x 17” and weighs a hefty 226lbs.

This safe is advertised as having room for up to 14 guns inside, although you may find that this is more of a tight squeeze then you would like it to be to try and in this number. The fire protection will keep the flames at bay for some 30 minutes, which is a decent amount of time for the price.

The lock mechanism uses a keypad and you can also the backup key that is provided to give you another way of getting in when needed. Overall, it is a good choice for a low price.

Pros

• Good quality for the price
• A degree of fire protection
• Easy to use keypad

Cons

• Unlikely to stand up to a sustained, expert attack

6. Cannon Safe All Rifle 5936 All Rifle

This good value rifle safe is advertised as having room inside for 42 firearms. In truth, there is probably space for half that amount if you want them to be neatly ordered and not crammed together.

If there is a fire then the Cannon Safe All Rifle 5936 will keep your guns away from harm for 45 minutes. Inside, it has a nicely upholstered look and there is also a door organizer and shelves to make it easy to use.

This model comes with a lifetime replacement promise, which is impressive for a relatively inexpensive gun safe that is sold at well under $1,500. Its dimensions are 59” x 36” x 20”.

Pros

• Good size and sturdiness for the price
• Degree of fireproofing
• Easy to organise your guns inside

Cons

• Some reviewers found the materials used to be of poor quality.

7. Paragon 7501 5 Gun Electronic Lock and Safe, 4.26 CF Cabinet Secure Lock Firearms

Made out of 18 gauge steel, this Paragon 7501 5 Gun Electronic Lock and Safe isn’t the toughest place to keep your gun, but it can do a decent job of letting you sleep more easily at night. It is opened using an electronic lock that makes life easy for you.

Its measures 57” x 14” x 13.75” and weighs 117.5 pounds. This safe is designed to hold a number of rifles in it. It has space for 5 rifles and ammunition inside it.

Among its best features are big, heavy hinges and bolts. This is a smart choice of gun safe for someone who wants something better than the most basic models but doesn’t want to spend too much on it.

Pros

• Attractive design
• Heavier than many rivals of this size and price
• Enough space for a number of rifles

Cons

• Not going to stop a professional thief from getting hold of your guns for long

8. Stack-On GCG-14P Steel 14-Gun Steel Security Cabinet

Another gun safe that costs well under £1,500 is the Stack-On GCG-14P. This model is designs to hold up to 14 guns and has a removable shelf for extra flexibility. Firearms of up to 54” can fit in here.

The design has a classy hunter green finish with some stylish gold accents. Inside, a foam padded bottom means that your gun should be kept free from scratches.

It is a California approved firearms safety device and uses a 3-point locking system with a double bitted lock. The dimensions are 55″ x 21″ x16″. If you want to keep a number of rifles in a reasonable quality safe that costs little then this is a solid option.

Pros

• Looks good
• California approved
• Nicely designed

Cons

• Interior shelf is a bit flimsy

9. Steelwater AMSWEL-500 2-Hour Fireproof Home and Document Safe

This tough looking model might be the best gun safe under $1500 if you want to get genuine value for money and no-fuss looks. The Steelwater AMSWEL-500 is 2 hour fire rated, which is very impressive when compared to competitors in the same price range.

It is opened with an electronic keypad that is reprogrammable with combinations of between 4 and 16 digits. There is a degree of flexibility inside, with a removable and adjustable shelf letting you put your firearms exactly how you want them to be.

The door opens very wide for ease of use. This safe weighs 115lbs. Exterior dimensions are 19 1/4” x 13 ¾” x 16 ¾”. Inside it gives you the following space; 15” x 9 3/8” x 12 1/8”.

Pros

• Excellent fire rating for the price
• Solid, no-fuss design
• Easy to set up

Cons

• None that we can find!

Conclusion

By looking at gun safes of up to $1,500 you can expect to get a decent quality model that does a good job for you. As you move towards the higher end of this price scale you will notice extra features such as fireproofing and electronic locks. The lower priced model tend to be more basic in appearance and function.

If you need a top quality safe keeps items safe from fire for a long time and that is incredibly hard to break into then you may need to pay 2 or 3 times this amount for what you are after. However, if you are after a solid safe that lets you sleep more easily as night then you will find that any model on this list does a good for you.

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