Know the Difference: 6 Types of Gun Safes

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Looking for a surefire way to keep your firearms safe? There’s no better way than with a gun safe. Designed to provide the optimal amount of protection for your guns, you can rely on a gun safe to keep firearms out of the hands of thieves and curious children while also ensuring they aren’t damaged by fire, water, or other elements. But every gun — and gun owner — is different. That’s why it’s important to know the differences between the various types of gun safes before you buy one.

Before making your decision, take the time to get to know your choices so you can be sure you’re investing in the right level of security for your needs.

TYPES OF GUN VAULTS

1. Biometric Gun Safes

Among the most popular types of gun vaults now available are biometric gun safes. These technologically-advanced safes feature locking systems, using an individual’s fingerprint to open rather than a combination or passcode. With the likelihood of two people having the same fingerprint being about 1 in 64 million, you can be sure a biometric safe will keep out anyone who isn’t authorized to be inside.

2. Fire Resistant Gun Safes

A fire resistant gun safe such as the Protector Vault from Fort Knox, which comes with a reinforced fire door, offers added protection in the event of a fire. A fire-rated safe can be important as a house fire can reach 1200 Fahrenheit in just ten minutes, while some guns can be permanently damaged at 400 Fahrenheit.

3. In-Wall Gun Safes

An in-wall gun vault not only saves space but also ensures your entire safe won’t be stolen. Other space-saving options are available as well. Corner vaults are designed to fit neatly into the corner of a room, keeping them out of the way while still offering plenty of storage.

4. Hidden/Concealed Safes

If you need protection from thieves but don’t have the ability to install an in-wall gun vault, you can find hidden safes that can be disguised as ordinary household items. Additionally, under-bed safes or nightstand safes are available to help you store your guns out of sight from potential thieves as well.

5. Heavy-Duty Vaults

Those who need the maximum amount of protection can consider heavy-duty gun vault options such as the Defender Vault or the Maverick Vault. Additionally, every safe can be customized with a Zolatone finish, geared to protect against exterior damage and increasing performance.

6. Vehicle Safes

Additional options include truck and car safes which allow you to safely keep your gun with you even when you’re on the go. Some manufacturers have the option of a built-in console safe. If that’s not your preference, you can also choose a variety of sizes that mount to your vehicle. 

GUN VAULT FEATURES

Regardless of the type of safe you’re buying, one thing to take note of is the item’s features. For example, a Fort Knox safe may come with a variety of additional features and you can choose customizations that fit your needs. Special customizations are available for almost all Fort Knox safes. Knowing the protection these features offer will help you make the right decision and allow you to build a custom safe that meets all of your needs.

Size

Among the first things to take note of, even before choosing a gun vault, is the size you need. Those who need to protect one or two guns may only need a small safe, while others with large collections will want to be sure to get a gun vault that will house most, if not all of their guns. Likewise, you will want to take the weight of the gun safe into consideration. An option like the Spartan Vault is available in sizes ranging from 10 CU.FT. to 69 CU.FT., making it easy to find the right size.

SECURITY

Another thing to look at is the security offered by the safe’s lock. Even if you do not plan to purchase a high-tech option such as a biometric safe, a good gun vault should still have an advanced level of lock protection. The Executive Vault offers a superior 5-to-1 patented gear drive in its locking system for more reliable security.

Quality

When buying a gun vault, always be sure to check out the quality of the item’s construction. Things to look out for include basics such as interior hinges. Other features include secure bolting systems, like the precise bolt pattern of Fort Knox’s Guardian Vault. Thick steel plates and a steel inner lining, as found on the Titan Vault and top-of-the-line Legend Vault, also help ensure your guns’ security.

Lifetime Warranty

And finally, remember that one of the best things you can do is look for a gun safe with a lifetime warranty. You want to be sure that if anything does happen to your safe you have some backup.

Are you ready to get started and ensure you have optimal gun security? If so, there’s no better time than now to check out the selection at Fort Knox. Build and price your vault today!

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