Gander Mountain offered a range of gun safes designed for firearm collectors, hunters, and home defense enthusiasts seeking reliable security and quick access.
Shop quality gun safes, biometric models, and firearm security solutions on Amazon with fast shipping and customer reviews.
Types of Gun Safes
Gun safes come in various configurations designed for different storage needs and security requirements.
Long Gun Safes
Capacity: 8-64 rifles and shotguns
Best For: Hunters and collectors with multiple firearms
Heavy-duty steel construction with adjustable shelving and rifle racks. Fire-rated models protect firearms and ammunition during emergencies. Electronic and mechanical lock options available.
Biometric Safes
Access Time: 1-2 seconds
Best For: Quick home defense access
Fingerprint recognition technology allows rapid entry without fumbling for keys or combinations. Store multiple fingerprints for authorized users. Battery backup ensures access during power outages.
Fire-Rated Safes
Protection: 30-120 minutes at 1200°F
Best For: Valuable firearms and documents
Fire-resistant construction protects contents during structure fires. Expanded fire seal prevents heat and smoke damage. Tested and certified to withstand extreme temperatures for specified durations.
Quick Access Safes
Size: 1-4 handguns
Best For: Bedside home defense
Compact design fits in drawers or mounts to walls. Spring-loaded doors provide instant access. Digital keypads and biometric options eliminate searching for keys during emergencies.
Key Features to Consider
Selecting the right gun safe requires evaluating security features, capacity, and access methods that match your specific needs.
Security Construction
Steel gauge thickness determines pry resistance. 12-gauge to 7-gauge steel provides progressively better security against forced entry attempts.
Locking bolts secure the door at multiple points. Four to twenty bolts engage into the frame, preventing prying and lever attacks.
Relocker mechanisms activate when someone attempts to punch or drill through the lock. The safe remains locked even if the primary locking mechanism is compromised.
Fire Protection Ratings
Fire ratings indicate protection duration and temperature resistance. A 60-minute rating at 1200°F means contents remain below critical temperature for one hour during a typical house fire.
Fire seal expands when exposed to heat, creating a barrier against smoke and heat penetration. This protection extends to documents, ammunition, and sensitive firearm finishes.
Fire-resistant safes add significant weight due to insulating materials. A 24-gun fire-rated safe typically weighs 400-800 pounds, requiring proper floor support.
Access Methods
Electronic keypads offer convenience and allow multiple user codes. Battery life typically lasts 1-2 years with normal use. Low battery warnings prevent lockout situations.
Biometric fingerprint readers provide fastest access, typically 1-2 seconds. Store 20-100 fingerprints depending on model. Optical and capacitive sensors offer different reliability levels in various conditions.
Mechanical combination locks require no batteries and function reliably for decades. They take longer to open but eliminate electronic failure concerns.
Key override provides backup entry when electronic systems fail. Store backup keys securely and separate from the safe location.
Top Gun Safes on Amazon
Quality gun safes provide security, fire protection, and reliable access for firearms and valuables.
Stack-On 8-Gun Safe
Steel construction with three-point locking system. Removable shelves accommodate rifles and handguns. Electronic lock with key backup provides reliable access.
Foam-padded interior prevents scratches. Pre-drilled holes allow floor mounting for added security against tipping.
Shop NowSentrySafe Fire-Rated Gun Safe
Fire protection rated for 30 minutes at 1400°F. ETL verified fire and water resistance. Digital lock with pry-resistant door and solid steel construction.
Interior lighting illuminates contents. Adjustable shelving accommodates various firearm sizes and ammunition storage.
Shop NowBarska Biometric Safe
Fingerprint recognition stores up to 120 fingerprints. Solid steel construction with two deadbolt locks. Opens in under 2 seconds for quick access situations.
Pre-drilled mounting holes for floor or shelf installation. Backup keys included for emergency access.
Shop NowSteelwater Heavy Duty Safe
12-gauge steel with 60-minute fire rating. Holds 16-20 long guns with adjustable shelving. Electronic lock with drill-resistant hard plate protecting locking mechanism.
Pearl chrome finish resists scratches. Interior door panel organizer stores handguns and accessories.
Shop NowVaultek Slider Series
Rugged handgun safe with biometric scanner and smartphone app control. Rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 months. Anti-impact latches prevent bump attacks.
Built-in LED light. Modular interior accommodates various handgun sizes. Bluetooth enabled for remote monitoring.
Shop NowLiberty Safe Centurion
24-gun capacity with 75-minute fire rating at 1200°F. 11-gauge steel construction. Electronic lock with mechanical override. Twelve 1.5-inch locking bolts.
Adjustable shelving and door panel storage. Factory drilled for dehumidifier rod installation to prevent rust.
Shop NowSafe Capacity and Sizing
Advertised capacity typically assumes rifles without optics stacked tightly. Realistic capacity runs 50-60% of stated capacity when storing scoped rifles and accommodating comfortable access.
A 24-gun safe realistically holds 12-15 rifles with scopes. Plan for future growth when selecting capacity. Most collectors expand their collections over time.
Interior dimensions vary between manufacturers. Measure your tallest firearms and compare against internal height specifications, accounting for shelf thickness.
Width affects capacity significantly. Wider safes accommodate more firearms at comfortable spacing. Depth determines whether rifles fit without removing scopes or buttstocks.
Capacity Planning: Choose a safe with 50% more capacity than your current collection. This accommodates additions and allows comfortable firearm access without cramming weapons together.
Installation and Placement
Gun safe placement affects security, fire protection, and access convenience. Consider multiple factors before final installation.
Location Considerations
Basements provide hidden installation away from main living areas. However, flooding risk and concrete floors complicate delivery and installation.
Ground floor locations simplify delivery and installation. Avoid exterior walls where burglars can attack from outside. Interior walls provide additional security.
Closet installation conceals safes from casual observation. Ensure adequate clearance for door swing and comfortable access.
Avoid locations visible through windows. Thieves target homes with obvious valuable storage. Discretion enhances security.
Floor Support Requirements
Large gun safes weigh 400-1200 pounds empty. Loaded weight increases significantly with firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
Second-floor installation requires structural evaluation. Consult building professionals to verify floor joists can support concentrated weight safely.
Concrete floors provide ideal support for heavy safes. Wood floors may require reinforcement depending on safe weight and joist spacing.
Anchoring Methods
Bolt safes to floors using provided mounting holes. Concrete anchors require masonry bits and proper anchoring bolts rated for safe weight.
Wood floor mounting uses lag bolts extending into floor joists. Locate joists accurately and use multiple bolts for stability.
Wall anchoring prevents tipping for taller safes. Some models include wall attachment points in addition to floor mounting.
Safe Accessories and Upgrades
Accessories enhance gun safe organization, moisture control, and security beyond basic storage functions.
Dehumidifiers
Electric dehumidifier rods mount inside safes, generating gentle heat that reduces humidity. This prevents rust and corrosion on firearms and ammunition.
Desiccant packs absorb moisture without electricity. Replace or recharge them regularly based on ambient humidity conditions.
Humidity indicators show moisture levels inside sealed safes. Target humidity below 50% for optimal firearm preservation.
Lighting and Organization
LED lighting kits illuminate safe interiors for easy firearm identification. Motion-activated lights conserve battery life.
Door panel organizers store handguns, magazines, and accessories in readily accessible locations. Velcro and magnetic mounts hold items securely.
Rifle rods insert into barrel muzzles, standing rifles upright for doubled capacity. This organizational method fits more firearms in existing space.
Adjustable shelving accommodates ammunition boxes, optics, cleaning supplies, and other hunting gear alongside firearms.
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance ensures gun safes function reliably and protect contents effectively for decades.
Lock Maintenance: Test electronic locks monthly. Replace batteries annually even if low-battery warning hasn’t activated. Lubricate mechanical locks annually with graphite powder, never oil.
Hinge Lubrication: Apply lithium grease to hinges every six months. Wipe excess to prevent dust accumulation. Smooth hinge operation prevents stress on locking mechanisms.
Interior Cleaning: Vacuum carpet liner annually to remove dust and debris. Wipe steel surfaces with clean cloth. Address rust spots immediately with fine steel wool and protective coating.
Seal Inspection: Check door seals for damage or compression. Replace worn seals to maintain fire protection and moisture barriers.
Dehumidifier Function: Verify dehumidifier rods warm properly. Check desiccant packs for saturation. Monitor humidity indicators and maintain below 50% relative humidity.
Legal Requirements and Compliance
Gun storage regulations vary by state and local jurisdiction. Research applicable laws before purchasing gun safes.
Some states require specific security standards for firearm storage, particularly in homes with children. California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have detailed safe storage laws.
Federal law doesn’t mandate specific storage methods for most gun owners. However, licensed firearms dealers face strict storage requirements.
Homeowner insurance policies may require specific security measures for firearms coverage. Verify policy requirements and document safe installation for claims purposes.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations govern firearm storage during air travel. Approved hard-sided cases with specific locking mechanisms meet requirements.
Security Beyond the Safe
Gun safes form one component of comprehensive home security strategy. Multiple security layers provide better protection.
Home Security Systems: Alarm systems deter break-ins and alert authorities during attempted burglaries. Motion sensors and window contacts detect intrusion before thieves reach safes.
Security Cameras: Visible cameras discourage criminal activity. Modern systems send smartphone alerts during suspicious activity, allowing rapid response.
Discretion: Avoid discussing firearm collections publicly or posting photos showing safe locations online. Criminals research targets before committing burglaries.
Insurance Documentation: Photograph firearms with serial numbers visible. Store documentation separately from safes. This aids recovery and insurance claims.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size gun safe do I need?
Choose a safe with 50% more capacity than your current collection. A 24-gun safe realistically holds 12-15 scoped rifles. This accommodates future purchases and allows comfortable access without cramming firearms together. Measure your tallest firearms and compare against interior dimensions.
Are biometric gun safes reliable?
Quality biometric safes from reputable manufacturers provide reliable access in 1-2 seconds. They store 20-100 fingerprints and work in various conditions. Choose models with backup key access for emergencies. Battery backup prevents lockout during power failures.
How much fire protection do I need?
Minimum 30-minute fire rating at 1200°F provides basic protection for most residential fires. Serious collectors should consider 60-90 minute ratings. Fire-rated safes cost more and weigh significantly more due to insulating materials. Balance protection level against budget and structural requirements.
Can I install a gun safe upstairs?
Large gun safes can be installed upstairs with proper structural support evaluation. Safes weighing 400-1200 pounds loaded may require floor reinforcement. Consult building professionals to verify floor joists can handle concentrated weight safely. Ground floor installation is simpler and safer.
Should I bolt my gun safe to the floor?
Yes, bolt all gun safes to floors using provided mounting holes. This prevents thieves from tipping or removing safes. Concrete anchors work best for basement installations. Wood floor mounting requires lag bolts extending into floor joists. Wall anchoring adds tipping resistance for taller safes.
How do I prevent rust in my gun safe?
Install an electric dehumidifier rod or use rechargeable desiccant packs to control moisture. Maintain humidity below 50%. Monitor with humidity indicators. Apply light oil to firearms before storage. Avoid storing wet or recently cleaned guns without proper drying. Check firearms monthly for corrosion signs.
What’s the difference between fire-rated and fireproof safes?
Fire-rated safes specify protection duration and temperature resistance tested by independent laboratories. Fireproof is a marketing term without standardized testing. Look for specific ratings like “60 minutes at 1200°F” rather than vague fireproof claims. Certified ratings indicate actual tested performance.
Do electronic locks require maintenance?
Replace batteries annually even without low-battery warnings. Test locks monthly to ensure proper function. Some electronic locks require periodic recalibration. Keep backup keys accessible but secure. Quality electronic locks last 10-20 years with minimal maintenance.
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