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.

One of the first things you’ll be taught with firearms is the importance of maintaining the weapon by cleaning it. Not only does cleaning your firearm maintain its firing efficiency but taking care of your weapon will increase its accuracy, safety and lifespan.

Although gun solvent is wonderful for removing dirt and debris from your guns, it’s actually not capable of removing rust.

The good news is, although its incapability to remove rust can be frustrating, it has the ability to do you one better. It does this by helping you keep your weapon clean, contributing to avoiding rust in the first place.

Maintaining your firearm correctly should be as close to your heart as your constitutional right to bare one. Cleaning solvent is a staple in anyone’s maintenance kit.

The primary role of gun solvent is to remove the build up of dirt and debris from your firearm.

There are many types of gun solvent available (we reviewed the best one’s here) on the open market, from thick reliable liquid solvents to aerosol spray-can solvents. Choosing the right solvent for the job, however, can be a little tricky with the only real difference in products being the quality of the job they do.

For the most part both aerosol and liquid solvents work, the only notable difference is the situation in which they would potentially be used.

Gun Oil

Different from a solvent, gun oil is used after you’ve cleaned your gun. Gun oil is used as a protective coating once you have cleaned away all the dirt and debris that will damage your firearm.

Using quality gun oil not only protects against rust deep into the metal, but it will increase the firearms lifespan, accuracy, RPM and operation.

CLP Cleaners

Clean, lubricate, protect. CLP cleaners are a more modern and time efficient way of cleaning your firearm.

CLP’s were once considered to be cheap and nasty as a product when considering your maintenance kit, however, today they have been made much more efficient in the way they remove rust and debris from your firearm.

CLP’s are not recommended for a deep clean however, for this you will need something more heavy duty.

Below we will look at some of the best types of cleaning products for guns:

Best Rust Remover for Guns

Hoppe’s No.9 Gun Cleaner [Best Bore Cleaner]

Hoppe’s is a name needing no introduction as they have been producing gun solvents for years.

This product has proven itself time and time again to be exceptional value for money and quality.

While Hoppe’s No.9 is one of the best overall cleaners on the market it is only designed for light cleaning.

Things we like:

• Pleasant smell
• Childproof caps
• Suitable for any firearm
• Simple, quick and easy to use
• Approved by champion shooters

BreakFree CLP Aerosol [Best Cleaning Spray]

With a growing number of people choosing an aerosol cleaner as opposed to an oil based cleaner its easy to understand its ranking.

An aerosol based cleaner makes it simpler to target smaller moving parts with its added bonus of a straw attachments making it easier to reach inside the mechanisms.

BreakFree is revolutionizing aerosol cleaning. They have a wide range of lubricants and cleaners originally designed for military use.

Tested to temperatures of -65F to +475F BreakFree aerosol is designed to reduce metal to metal wear.

Things we like:

• Straw attachment makes cleaning mechanisms easy
• Stops dust settling on your gun
• Works in extreme weather conditions
• Available in a range of different sizes
• Effective after saltwater testing.

We Also Recommend

Westlake Market, Birchwood Casey Blue and Rust Remover

The Westlake Market super value pack for cleaning and restoring guns is our top recommendation. The Blue and Rust Remover is a reliable solution that removes rust and old blue easily and quickly without causing damage to the base metal. Suitable for removing finishes from old firearms muzzleloaders and antiques.

The Super Blue liquid provides a double strength action solution specifically designed for bluing highly polished steel parts (except stainless). For the price not only do you get the above, it also includes top quality Otis brushes, one bronze and one nylon.

In addition to that it comes with Westlake Market 3 cotton patches and 2 Westlake Market disposable absorbent pads. The manufacturer is so confident in this product that it has a 100% money back guarantee should you not be happy with its quality and results.

How do you clean rust off metal?

When the oxidization process occurs on metal it causes rust to appear. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of the road for your firearm. You will be glad to know there are many ways to remove rust from your weaponry.

Baking Soda

1. Rinse the item with water and shake dry
2. Cover all of the rusty areas in baking soda
3. Leave the item for an hour or so.
4. Scour with wire wool or a metal brush.
5. Rinse and towel dry.

Vinegar Bath

1. Submerge your item in white vinegar and let it sit overnight
2. Remove your item and scrape with a metal brush or wire wool

If your item can’t be submerged then apply rags soaked in vinegar and wrap the rusted area.

Citric Acid

1. Add a few inches of hot water to a bowl
2. Sprinkle in 2 – 3 tablespoons of citric acid.
3. Submerge your item and let it sit overnight
4. Scrub off lingering rust specks with wire wool or a metal brush
5. Rinse and pat dry.

Lemon and Salt

1. Generously coat the rusted area in a layer of salt
2. Cut a lemon (or lime) in half and squeeze the juice over the salt
3. Let the mixture sit for 3-5mins
4. Using the rind of the lemon, scrub away at the rust.
5. Rinse and pat dry.

Does WD40 remove rust?

WD-40 can be used to remove rust and to protect items from rust. To use this method do the following:

• Take a suitable size container and place your rusty part inside.
• Sprat the WD-40 over your part, soaking it thoroughly.
• With a wire brush or a piece of wire wool use circular motions to gently work away the rust and debris.

Note: you may wish to try this on a tiny section to begin in order to ensure no irreversible damage is caused.

Takeaway Points

The main thing to take away from this is that solvent won’t help you if you develop a rust problem with one of your guns. If you ever do have a rust problem and need to get rid of it, we’ve recommended our best pick for rust removal.

If you’re on a budget and can’t afford our recommendation, we’ve included home-remedies that should help with very minor rust, but will lack the power of purpose-made products.

The post Will Gun Solvent Remove Rust? appeared first on Gun Safe Guru.

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

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

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

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

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

What is UL-72?

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

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

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

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

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

How Are Gun Safes Tested?

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

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

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

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

Are Fireproof Gun Safes Worth It?

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

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

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

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

What Can I Do To Protect My Fireproof Gun Safe?

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

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

Takeaway Points

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

What Damage Can Be Done?

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

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

How to Check If This is a Problem

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

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

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

How to Raise the Humidity Level?

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

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

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

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

Other Possible Solutions

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Looking after your gun well is one of the keys to keeping it in great condition for years to come or in case of an emergency at any point.

Firearms that are treated with a lot of loving care will carry on looking as good as new for a long time. More importantly, they will also carry on functioning exactly as they are meant to each time that you fire them.

Yet, what if you don’t really know about the different parts of your gun? Maybe you aren’t yet an expert and just bought one to give you some added protection at home. You may now wonder about questions such as, what is the bore of the gun and how do I clean it?

We have looked in great depth at the issue of cleaning guns elsewhere. However, you might need a bit of help even before you do this. For example, what if you need some guidance on where to find the all-important bore and discover what it actually does?

What Is It?

The bore is, basically, the inside space of the gun barrel. This is the long metal tube where the bullet passes through after the gun is fired. It is a fairly long space that helps to guide the bullet as well as speed it up on its way. This part of the gun needs to be made of tough, resistant materials, with high strength metal the most popular choice for obvious reasons.

What else do you know to know about this part of a gun? Well, there is the fact that you can work out the caliber of a firearm according to the diameter of the bore on it. This is measured in terms of hundredths of an inch. So, if it has a bore diameter of .45 then it has an interior diameter of 0.45 inches.

As this is the interior of the barrel, it is a space you will never really see clearly. It is worth pointing out that it isn’t completely smooth as many people imagine it to be, though. This used to be the case, but modern firearm technology means that the bore isn’t smooth in most guns produced now.

Instead, a gun bore has ridges or grooves on it. What are these for? The idea is that they cause the bullet to spin as it comes out, which makes it easier to shoot it accurately in a straight line every single time. It also picks up speed while in this bore, making it a hugely important part of the gun.

Why Does the Bore Need To Be Cleaned?

Now you know the answer to the question, what is the bore of a gun? The next point you might want to know about it why it needs to be cleaned regularly. After all, many of the gun cleaning products that you see for sale will be for this part of your gun. Is it really necessary to use all of them?

Since the bullet passes through the bore, it is vital that it is kept clean and lubricated. Any build-up of rust, copper or of some other material can cause the bullet to fire off-target or for the gun to malfunction altogether.

When you fire the gun, this can cause metal deposits to get left behind. The bore can also have rust on it due to a humid climate or the build-up of dust over time.

Of course, since you can’t see the bore it is difficult to know how dirty it really is at any given time. This is why you need to set up a regular routine to clean it. You won’t know how dirty it is until you get started, so it is important to do this regularly, whether you think that it is needed or not.

How Do You Clean the Bore of Your Gun?

Cleaning the bore of your gun isn’t quite as tricky as you might imagine that it will be. This is partly because of the range of different cleaning products around that you can use to make this job quicker and simpler. What are the main types of product that you should be interested in?

• Bore Snake. This is a long type of cord that you pull through inside of the barrel to get it clean. You need be sure to choose one that suits the caliber of firearm that you plan to clean with it.
• Cleaning Rods. This is similar to a bore snake. But the difference is that the rod doesn’t do the work on its own. Rather, it is used to push a cleaning patch through the barrel of the gun. You can alternate these cleaning rods together with a bore snake or on their own.
• Cleaning Patches. As we just saw, these patches work with cleaning rods. You push the cleaning patch through and will see it come out dirty at the other end. Once you push through a patch and it comes out clean then you know that the bore is now clean.
• Cleaning Solvents and Liquids. The patches that we just looked at work better when soaked in a good cleaning solvent or liquid. This will help to shift the dirt and rust a lot more easily.

The first step is always to safely disassemble the firearm. This might seem like a tough task at first. Yet, it is something that will get easier the more you do it.

Once you have taken the gun apart it is easier to appreciate the barrel and the bore. You will want to put a lot of your time and attention into this part.

Different people then suggest varying approaches for cleaning the bore. Some will pass through patches a certain number of times or leave the solvent to soak for a fixed period of time. It is worth looking into a number of suggestions, to see what suits you best of all.

Here’s an awesome video from Jim Green on how to clean your gun.

What about Other Gun Parts?

Naturally, there are a number of other gun parts that you may want to find out more about. This isn’t absolutely essential when you are buying a gun, as it is possible to own one for years without really understanding how it works. However, it can be good to know the different parts when it comes to cleaning the firearm or looking at instructions.

A good idea for newcomers is to look for a gun cleaning mat with illustrated graphics of the different parts. This makes it easy for you to learn all about your gun as you clean it.

So, what are the main gun parts you need to be aware of? The following are a few parts that you might like to know the names of.

• The stock. This is the part of a rifle or long gun that you hold. It is designed to make life easier when it comes to aiming and firing the rifle. Since it is held against the shooter’s shoulder, some people call it a shoulder stock. Buttstock is another name that is sometimes used for this part.
• The frame. Handguns don’t have a stock like rifles, but they have a frame instead. This is the metal housing that includes the grip and that has the other working parts connected to it or inside it. The frame doesn’t actually do much, but it is important at it keeping all of the parts together and also determines how easy it is to hold and fire.
• The action. In any type of gun, this is the element that is used to load and fire the bullets. Some of the different types of action around include semi-automatic, pump action and lever action types.
• The barrel. This is the metal tube that the bullet has to travel through after firing. As we have already seen, the bore is the interior of this barrel. So, if anyone mentions the barrel to you, it is important to understand whether they are talking about the exterior or whether they mean the interior, which is really the bore.
• The muzzle. This is the very front part of the barrel. This is the point at which the bullet will leave the gun. It is another critical element, as the bullet’s last point of contact with the gun, so it needs to send the projectile off in the right direction and at a good speed too.
• The chamber. This is the space at the back of the barrel where the bullet is placed prior to being fired. Different types of guns have varying chamber designs.

Conclusion

What is the bore of a gun? The answer is that it is one of the firearm’s most vital parts. Yet, it is something that a lot of gun-owners know surprisingly little about.

The main thing to understand about your gun’s bore is how and when to clean it. If you do this, then you should find that it carries on doing a great job for you for a very long time without any problems.

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