Posted by Gabriel Brangers on Aug 19th 2024
5 Gun Safe Myths: BUSTED
Let's face it, keeping your firearms and valuables protected and secure is important and doing so with a reputable gun safe is a great way to have peace of mind. However, gun safe knowledge can be shrouded with false statements making it a mystery to determine the best gun safe for your needs. Gun safes are a big metal box promising ultimate security but with all that mystery comes a surprising amount of misinformation.
So, if you are considering a gun safe or already a proud owner, fear not! We are here to debunk five of the most common myths about gun safes, setting the record straight and empowering you with information to make an informed purchasing decision.
Myth #1: Gun Safes Are Easily Breached By Thieves
This myth pops up a lot in conversations and is easy to see why. Hollywood loves a good heist scene where a team of tech-savvy criminals cracks a gun safe in minutes. However, the reality is quite different.
Not all gun safes are created equal! Some low-priced gun safes cut security by not including features like a lock certified by a reputable testing company, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), not installing a relocker, not having anti-drill plates to protect the lock from drill attacks or just using thinner gauge steel. Unless these security features are part of the gun safe, or you have a locking system like Rhino Metals revolutionary SafeX® Locking System that prevents pry attacks, a gun safe can be pried open within a very short time. In some cases, mere seconds.
Here's the key: It is important to understand what makes a secure gun safe and the important features that offer significant resistance to break-in attempts.High-quality gun safes are built to withstand determined attempts at forced entry by utilizing robust UL Listed locking mechanisms, a relocker, anti-drill plates and heavy-duty steel construction. Combining these features with Rhino Metals revolutionary SafeX® Locking System makes our gun safes a formidable obstacle for would-be thieves.
Remember, a gun safe is a deterrent, not an absolute guarantee. By choosing a high-quality safe with the right security features, you are making it significantly harder for would-be thieves to take your firearms and valuables, while giving yourself peace of mind.
SafeX® vs. the Other Guys
Myth #2: Fire Protection In All Gun Safes Are Created Equal
Another common myth is all gun safes with fire protection are the same. This is not true! Fire proof gun safes offer a significant layer of protection, but it's important to understand their limitations.
Most gun safes with fire protection offer a certified fire rating indicating the duration and temperature the contents in a gun safe is protected. A typical fire rating might be one hour at 1200°F, which means the internal temperature of the gun safe will not heat up to cause harm to the contents in a fire that does not get hotter than 1200° for an hour or less. Different companies use different testing criteria but in most cases, the higher the overall quality of the gun safe, the higher the fire rating will be.
For example, Rhino Metals Thunderbolt Series is 7 gauge steel with layers of fire board that give it 160 minutes of protection at 1400°F. The other key component in protecting the contents inside a gun safe during a fire is for there to be a heat-activated fire seal that expands during a fire sealing the seam of the door. This fire seal prevents flames from reaching inside the safe and igniting contents and mitigates convective heat transfer into the interior of the safe by blocking the airflow.
Here's the takeaway: Fire protection in a gun safe offers protection for the contents inside, but it is wise to choose one with a fire rating and features that meet your specific needs.
Myth #3: Biometric Locks Are Unreliable And Easy To Hack
Biometric locks are gaining popularity by offering ease of access and entry using a fingerprint. While this might sound like something out of a spy movie, today’s technology of biometric locks is quite reliable.
Modern biometric locks utilize sophisticated scanners that are highly resistant to spoofing (tricking the scanner with fake fingerprints or other methods). Additionally, most biometric locks often have other access methods like keypads in case the biometric scanner malfunctions.
Here's the caveat: No security system is foolproof. While highly reliable, there is always a chance the biometric scanner could malfunction but that is why it's crucial to choose a biometric lock from a reputable manufacturer with reliable technology. Make sure your next gun safe features a UL Listed lock for extra peace of mind.
Myth #4: Gun Safes Are Only Necessary If Children Are In The Home
This might be the most pervasive myth! While the presence of children in a home certainly underscores the importance of having a gun safe, the benefits extend far beyond child safety.
Here's why a gun safe is a valuable investment for all gun owners:
- Security: As mentioned earlier, a high-quality gun safe deters theft by offering a significant obstacle to would-be thieves. This protects your firearms from falling into the wrong hands and potentially being used for illegal purposes.
- Accident Prevention: Even responsible adults can have accidents. A gun safe minimizes the risk of accidental shootings by keeping firearms secure and inaccessible when not in use.
- Organization and Protection: Gun safes offer a dedicated space to organize your firearms, preventing them from getting lost, misplaced or damaged.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your firearms are securely stored offers peace of mind. Whether you are away on vacation or simply at work, a gun safe provides a sense of security and reduces the worry of potential theft, damage or accidents.
Gun ownership comes with a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of your firearms. A gun safe is a crucial tool in fulfilling that responsibility, regardless of your family situation.
Myth #5: Gun Safes Are Too Expensive
While high-quality gun safes can represent a significant investment, it is important to consider the context of value. Here's how to think about it:
- Protecting Your Investment: Firearms and other valuables can be an expensive investment. A high-quality gun safe protects that investment from theft, damage, and accidents.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your firearms and valuables are secure is priceless!
- Long-Term Durability: Well-made gun safes are built to last, offering years of reliable protection for your firearms as well as your valuables.
By choosing the right size and security features for your needs, you can afford a gun safe that offers excellent value and fits your budget.
Conclusion:
Gun safes are a vital tool for responsible gun owners. By debunking these common myths, we hope you have a clearer understanding of the benefits a high-quality gun safe offers. Remember, a gun safe is an investment and it is worth every penny for the protection and security of your firearms and valuables, promoting responsible gun ownership and giving you peace of mind.