Whether you live alone or with others, practicing responsible gun safety is critical for protecting yourself and those around you. A key part of that responsibility is securely storing firearms when they’re not in use. With so many storage options available, it can be challenging to determine the right solution for your needs.
Responsible gun owners are likely familiar with gun storage laws, which can vary significantly by state. While it’s important to understand and follow the regulations in your area, a quality gun safe is a reliable way to practice safe firearm storage, regardless of local requirements.
Why a Gun Safe Helps With Firearm Safety
Gun storage laws vary by state, with some states having stricter laws than others. According to a report from ABC News, around 43% of households store loaded guns, and half of those households don’t put them in locked containers.
No matter what laws are in your area, not storing your guns in a secure location is considered unsafe. While some may assume a gun safe adds another barrier during an emergency, this is simply not true as long as you invest in a quality security solution.
A well-designed safe allows you to retrieve your firearm quickly when needed while keeping it secure at all other times. Many safes offer a range of locking options, including electronic push-button keypads and mechanical locks that provide both speed and reliability. By using a gun safe that balances accessibility and protection, you can reduce the risk of accidents, theft, or unauthorized use without sacrificing peace of mind or readiness in an emergency.
Features to Look for in a Home Gun Safe for Firearm Safety
Now, let’s go over the types of features you should keep on your radar for your next gun safe to help you come to the right decision.
Gun Safe Weight
The weight of a gun safe is a significant factor in firearm security. A lightweight safe can be easily lifted, carried away, or even broken open by intruders. To prevent theft and unauthorized access, you want to make sure you choose a safe with substantial weight. A heavier safe makes it much more difficult for anyone to remove or tamper with it. Choosing a safe that’s difficult to move provides an extra layer of protection and greater peace of mind that your firearms are secure.
Size & Capacity
The size and capacity of a gun safe are important factors to consider. Most manufacturers will indicate how many firearms a safe can hold. This information helps you determine how many of your guns can be stored securely and whether you may need a larger safe to accommodate future additions to your collection. Choosing the right size will help ensure your firearms are organized and accessible while remaining protected.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is the first line of defense for your firearms. Without a strong lock, a safe is little more than a box. It’s important to evaluate how the safe lock operates, the quality and material of the locking bolts, and any additional layers of protection available. For example, some AMSEC gun safes feature hard plates that protect against punch attacks on the lock. You can also choose a safe equipped with a relocker, which automatically engages and secures the safe if the primary lock is tampered with. Investing in a high-quality locking mechanism ensures that your firearms remain secure from unauthorized access, even when burglars attempt to use tools to tamper with and crack open the safe.
Anchoring Options
Many safes also offer the option to anchor your safe to the floor of whatever room you plan on storing it in. On top of choosing a heavy safe, this can offer another layer of security where there’s no chance a burglar can take off with your safe in their possession.
Fire Protection
Many gun safes make claims to either be “fireproof” or “fire-resistant”. Either way, it’s important to check if those statements are backed by ratings/certifications. The manufacturers themselves can have a rating system (like AMSEC), or some safes could receive certifications from third-party organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and ETL-Intertek.
Door Construction
The safe door is typically the first place intruders will attempt to break into to access your belongings. Because of this, we recommend investing in a solution that offers significant security that prevents many different types of break-ins. This can be done through the thickness of the door, locking bolts, relockers, and other materials used to construct the door.
Interior Organization
Proper interior organization helps keep your firearms stored safely and prevents them from leaning against each other or becoming damaged. Choose a safe with enough space to hold your firearms securely, along with any accessories or valuables you plan to store. Adjustable shelving, cabinets, and interior lighting can also make it easier to keep everything organized and accessible while maintaining a safe storage environment.
Find the AMSEC Home Gun Safe That Fits Your Needs
Now that you know what features to look for in a gun safe, you might be wondering which AMSEC models stand out as the best options available today. Luckily, all the features and signs of a strong safe design are included in all of our gun safe models. Here’s a quick breakdown of each of our gun safe series.
TF Gun Safe Series
The TF gun safes offer the perfect combination of affordability and quality. You’ll find that the body of the safe is built with 14-gauge (14GA) solid steel and a 0.1875″ thick solid steel plate door. This construction helps ensure that there’s protection on all four sides of the safe and successfully prevents successful prying, drilling, or other types of burglary attacks. These models also come with an independent 30-minute fire rating at 1200°F.
TF5924
TF5517
NF Gun Safe Series
The NF gun safe series is another set of safes that are economical options and high-quality security for your arsenal. This particular series has received UL’s stamp of approval with an RSC Level 1 burglary rating. This has been achieved through the 0.1875” thick steel body, 4-way boltwork, and 14 large 1.5” diameter chrome-plated bolts. Plus, these safes are built with fire-resistant materials and have received ETL fire ratings for 90 minutes at 1200°F.
NF5924
NF6030
NF6032
NF6036
SF Gun Safe Series
The SF gun safes offer a great balance of security and fire resistance, thanks to their 12-gauge (12GA) solid steel body that’s lined with 3-4 layers of drywall. As a result, these models have received a 60-minute fire rating at 1200°F from ETL. Similar to other models we’ve showcased, the SF safes are built with 4-way bolt work and 14 massive 1.25” diameter chrome-plated bolts.
SF6030
SF6032
SF6036
SF7240
RF Gun Safe Series
The RF Gun Safe Series represents the highest standard in firearm security. These safes are built to withstand advanced burglary attempts and deliver unmatched protection for your firearms and valuables. Models such as the RF703620X6 and RF582820X6 stand out as the only UL TL-30×6-rated gun safes on the market. The RF6528 model also doesn’t disappoint with its UL TL-30 rating.
The difference between these certifications comes down to the level of testing. Both ratings require the safe to withstand 30 minutes of net working time. However, the TL-30 certification allows two testers 30 minutes to attempt entry through the door and 5 minutes on the safe body. The TL-30×6 rating raises the bar by allowing testers the full 30 minutes to attack all six sides of the safe.
Each RF Series safe features a 6-inch thick high-security composite door and ten 1.5-inch diameter chrome-plated locking bolts that secure the door firmly in place. These reinforcements make the RF Series one of the most secure and durable gun safes available, providing confidence that your firearms are protected against even the most determined intruders.
RF703620X6
RF582820X6
RF6528
BFII Gun Safe Series
The BFII Gun Safe Series delivers advanced protection for those seeking one of the most secure firearm storage options available. These safes are the only UL RSC Level 2-rated gun safes on the market, providing double the burglary protection of standard gun safe models. In addition to superior burglary resistance, the BFII series has earned an ETL fire rating of 120 minutes at 1200°F, providing exceptional protection in extreme conditions.
Each BFII safe is built with a 0.5-inch-thick solid steel plate door that can withstand aggressive forced entry attempts. The impressive fire resistance comes from AMSEC’s proprietary DryLight material, which forms a seamless and lightweight barrier against heat. Dual door seals provide an added level of protection against smoke and fire, expanding when exposed to high temperatures to keep the interior secure. The combination of strength, heat resistance, and thoughtful engineering makes the BFII series a dependable choice for firearm safety and peace of mind.
BFII6024
BFII6030
BFII6032
BFII6636
BFII7240
BFII7250
BFX Gun Safe Series
The AMSEC BFX Gun Safe Series offers a high level of protection through its advanced design and construction. Each safe features double steel walls with an 11-gauge outer steel barrier and a 12-gauge inner steel barrier, creating a strong and durable body that resists forced entry. Like the BFII safes, the BFX models incorporate the proprietary DryLight fire-resistant material and dual door seals, earning an ETL fire rating of 120 minutes at 1200°F.
What sets the BFX series apart is its advanced locking system. Each model is equipped with the Active 4x Locking System, which uses four-way bolt work that secures all sides of the door and a spring-loaded relocking device that’s built in to prevent punch attacks. Even if the lock dial is removed, this relocker automatically engages, delivering another level of protection. This combination of heavy-duty steel construction, superior fire resistance, and advanced locking technology makes the BFX series one of the most secure gun safes available today.
BFX6024
BFX6030
BFX6032
BFX6636
BFX7240
BFX7250
Key Takeaways on Utilizing a Home Gun Safe for Firearm Safety
With so many gun safes available, choosing the right one requires careful consideration of both safety features and personal needs. Before purchasing, review your local gun storage laws to confirm that your choice complies with state regulations.
Make sure to take an inventory of your current firearms and consider whether you plan to expand your collection in the future. This will help you choose a safe with enough space to grow into rather than one you’ll quickly outgrow. It is also important to decide which type of protection matters most to you. For instance, if your primary goal is to keep firearms out of reach of children while also having some fire resistance, you can select a model that balances those needs without requiring the highest level of burglary protection.
Ultimately, the best gun safe is one that fits your lifestyle, meets legal requirements, and provides reliable protection for your firearms and valuables for years to come. American Security offers a wide variety of solutions to choose from that could fit your particular needs. Explore our gun safe models and find a dealer near you who can help walk you through your next purchase!