Purchasing a gun safe is a smart investment. Guns are expensive, and are often times irreplaceable heirlooms with great sentimental value. Firearms need to be stored to protect from theft, fire, or handling by unauthorized and untrained persons.
When shopping for a new safe, three important features to look for are a superior locking system, fireproof design, and built-in humidifier.
Winchester gun safes sport an interlocking system. Some models have an additional re-locking system that is activated if entry is forced. Firearm safes offer electronic locks or rotary combination dial locks.
Most safes are constructed of heavy, thick, and pry-resistant steel. Various layers and materials of insulation make the gun safe fire resistant up to 1200 or even 1550 degrees.
A built-in electric dehumidifier prevents moisture from occurring inside. Moisture causes guns to rust which can damage the firing mechanism.
Models are available in different sizes depending on the number and size of guns to be stored. It is best to purchase a safe with the capacity to hold more guns than the owner possesses for future purchases.
These safes also come in different weights. The more a gun safe weighs, the less likely a thief will be able to remove the safe from the home. It is important not to purchase one which is too heavy, which would require extreme measures to position the safe in the home.
Some are also equipped with shelves to store ammunition, scopes, cleaning kits, or other gun accessories.
Your safe can be bolted to the floor or wall to further discourage theft. Winchester gun safes have passed the Underwriters Laboratories rating system of withstanding attack. Each safe includes its rating number and explanation.
Portable gun safes are also available for handguns. These safes are a compact version of the larger gun safes. These portable safes also offer fire-resistant, tamper-proof construction and design.
Many firearm safes are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty covers materials, workmanship, and damage from theft or fire. Some safes may even be replaced if damaged due to burglary.