Understanding What is Important in Gun Cabinets

There are many different gun cabinets on the market today. Like almost anything you buy there are some outstanding options for cabinets and there are some that are very basic. The basic style of cabinets for your guns still provides security, but you do need to check that it meets the legal requirements for a gun safe in your area. This information should be clearly listed on the manufacturer’s specifications provided with the gun safe. If you aren't sure check with the company and verify that they meet these standards. Buying a gun safe that doesn't meet local standards may mean that you are at risk should your guns be stolen or used in an illegal activity.

The measurements provided for on gun safes and gun cabinets are external measurements, not internal, unless otherwise specified. Many companies now list both internal and external measurements on their specifications cards, which makes knowing exactly what you are getting very straightforward and simple. If you have specialty guns, or equipment that you want to store, knowing these measurements before you go shopping is important. Classic guns or historical types of weapons are not always the same size as their modern counterparts so always measure to avoid problems once the cabinet arrives.

Most cabinets will also list how many guns that they can hold. In some models there are grooves or rest areas for each gun, ensuring that the guns are protected when being moved in and out of the cabinet so they don't touch or rub against each other. Just keep in mind that the number of guns listed in the description may not be just the guns themselves, you need to count any scopes that you have mounted on your firearms. Typically if you have scopes on the guns count one gun as two, so a cabinet that holds 8 guns will hold approximately 4 or so guns with scopes. There is a lot of variation so that is just a rough estimate, but it is better to anticipate fewer weapons that assume all your collection will fit.

Fire ratings are important for a variety of reasons. Although guns themselves are relatively resistant to damage by fire, except for wood or manmade materials in the stock. Not all gun cabinets are specified with a fire rating. Typically cabinets are less likely to have a fire rating than a true gun safe, but there are exceptions. Typically most gun safes have fire ratings of 25 minutes and up, with some of the most secure and well built cases offering up to 2 hours of protection even in temperatures of over eighteen hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

The locking mechanism on a gun safe or on the various cabinets is also an important consideration. How easy and fast the cabinet is to access, how many people will use the case as well as how secure you want to keep your weapons will all be important considerations. Biometric locks provide you with the option to open your safe with your fingerprints, while digital locks can be a very quick way for multiple users to gain access to the stored weapons. Older style combination locks are always a good option and one that is very secure. Having a key backup is also a good choice, ensuring that the guns can be accessed as needed.

Learning a bit about gun cabinets and the different models and styles is easy if you just spend some time browsing about the internet. They are truly a good investment in safety and protection.