If you own firearms the laws in each State and Territory requires that owners store the firearms, be it pistols or rifles, in compliant storage cabinets. Beyond this the owner should also ensure that their guns are kept safe and secure to prevent misuse or theft.
While choosing a gun safe it is important to make sure that the safe uses quality lock mechanisms be it biometrics, pins or keys. Also, it will need to fit into the buyer’s budget. Here is a list of things you should consider before buying a gun safe.
A. Is it the correct shape and size?
There are numerous gun safes in the market. Choosing the correct one can be a headache. If you are someone who moves to new places quite often, then you should go with a lighter safe, otherwise a heavy safe over 200KG would be optimal for you as this often suggests the walls and door are thicker and more secure.
It is also important to consider that the safe can fit your rifles or pistols and will also fit in your house. You want the safe to be somewhere reachable so make sure you have determined the correct spot to place your safe before ordering one.
B. Choosing a quality safe
Keeping rifles and pistols safe and secure is essential, and if you choose a cheap alternative security could be compromised. Make sure your gun safe is made by a reputable manufacturer and is a quality product. You can contact Safes Australia if you need any advice on this question.
C. Frequency of use
It is important to buy a gun safe that fits your needs and lifestyle. Each locking mechanism has its own pros and cons.
- Biometric locks
- Combinational Locks
- Keyed Locks
Biometric locks use a digitally coded fingerprint to open the safe. They are fairly fast and safe. But biometric safes consist of electrical components. So while choosing the safe with biometric security make sure you are choosing the right brand. Always make sure that the safe has proper power backup.
Combinational Locks are the locks that require you to input a special sequence to gain access. Combination locks can have an electrically operated number or an old school rotating dial. They offer great speed with security. The speed makes it the best choice for multiple and fast access to weapons in case of burglary or break-ins.
Keyed Locks are more traditional but very popular. They require you to insert a key before gaining access to the safe. They are not bound to electricity and hence are safe to always use. However, with time the key and lock can result in friction and wear. To make sure you are not in such a situation, follow the manufacturer’s guide to keeping the lock working smoothly.
D. Branded or Cheap
Many brands will offer you gun safes which are half the price of standard safes. You can easily fall into the trap of buying inferior and cheap alternatives. But in the longer run, you will definitely notice a considerable difference between the two. It is advisable to go with safes that are manufactured by a known and trustworthy company such as ours. The gun safes we stock from these companies are produced to deliver great performance and value for money. Don’t hesitate to contact Kookaburra Safes if you have any questions.