How do you find the best fire resistant gun safe? There are so many models that it can be hard to know which to choose.
Obviously resistance to fire is one of the most critical elements to look for. No matter how secure a safe is from break-in, if it can’t withstand fire you are still vulnerable.
What makes a safe fireproof?
They are generally built using a layer of sheetrock inside which acts as a heat absorbent. This material works quite well, but it doesn’t last forever. For this reason, there are often other materials combined with the sheetrock, like fiberglass, ceramic wool blankets, steel plates, etc.
Some materials last longer than others.
So first you need to figure out what was used to make it fireproof. Sheetrock alone will eventually give away to the heat, so make sure other materials were used. Ideally it will be enclosed by 2 steel plates.
What variables are used to measure the fire resistance of a safe?
The highest temperature that a safe can withstand for 30 minutes is the benchmark. Some safes can withstand 1100 degrees, some 1300, etc. So obviously the higher the number, the better.
But make sure it’s U.L. rated.
This means that a third party organization tested it. Therefore, you can trust the fires testing results more.
What if it’s NOT U.L. rated?
That means the company tested it. In other words, there is a good chance the results are biased.
Be prepared to pay more for quality.
The better fire resistant safes are often pricier, but are worth it. There’s no point in getting a safe if your valuables are still in danger.
What’s the best safe?
There are many good models on the market. But one of the better ones is the Stack On 45 Gun Safe. This one can handle a fire as warm as 1400 degrees for 30 minutes, which is among the best out there.
How much does it cost?
That’s the negative about this model. It runs anywhere from $1600-2100, making it one of the pricier out there.
So if money is no issue, go with the Stack On. However, if this is out of your price range, there are plenty more to choose from. Just make sure to look at the U.L. rating before buying.
But fire resistance isn’t everything.
Don’t forget to consider what kind of locking mechanism the model uses, how many guns it can hold, and other variables. The best fire resistant gun safe is meaningless if it fails in the other departments.