Category: Home Security

Depending on which brand you buy, you can have quick access and maximum security with a gun safe instead of having to choose one over the other.  It also depends on what you consider maximum security.  

Some people consider biometric security using fingerprints and voice recognition as premium levels, but both can default if your fingers are sweaty or you just washed your hands, and you cannot speak loud enough because of a threat situation.  They may be more secure for your firearms because they need you physically present, but they are not secure for you when you need access to your protection.  That’s where key locks come in.

If the key is bedside, chances are tiny hands will find them if your bedroom is accessible giving them access to your firearms.  Intruders head to master bedrooms as a likely first stop when they burgle a home, or at least follow a typical path, and they’re going straight for your desk, dresser, and other common spaces for hiding valuables.  Storing the key near the safe helps them access your safe and firearms.  So that may not be the best. 

If you store the key in a separate room, you’re now separated from your firearms in a threat situation because you have to get the key and get back to your bedroom vs. escaping or getting to a defensive and protective position.

Keypads and codes offer security as long as you can remember the combination.  If it is something like your birthday or anniversary, this may not be as secure because more than 50% of domestic burglaries occur from someone you know.  As you can see security can mean something different for everyone, and fast access does too.

Having to make sure your fingers are dry does not give you quick access as the biometric lock may not trigger.  And if you don’t have muscle memory built in, a tiny keypad may not work in your favor during a direct threat situation.  The same applies to trying to fit a key into a lock, if your hands are shaking it could take a few tries costing you valuable seconds to access your protection.

This is when thinking about the purpose of the gun safe and its location come into play.  Here’s what we recommend when it comes to security features like a keypad and key lock vs. only one for the locking mechanism for security and accessibility. 

Purpose

If the purpose of the gun safe is for personal protection, a large keypad with a secure combination will outweigh the extra security of a multi-lock option and give you fast access with adequate security.  The large keypads let muscle memory do the work to unlock the safe so you can access your firearms in a threat situation.  Make sure your gun safe has larger keypads as these will allow for more accurate dialing.

When you’re storing a collection and may have other valuables like cash, jewelry, and non-corrosive collectibles, maximum security outweighs quick access.  The goal is to protect your goods, not yourself so go with a multi-lock system.  The person will need to access something like a private passcode or biometrics with a key.  This secures the goods inside as well as firearms that you do not use for self defense.

Location in Your Home

Fast access wins every time for bedroom gun safes when it comes to choosing between quick access or maximum security.  These firearms are there to protect you so you want to shop for quick access gun safes like our Fast Box hidden safes.  Having quick access gives you the extra seconds you need in a threat situation when you cannot escape safely.  

If the safe is in your basement, a garage, or a different area of your home, go for maximum security over fast access.  Yes you want access to your firearms to defend yourself, but having them near the intruder gives them an upper hand if they can gain access. 

Remember, most burglaries happen with people you already know, and they may know the passwords or where you hide the keys.  Extra layers or protection matter, so go with more security when there is distance between you and the safe.

Rental Units

Always choose maximum security for rental units including apartments, vacation rentals like hunting lodges and cabins, and co-living spaces like a fourplex. There will be a consistent flow of people coming in and out who know the passwords or key locations, so having a mix and match system can keep things secure for new tenants as well as yourself when you use the space in the case of a vacation property.

This applies to a personal gun safe in a vacation unit. With people always coming and going there will be a time when you have a repeat guest you trust and allow to use your personal safe.  This is where the risk comes in.  Make sure you have multiple locks in place for when you’re there so you can change the passcodes or find a new place for the keys while you stay in the unit.  

The choice between faster access and more security depends on the purpose of the gun safe.  If the safe is for protective firearms vs. storing more guns or valuables, go with fast access.  When you need to store a collection and a larger safe is needed, choose security because it will likely be separated from places you’re more vulnerable like a bedroom, and you can keep unwanted hands off of your collection.

Gun safes are part of responsible gun ownership, and we’re not just saying that because we manufacture them. They are for your protection as much as they are for protecting your firearms.

So yes, you do need a gun safe even if you do not have kids because:

• Some states require them by law
• You may have guests over for a celebration and they may bring their kids
• Intruders entering your home and finding your firearm because it was left out
• Having a muscle memory based protective routine helps you function in threat situations
• Dehumidifiers can be used to help control corrosion if you live in humid areas

Restricting and Preventing Access

You may not have kids, but friends and family may bring theirs over for a holiday dinner or a BBQ. Whether it is children playing in your home or a guest who had a little too much to drink and goes exploring, neither should be able to access a firearm.  

Chances are you don’t carry your handgun on you 24/7 while you’re at home, and rifles can be eye-catching so people want to pick them up. Nothing good can come from the two scenarios above, which is why putting your firearms into a gun safe vs. thinking you do not need one because you don’t have kids is always a best case scenario.

Protection from Intruders

There are two main ways a gun safe can protect you and your loved ones from intruders. The first is, not having firearms accessible while you’re sleeping or out running an errand. Being in the habit of locking your guns in a safe vs. leaving them out is vital if there is an intruder breaking into your home.

If you leave your firearm out because nobody was home and you only needed to run a quick errand, that is when it matters most. If the intruder was watching and thinks you’ll be gone longer, they may see it right as you’re coming home and catch you off guard. They have the upper hand here and your firearm.

The same applies to you taking a nap and your firearm being in the other room. If they’re in the middle of their burglary and you wake up, a firearm within their reach escalates the situation.  They may not have known you were home, and you may live alone and have left it a few rooms over. If they get to it first, you’re at a potentially deadly disadvantage.

Although most burglaries happen during the day while people are at work, some happen at night. No matter what, you don’t want your firearms laying out near the threat if an invader comes in, and there are set places and points of entry burglars go first.

One of the best ways to defend yourself is to have muscle memory and routines built into your response. Hearing a crash in the middle of the night can throw you off guard if you were asleep. Being able to jump into action using muscle memory to hit the keypad correctly, access your firearms for defense, and either escape or get into protective positioning is vital.

It’s something everyone from security training facilities to the United States Marine Corps relies on, which they outline here. Building good habits can keep your body and brain responding to keep you safe, even when anxiety and stress hits.

It May Be the Law

Not all states require firearms to be locked up when not in use, and other states have laws about preventing people under a certain age like 18 in Hawaii (it was raised from 16 years old in 2021) and 17 in Texas from having access to them. These laws can change at any moment, including after we published this post, so check with your state’s laws for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

By having a gun safe and using it properly for storage, you can reduce the chances of accidentally breaking a storage law and prevent others from taking the gun. This document from the Department of Justice shares that at least six states including Colorado, New Jersey, and Michigan can hold you liable for actions taken by someone that stole your firearm and used it.  

Some of the states may require you to report the stolen firearm as soon as you discover it missing, which may or may not remove some of your liability, but again, these laws can change at the drop of a hat, including while we wrote this post and before we published it.  

Protect the Firearm from Corrosion

If you live in humid environments, your firearms could be exposed to excess moisture causing firearm corrosion. This leads to them needing more regular maintenance because of a lack of proper storage. The longer they sit in humid settings, the more they are exposed and need to be cared for.

If you’ve invested in a gun room, make sure it is climate controlled to keep excess humidity out.  Gun safes can come with built in dehumidifiers helping to prevent premature rusting and corrosion. Gun safes are another great alternative, even when they have vents. Yes, vents can let moisture in, but they also allow for circulation which may help reduce corrosion.

Even if you do not have kids, you may need a gun safe to prevent intruders from accessing your firearms during a threat situation, it could be the law where you live, and to help protect your firearms from humidity and corrosion.

The basement is not the safest space for your gun safe, as basements are typically more humid than the upstairs (this article shares some the science behind this), which can lead to corrosion. In the case of an intruder, you won’t have quick access to your firearms for self defense unless you sleep in your basement, and in the case of flooding, your gun safe could get damaged as waterproofing is not reliable with gun safes. The rumor that your basement is the best place for a gun safe comes from a few theories including:

• Security in that you can get down there fast, access a firearm, and escape quickly.
• The concrete floors and solid foundations are better at supporting the heavy weight.
• Basements are discrete so having the safe down there keeps prying eyes and curious visitors away.

Curious to know more about basements and gun safes? We’re happy to help. Let’s go issue by issue and share some alternatives so you can keep your family safe, firearms accessible, and collections protected.

Burglaries

According to ADT, only 4% of home burglaries enter through the basement. If the goal is to keep your collectible firearms away from burglars, basements could be better than the first floor as the front door gets 34% of break-ins and the backdoor at 22%.  

Although protection from burglary may make sense for storage, your safe will not be protected from humidity. Both the gun safe and the firearms can be damaged by mold, mildew, and rust.  

Quick Access for Security

When you sleep on the second floor of your home, storing your gun safe in the basement stops you from gaining quick access in threat situations, as most invaders access through the first floor. You now need to avoid the intruder while accessing two levels of your home vs. having a gun safe under or next to your bed providing quick access to your protective firearms.

If you do store your main gun safe in the basement, make sure you have a bedside gun safe in your bedroom so you can access your firearm. You may also want to invest in a hidden safe for your closet in case they come through the bedroom or you’re in a different area of the house.  

Pro-tip: Do not use biometric gun safes in the kitchen as wet fingers can prevent them from unlocking.

Anchoring and Weight Support

One of the best reasons to place a gun safe in the basement is they can be anchored to the floor which will prevent burglars from carrying them off. Although this is a sound reason, if someone wants the contents of your gun safe enough that they would carry a heavy one away, chances are they’re already likely prepared to crack it.

In addition to anchoring, heavier safes might not be an option in older homes or floors not designed for supporting heavy weights. If you’re curious about the load bearing capacity of your floors, check the building codes from when the home was built and during renovations, or hire a structural engineer to do a study. Using the basement for your larger gun safes where there is a concrete slab may be the only option. 

Corrosion, Flooding, and Humidity

No gun safe is going to be effective long term when it comes to flooding and the corrosion that results from humidity. Basements are more humid than other areas of your home, so keeping a gun safe in one requires additional maintenance and checks. In the event of a water main break, natural disasters like flooding or a pipe bursting, the water is going to rush downwards and flood your basement first.

Even if the safe prevents water from getting inside, mold and mildew can settle in and corrode the iron or steel while you wait to be allowed back into your home. If it is weeks or a month before you can safely access your basement, the damage may already be done as moisture can seep in through the ventilation systems.  

If you do store your gun safe in the basement, you can’t stop a flood, but you can have dehumidifiers in your basement and in the gun safe itself to help keep moisture levels under control for non-flood situations.

In general, storing a gun safe in your basement is not ideal because the climate will be more humid and that leads to corrosion and your firearms are not easily accessible in a threat situation. If your floors can support the weight, have the safe on an upper level to protect it from humidity and to have access when you need it.

Gun safes have vents because they allow air to circulate which helps prevent rust and corrosion from impacting both your firearms and the safe itself. When moisture gets trapped inside because there are no vents to circulate it out, it can lead to mold which can damage your firearms, not to mention leave a musky odor on everything. Without ventilation, your gun safe can be more of a hazard than a helper.

You may be wondering if the vents prevent a gun safe from being waterproof, if they create an entry point for fire embers and ash, or a security vulnerability intruders can take advantage of.  We have some good news and some bad news on each.

Gun Safe Security

Good news, the ventilation systems on many gun safes do not impact the security of the gun safe as the openings are normally too small to fit a firearm through, and they’re typically placed on the opposite side or far away from the locking mechanisms. By being placed and sized strategically they keep your firearms inside the safe.  

Chances are that your gun safe will also not have any way to open from the inside, so there’s little to no chance of the burglar trying to unlock it via tools or lifting a latch in the case of an older gun locker with a metal bar that lifts to open the door.

Fireproofing

This one is bad news. If the fire is close enough to your gun safe that embers are going to make it through the vents on the gun safe, chances are the heat from the blaze is going to be more extensive and damage than the embers or ash.  Your guns are likely already warped and unsafe to use in these instances.

Fire ratings for gun safes are a false sense of security nowadays. Years ago, fire department response times were slower and homes had a substantial chance of burning down. When this was the case, fireproofing was needed. There were even two organizations that took on the role and are now around 100 years old.  

In modern times, the responses are much quicker so the fire response team can put out the blaze before you’d need fireproofing. In the event that your home cannot be put out, it’s unlikely the fireproofing would be effective as it only lasts for so long and under a certain level of heat.

Waterproofing

There are two common concerns with waterproofing and vents in a gun safe.

• Moisture can get in
• Water can leak through

It is true that moisture can get into the gun safe through the vents, but the ventilation system is also designed to circulate the air and push the moisture out. Moisture can also get in when you open the door, you’re cleaning the safe, or drip off of a box, guns, and other items you store.

If there are no vents, there is also no way to circulate this moisture out. That can lead to mold and mildew build up, as well as faster corrosion.

In the case of flooding, if the water pressure and levels are bad enough that you’d have to worry about the vents in the gun safe allowing water through, chances are the gun safe will already be jeopardized. Just like fireproof ratings, waterproof ratings on gun safes are a false sense of security.

Vents are on a gun safe to help circulate air and promote the longevity of your firearms. They’re a protective feature and not a risk. By not having a ventilation system, your safe may be more prone to corrosion, and that is what can damage your firearms more than a vent.

Whether you’re buying your first gun safe or have an arsenal of collectors models and want added protection for specific firearms, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the gauges of the metal.  Gun safe gauges, just like other metal materials, are based on a scale where the higher the number the thinner the width of the metal.

An 18 gauge piece of steel is thinner than a 10 gauge for example.  This applies to wiring, body jewelry, and gun safes.  The gun safe gauge scale ranges from a 20 gauge to a 00.  There is a common belief that the thicker the metal, the harder it is to break into the safe.

This is a rumor as there are modern tools and technologies that can crack a safe pretty easily, just like the jaws of life can rip through a car’s roof.  The locking system can also provide a vulnerability on some brands so even if there is a thicker gauge, the lock could be the safe’s Achilles heel.  If security is your concern, you want to evaluate thickness, lock types, and the materials used both inside and outside.

Interesting fact: The materials used inside your gun safe and in the walls can cause the gun safe to corrode both inside and out impacting your firearms. Even if you go for a higher gauge for protection, make sure the inner linings are also “safe” for your firearms and valuables.

There are four common beliefs about the thickness of a gun safe and if it is more secure. 

They include:

• Being easier to peel or rip open
• Preventing fire damage
• Makes it heavier which makes it more secure
• Less likely to flood or get flood damage

Yes, thicker steel may deter some people looking to rip open the gun safe, so if this is a concern for you, do not go lower than a 10 gauge.  But if the burglar knows you’re knowledgeable about firearms and security, they have already planned for a thick gauge and will still be able to rip it open if their target is inside.  And that goes to the weight factor.

A heavier safe will be harder to steal or move around.  The weight will help prevent a safe from being stolen by unprepared burglars, but not always.  Most burglaries happen while you’re not home as the intruder does not want a direct confrontation, especially with a gun owner.  They’ve likely mapped their pathway through your home as burglars have places they go first. 

If the gun safe is a target, they may have a dolly or lift and will come prepared to take it with them.  Securing your safe to the floor, wall, or some other way will likely be helpful, assuming they don’t peel it.

Next is fire ratings on gun safes.  Years ago this was important, but now fire departments get a majority of fires out before they would be able to impact your gun safe or the contents inside.  If the fire was that bad, no gun safe or gauge is going to help.  You may get lucky, so it won’t hurt if this is a concern for you, but it is likely money you could invest elsewhere.  The same goes with flooding and gun safe protection.    

The thickness of the metal may stand up for a while, but most gun safes have venting, and the humidity, mold, corrosion, and other factors that come after a flood can still impact the security of your gun safe no matter how thick the gauge of the metal is.

When all is said and done, the thickness and weight of your gun safe will deter some theft and some burglaries.  This can be especially true when you use secure locking mechanisms.  Also look for the security level or rating assigned by organizations like underwriter laboratories.  It is important to verify an unbiased third party gave the rating as manufacturers are able to do their own.

Now you know the truth behind thicker safes and thicker gauges being more secure, and you can make a decision on if you want to spend the extra money for a peace-of-mind, or save a bit.

Have you ever heard the adage that “brains run in the family” or that it must be “genetic?”  Whether you believe it or not, the history of how the gun silencer was invented may add proof to the pudding.  This is because one invention led to another, which led to the creation of the first gun silencer, and we still use the concept to this day.

This “family” of events led to a “maximum” amount of innovation that will give you bragging rights at trivia nights, and some interesting ice breakers to get a conversation going.  It all starts with smokeless gun powder, the machine gun, and finally the silencer.

The silencer’s origin is a result of a pair of brothers and their inventions of smokeless gun powder and the Maxim machine gun.  The first brother is Hiram Maxim who was born in 1840 and in addition to firearms, patented improvements to the hair curling iron in 1866 which are features still used today like the tongs for when it’s hot.  But let’s not get off track.

Hiram Maxim is a father to modern defense systems with creations like the aerial torpedo gun, steam driven airplanes, and as we mentioned above, smokeless gunpowder and the Maxim machine gun.  These two inventions in particular changed modern warfare as we know it.

Smokeless gunpowder leaves less fouling so guns can fire without needing to be cleaned as frequently.  In addition, smokeless powder is more powerful than standard black powder at roughly three times the strength giving the projectile a lot more umph.  And this was vital for the next invention.

The Maxim machine gun invented in 1884 fired 11 shots per second and was able to use the recoil to remove the used cartridge so the next one can load and fire.  Water is used to cool the jacket so it can keep running, and with his ingenuity he was able to create what many consider the first usable machine gun in history.  But Hiram wasn’t the only brains in the family, he had a brother Hudson.

Hudson is also an “explosive” name in firearm innovation Hudson Maxim.  Born in 1853, he always had an interest in science and physics, and in 1889 published a theory about matter and atoms and the principle of force (you can access it here via a membership) that led to recognition in the firearms, canon, and explosives industries.  In order to create his dynamite and smokeless powder, opened a mill in Maxim New Jersey in 1890 where he also invented maximite.

In 1901 he sold his technology for maximite and the science behind his powder that claims it could force a projectile through armor without it exploding to the army at Sandy Hook for $50,000.  The two brothers built a name for their family in science, technology, and innovation which lead to a comfortable life.  Hiram eventually had a son who was named Hiram Percy Maxim.

Being around explosives, machine guns, and dynamite can take a toll on your body.  Hiram eventually went deaf from his work.  With ingenuity in the family gene pool, his son Hiram Percy Maxim began on his own creations.  

In 1902 he released the first ever commercially available silencer called the Maxim Silencer, and got the patent for it seven years later in 1909, then filed for another in 1921 which was approved in 1924.  This is the same model and basis for the gun silencer that we know and use today.

This family had a “maximum” impact on the history of firearms, mining and explosives, not to mention the military.  If you enjoyed this post about firearm history, join our newsletter by entering your email below for more like it.

Motion activated lights can absolutely deter some burglars from trying to enter your home at night, especially if it is clear you have cameras that are strong enough to record and identify a person, but in general motion activated security lights are likely not that effective.  This is because most burglaries happen between 6am and 6pm when burglars think nobody is at home and roughly 65% of them between 10am and 3pm while you’re at school or work.  

There are some types of home and property damage motion activated lights may help prevent including:

• Neighborhood vandals or kids looking to play a prank
• Trespassers
• Entry point discovery if a burglar is scoping out a possible target
• Deer and wildlife that get startled easily

Interesting fact: Burglaries are seasonal with more happening during summer months than winter.  

Burglars do not want to come in contact with other people as being caught in person is more likely going to lead to a physical confrontation.  The burglars simply want money, medications, and valuables they can sell for profit.  They likely do not want to have to fight or risk their own lives if you are armed.  

Because they’ll be entering during the day, the motion activated lights won’t be a deterrent on their own as the light won’t be visible.  If there is a camera that records the outside and inside of your home, this could be a deterrent as the perpetrator will be easier to identify.  Another deterrent may be a sticker for an alarm system and that you’re a member of a gun society or association.

When the intruder knows you’re probably armed, and that an alarm may go off if they try to enter thanks to the alarm logo, their lives are now at risk if the proceed.  This can also backfire as they may be armed and if they’re going to enter and risk their own lives, they’ll likely be expecting a fight if you’re home. 

This means you’ll need a gun safe that has quick and reliable access for these threat situations.  If you’re curious, here’s where burglars go first and the reasons why.

Motion activated lights can help scare off neighborhood vandals that may want to play a prank light toilet papering a tree or egging a door at night, or stop a deer from eating your garden, but they likely won’t stop a home intruder from breaking, so there are some benefits to having them.  

If having motion activated lights makes you feel more secure, then by all means add them.  A peace of mind is valuable, and they may help stop some situations so it doesn’t hurt to add them to your home.