Month: February 2025

For gun enthusiasts and individuals seeking reliable protection for their firearms or other valuables, American Security’s BFX safe series offers top-tier security solutions. Featured in our Top Rated Home Safes of 2024, the BFX models have earned their place as bestsellers—and with good reason.

Crafted from high-quality materials, these safes undergo rigorous burglary and fire testing to earn their impressive certifications. Let’s explore what makes these safes stand out in the market and which individuals will benefit most from choosing these models for their protection needs.

BFX6024

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Construction & Design Overview of The Best Rated Gun Safe

We’ll dive into the certifications and ratings of these safes later, but first and foremost, the construction of the safe is the most important part that influences the product’s performance.

The BFX safe series from American Security offers a collection of high-performance, top-rated safes designed to provide unmatched security and fire protection for your firearms and valuables. Each model in the series vastly exceeds UL’s RSC Level I security rating, ensuring robust resistance against break-ins. With an independently certified fire rating of 120-minutes at 1200°F by ETL, BFX safes offer superior, industry leading fire protection, making them a reliable choice for safeguarding your most important possessions.

BFX6030

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The BFX series is built to withstand extreme conditions, with solid steel plate doors (up to 1/2″ thick), dual steel body with a combined 1/4″ inner and outer steel barriers, and 1 to 1-3/4” thick seamless, poured fire protection barriers that eliminate gaps for better fire defense. Additionally, the Active 4x Locking System, reinforced door frame with double steel across all sides, and long steel active bolts provide exceptional protection against pry and sledgehammer attacks. The lock mechanisms are further fortified with 1/4″ hard plates, hardened discs, and spring-loaded re-lock features.

Functionality is key with the BFX safes, as they offer flexible interiors with features like premium door organizers for extra gun storage, built-in power strips for charging electronics, and LED light kits for better interior visibility. Available with either electronic or mechanical lock options, the BFX series provides peace of mind with warranties that include a 5-year parts and labor guarantee and a special lifetime warranty for burglary and fire damage. Whether you need to store firearms, documents, or other valuables, the BFX series offers top-tier protection that’s built to last.

Burglary Protection for BFX Safes

All of our BFX safes are certified with a UL RSC Level 1 Rating. This certification requires a safe to withstand a tester breaking into the container with any of the following tools:

• Hammers (that do not exceed 3 pounds)
• Chisels
• Pry Bars
• Punches
• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches (that do not exceed 18″ in length)
• Variable Speed Electric Drill
• High-Speed and Carbide Tipped Drill Bits (that do not exceed 1/4 inch diameter)

Keep in mind that these testers have the advantage of studying the safe’s construction in advance and developing a strategy before attempting to breach it. This gives them far more insight than the average burglar, making it even more impressive that the BFX series holds up under such rigorous testing.

Fire Protection for BFX Safes

Every safe in the BFX series is independently certified with a 120-minute fire rating at 1200°F by ETL, a trusted fire testing facility. This industry leading level of protection is made possible by American Security’s proprietary DryLight® fill, a high-performance material that shields valuables from extreme heat without adding unnecessary weight. To earn this certification, the safes had to maintain an internal temperature below 350°F—the point at which paper begins to char—throughout the entire two-hour test, proving their exceptional fire resistance, far beyond what the competition offers.

Available Customization Options for The Best Rated Gun Safe

The BFX series offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your safe to both functional and aesthetic preferences. Choose from a variety of textured and gloss finishes, including two-tone options, with an ever-evolving palette—be sure to check the product listing for the available options.

For hardware customization, you can select the handle in finishes like Black Nickel, Brass, or Chrome, giving you the flexibility to match your safe’s look to your personal style. For example, the BFX6636 showcases how brass accents beautifully complement a white body color:

BFX6636

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Beyond aesthetics, you can choose between a mechanical or electronic lock to suit your security preferences. The mechanical key-locking spy-proof dial offers a classic, dependable option, while the advanced electronic lock provides added convenience. Both are built with high-quality materials and designed for superior security. If you need help selecting or setting up the right lock for your valuables, we’ve provided a detailed guide to assist you.

Who the BFX Safes Are Suited For

BFX gun safes are an excellent choice for serious gun collectors or anyone needing a secure, spacious storage solution for firearms and other valuables. These safes are a long-term investment in protecting irreplaceable possessions from theft and natural disasters like wildfires or hurricanes.

While they can be a significant investment, BFX safes provide peace of mind with top-tier security and fire protection. Independently tested and certified for both burglary resistance and fire protection, they meet rigorous industry standards to ensure reliable performance.

To make this investment worth it, consider not just your current storage needs but also future additions to your collection. Opting for a larger model than you think you need can help accommodate growth and prevent the need for an upgrade down the line. For example, while the BFX7250 seems pretty large, once you start taking inventory of everything you plan on storing, it adds up pretty quickly to where you might need the space!

BFX7250

Browse Model

Key Takeaways on This Best Rated Gun Safe

Built with high-quality materials and subjected to extensive testing, BFX safes offer a level of security and fire protection that stands out in the industry. Each model is designed to withstand aggressive break-in attempts and extreme heat, ensuring that your firearms and valuables remain protected in even the most challenging conditions.

Beyond their durability, BFX safes also provide a level of customization that gives you the flexibility to choose exactly what you’re looking for. From lock options to aesthetic finishes, you can tailor your safe to match both your functional needs and personal style. Whether you’re a collector, a homeowner looking for added protection, or someone investing in long-term security, the BFX series delivers unmatched performance and peace of mind.

The recent Southern California wildfires have been a stark reminder of how unpredictable and devastating fire-related disasters can be. The dry conditions and high winds in January made the smallest spark turn into a roaring inferno. At American Security, we’ve heard firsthand from customers who were relieved to have a fire-resistant safe protecting their most valuable belongings and others who wished they had taken that precaution sooner.

This feedback we’ve been receiving has reinforced the importance of being prepared before disaster strikes. In this article, we’ll cover essential steps to safeguard your valuables and explain how a fire-resistant safe plays a critical role in fire preparedness. Wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react, so having a plan in place now can make all the difference when every second counts.

How to Prep for a Natural Disaster Like a Wildfire

During times of crisis, such as a wildfire, many people scramble to figure out what essential items to pack in a “go” bag for evacuation. Unfortunately, trying to make these decisions while a wildfire is approaching is far from ideal. The best approach is to plan ahead. By preparing an evacuation plan in advance, you can ensure you know exactly what to take when the time comes.

A typical evacuation kit includes critical items like medications, legal documents, a change of clothes, and other essentials. If you own or are in the market for a safe, it’s a great idea to store your most important documents—passports, birth certificates, social security cards, and more—inside a “go” bag you can quickly grab in an emergency.

Of course, it’s not possible to bring everything with you, and some items may have to be left behind. This is where a fire-resistant safe becomes invaluable. It can protect irreplaceable items that you cannot take with you, offering a shield against extreme temperatures. By investing in a quality safe, you give your valuables the best chance of surviving.

The Role of a Fire Resistant Safe for Wildfire Preparedness

At American Security, our safes offer more than just a steel exterior. While steel provides a solid foundation, we go a step further by incorporating fill materials designed to enhance fire resistance. This additional layer of protection helps shield your valuables from intense heat.

For example, paper documents begin to burn at temperatures as low as 350°F, making them highly vulnerable during a wildfire. By investing in a fire-resistant safe, you’re improving your chances that your most important belongings—documents, family heirlooms, or other valuables—will be protected from the extreme temperatures that wildfires generate. This extra layer of security can give you peace of mind, especially if you must leave your home during an evacuation.

Testing Process for Fire-Rated Safes

In order for a safe to have a fire-resistant certification, it must undergo strict testing procedures through industry-leading organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek-ETL. These serve as a good benchmark you can reference for the durability level of each safe you evaluate.

To summarize this testing process, American Security safes are subjected to high temperatures of 1,200 – 1,800°F and the interior of the container must stay below 350°F. If successful, depending on how long the product withstood the heat, it will typically receive a rating from UL or ETL ranging from 30-minutes to 2-hours.

What to Look For in a Fire-Rated Safe

First and foremost, seeing the term “fire-resistant” on a product label doesn’t guarantee it meets industry standards. To make your investment worthwhile, look for safes that have been independently tested and certified by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or ETL (Intertek). These certifications indicate that the safe has undergone rigorous testing to withstand extreme heat for a specified period.

• When shopping for a fire-rated safe, be sure to ask key questions, such as:
• What materials were used in construction? A high-quality fire-resistant safe should feature multiple layers of protective materials, including proprietary fireproofing insulation, to slow heat penetration.
• What is the fire rating? Check how long the safe can withstand high temperatures.
• What sizes do you have available for the heat protection I’m looking for? Make sure you’re prioritizing the size just as much as the materials.

As much as the safe fire rating matters, its size is just as important. Many American Security customers have shared that after experiencing a wildfire, they wished they had invested in a larger safe to protect more of their valuables. Losing irreplaceable items in a disaster can be devastating, and having extra space in your safe can safeguard more of what matters most. When choosing a fire-resistant safe, consider not only what you need to protect now but also what you may want to secure in the future.

Real-World Stories

After the recent Southern California wildfires, we’ve spoken to many individuals, one being a man who lost his entire Malibu home with only his American Security safe left standing. Inside, his entire irreplaceable arsenal and paper bonds were protected and kept in mint condition. His only regret was not purchasing an even bigger safe that was large enough to house more of his extensive World War II collection.

How to Choose the Right Fire-Resistant Safe

We’ve touched on this a little bit, but we want to emphasize the importance of selecting a safe that aligns with your needs and possible future plans. What you plan on storing now, may look different in the future. If you’re a gun enthusiast or an avid collector of other irreplaceable items, it’s not far-fetched that your inventory may grow.

If you’re located in a wildfire-prone area like Southern California, we suggest investing in a high fire-rated safe. Depending on the crime rate in your area, you also want to consider the burglary rating which determines how long it could take for an intruder to access the inside of your safe.

Other Steps to Protect Your Valuables from Fire

Investing in a fire-resistant safe is one of the most effective ways to protect your valuables, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. A well-rounded disaster plan includes additional steps to safeguard your important belongings in case of an emergency evacuation. Here are a few best practices to consider:

Create Digital Backups

While a high-quality safe offers strong protection, making digital copies of important documents—such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and property deeds—adds an extra layer of security. Store these files securely on an encrypted USB drive, cloud storage, or an external hard drive in a separate location.

Gather a “Go” Bag

A “go” bag is an important part of your emergency plan and should consist of essential items you’ll need when you need to evacuate quickly. Consider keeping one inside your fire-resistant safe for important documents you can’t leave home without, such as passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and social security cards. This ensures they remain protected from fire until you can retrieve them.

Additionally, prepare a separate emergency bag with everyday essentials, including:

• A change of clothes for each family member
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, soap, travel-sized hygiene products)
• Important medications and prescriptions
• Comfort items for children and pets (favorite toy, blanket, pet food)
• A small amount of cash in case ATMs or card systems are down

While many of these items may not have high monetary value, having them readily available can bring immense relief during a stressful evacuation. With a well-prepared go bag, you can focus on getting to safety rather than scrambling for necessities at the last minute.

Create a Home Inventory List

A home inventory list is essential for protecting your valuables and simplifying the insurance claims process in the event of a fire. Documenting your belongings—including photos, serial numbers, and descriptions—ensures you have a clear record of what was inside your home before disaster struck.

Relying solely on memory after a fire can make it difficult to recall every item lost. By preparing a detailed home inventory in advance, you’ll have concrete proof of ownership.

Have a Clear Evacuation Plan

Securing your valuables is important, but ensuring your family’s safety comes first. A well-prepared evacuation plan can make all the difference in a fire emergency or natural disaster.

• Establish a plan: Identify multiple exit routes from your home and designate a safe meeting point outside. Ensure every household member knows the plan and practices it regularly.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Keep a disaster-ready bag stocked with non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, and essential medications.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and have a battery-powered radio on hand to receive updates if power or cell service is down.

By planning ahead, you can focus on getting to safety quickly, knowing you have the essentials ready and a secure place to return to after the disaster.

Start Wildfire Prep Today

Wildfires can ignite without warning, leaving little time to react. That’s why preparation is key—the steps you take today can protect your valuables, home, and loved ones in the future. Make sure you:

• Secure important documents in a fire-resistant safe
• Prepare a “go” bag with essentials for quick evacuation
• Create a home inventory list for insurance purposes
• Establish a clear evacuation plan with multiple exit routes
• Keep an emergency kit stocked with food, water, and first-aid supplies

If you’re considering investing in a fire-resistant safe, check out American Security’s selection of top-tier fire rated safes, or if you aren’t sure where to start, our team is here to help. Contact us today, and we’ll assist you in finding the perfect safe for your valuables and necessities!

If you’re a gun owner, you probably already know that ammunition can get expensive. So it’s important to take the necessary steps to not only protect the investment of your firearms but also the ammo you need for them. We’re going to cover how to store ammo and the best practices you need to keep in mind.

Why Proper Ammunition Storage Safety Matters

Proper ammunition storage is more than just keeping your ammo out of sight—it’s about ensuring safety, longevity, and legal compliance. Here are a few reasons why storing ammo correctly is so important:

Safety Concerns

Ammunition that is improperly stored poses significant safety risks. When your ammo isn’t secured, it can easily fall into the hands of children or other unauthorized individuals, increasing the potential for misuse.

While ammunition is less flammable than some assume, improperly stored ammo in high-heat environments can also become a fire hazard. That’s why fire-resistant safes and/or containers for your ammo can mitigate this danger.

Preservation

Ammunition is an investment, and proper storage ensures that it performs as intended when needed. If ammo is exposed to humid environments, it can quickly experience corrosion on the casing or primer, rendering the ammo unreliable and unsafe to use.

Corroded ammunition can have a big impact on its performance, as it may fail to fire, misfire, or cause damage to the firearm itself. With the proper care and storage techniques, ammunition can remain viable for a long period of time. The best way to preserve the quality of your ammunition is by storing it in a cool, dry environment.

Compliance With Regulations

There isn’t a universal law around storing ammunition, but it’s important to refer to your local regulations to make sure you’re complying with those requirements. Plus, if you’re dealing with insurance policies, it’s important to review their rules for firearm and ammo storage just to make sure you aren’t violating that agreement.

By prioritizing safe and proper ammunition storage, you protect your household, preserve your investment, and ensure you remain compliant with local laws. These practices not only enhance security but also provide peace of mind for gun owners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Ammo

There are a few things you want to be aware of when it comes to storing your ammunition. Let’s go over a few of the common mistakes.

Neglecting Humid Conditions

It’s quite common for safes to collect humidity over time when you don’t utilize the right tools to combat the issue. This isn’t always a blatant issue for gun safe owners, and the worst thing that could happen is opening your safe and discovering that your supply has been damaged.

Humidity causes significant corrosion to your guns and ammo over time, so taking proactive steps to maintain dry conditions within your safe is worth the time and effort. Not only can corrosion occur, but mold and mildew can accumulate in the safe and around your valuables the longer the moisture remains.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding your firearms and ammo in your gun safe can be a detriment to you during emergency situations. In cases where you need to access your guns and ammunition quickly, the last thing you need is to fumble through your unorganized safe to get what you’re looking for. Every second counts, so dedicating the time to organize and label everything in your safe now so that you have an easier time maneuvering through it later, is extremely important.

Best Practices for Storing Ammo in a Gun Safe

Now let’s go over what steps you can take to avoid the mistakes we’ve mentioned and protect your ammo inventory.

Separate Guns & Ammo

To maintain organization, you should store your guns and ammo in separate areas of your safe. Some state laws require guns to be unloaded no matter if you’re storing them at home or transporting them somewhere. Similar to what we mentioned earlier, it’s important to check with your local area to make sure you’re following those regulations.

It’s best to store ammo at the bottom of your safe. Since ammunition is usually heavy, placing it on a shelf could cause it to collapse under the weight. Keeping it at the bottom offers a more stable and secure option.

Maintain a Dry Environment

If there’s one key takeaway from this article, it’s this: control humidity and keep the interior of your safe dry. There are some affordable solutions for this such as silica packets which minimize humidity levels. Another option is to purchase a gun safe dehumidifier that regulates the interior conditions.

These efforts will help you protect your guns and ammunition from experiencing any corrosion or degradation. It’s best to take a proactive approach, as it’s often that many gun safe owners only recognize the importance of dehumidification after discovering their valuables have been damaged.

Utilize Storage Containers

Not only will additional containers in your safe help with organization, but they can add another layer of protection to your supply. Many fireproof containers on the market can serve as a great storage solution. While many of our safes have strong fire ratings, it doesn’t hurt to bulk up your protection even more with quality containers.

Additional Tools and Accessories for How to Store Ammo

To maximize the space of your gun safe, we’re going to share some additional accessories you can use to effectively organize your collection.

Cabinets & Racks

If your gun safe has limited space, adding cabinets or racks can help improve organization. American Security offers storage cabinets designed to hold smaller valuables, freeing up more room in your safe for firearms and ammunition. This setup allows you to maximize available space while keeping everything neatly organized.

A feature that comes standard with our gun safes is our door organizer. This helps you maximize space by giving you another area to store more guns or ammunition that would otherwise be dispersed in the safe itself.

Lockable Storage Boxes

If you don’t have room in your gun safe or you have a bulk amount of ammo you don’t want to clutter the interior with, you can invest in lockable storage boxes. They come in a wide range of sizes, so depending on how large your inventory is and if you plan on transporting it, you can select the right one for you.

Dehumidifiers & Hygrometers

While we briefly touched on the importance of dehumidifiers, they often go well with hygrometers. This tool helps measure the level of vapor in the air and gives you a better idea of how you should manage the humidity within your safe.

Final Thoughts on How to Store Ammo Effectively

Storing ammo safely and effectively is straightforward, but it’s easy to overlook these simple strategies. Unfortunately, many only realize the need for better storage after discovering their ammunition has been damaged or compromised. By staying proactive and adopting the right storage practices, you can protect your investment, extend its lifespan, and reduce potential risks.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to American Security for any advice on storing your guns and ammo, we’d be happy to help you come up with the right solution for your needs.