How to Choose a Safe for Storing Firearms

A gun safe is a special protective box designed for storing firearms and ammunition.

Gun safes vary in protection level, capacity, and type of lock. When choosing one, it’s important to consider the body material, locking system, and additional features such as anti-burglary and fire resistance. We’ll explain how to choose a gun safe in this guide.

The first step we recommend before choosing a gun or storage location is to attend shooting courses in Kyiv. Professional trainers will help you choose a firearm and teach you how to use it.

Choosing a gun safe is not just a formality—it's a matter of safety. The firearm owner bears full responsibility, so it’s important to take into account the basic requirements for gun safes:

1. Protection level:

• Burglary protection: metal thickness from 3–5 mm, compliance with standards DSTU EN 1143-1 or EN 14450 (classes S1, S2, 0, I, II).
• Fire resistance: compliance with DSTU EN 15659 (LFS 30P — 30-minute protection at 170°C, LFS 60P — 60 minutes).

2. Lock type:

• Key — inexpensive but more susceptible to tampering.
• Mechanical combination — reliable, but requires skill to enter the code.
• Electronic combination — convenient, but depends on batteries.
• Biometric (touch) — reliable, opens with fingerprint or face scan, but the most expensive.
• Optimal — 2–3 locks for added security.

3. Safe installation:

• Mandatory anchoring to the floor and wall (preferably in a corner or niche).
• Reliable surfaces: concrete, brick, metal (not drywall or wood).
• Optimal placement: out of sight, at least 1.5 m from the entrance, 0.5 m from windows, 1 m from heaters.

The main types of gun safes include safes for pistols (i.e., short-barreled weapons), safes for long-barreled weapons, fire-resistant safes, and built-in safes.

Individual Safes for Short-Barreled Firearms

Safes for short-barreled firearms are specifically designed for pistols and ammunition. They resemble furniture or office safes in appearance but have a reinforced design and enhanced security.

As a rule, they are equipped with key or electronic locks, as well as a separate lockable compartment for ammunition.

Safes for Rifles and Long-Barreled Weapons

Gun safes are designed for secure storage of long-barreled weapons and ammunition. They can hold between one and five firearms.

Most models are equipped with a special compartment for ammunition. It is locked with a separate key lock to provide additional safety. For reliable protection, gun safes come with two key locks or a combined system — electronic and key lock.

Fire-Resistant Gun Safes

Fire-resistant gun safes are designed to protect firearms in case of fire, shielding them from high temperatures. Before choosing a suitable model, it’s important to determine the necessary fire resistance level.

The frame of such safes is filled with special fireproof material that effectively resists flames. Depending on the model, the structure can withstand extreme temperatures for 30 to 60 minutes.

Built-In Gun Safes

Built-in safes are considered among the most secure options for firearm storage. Thanks to hidden installation, these models are great for homes, apartments, military or security facilities.

The structure of built-in gun safes is reinforced, and various types of locks are used as locking mechanisms. Additionally, built-in models are easy to conceal behind furniture, paintings, or mirrors, making them virtually invisible in the interior.

When buying a gun safe, it is important to consider several key parameters to ensure maximum storage safety:

• Type of firearm. Models for short-barreled weapons are not suitable for long-barreled ones.
• Capacity. Consider the number of firearms, keeping future needs in mind. Also, ammunition will be stored in the safe.
• Lock type. Lock reliability is crucial. Some models support connection to a security system for added protection.
• Fire resistance. Check whether the safe has fire-resistant features. Most models offer basic heat protection, but only specialized fire-resistant safes withstand temperatures up to 1000 °C.
• Additional security features. Custom-made safes may include reinforced anti-burglary mechanisms. Heavier models should be anchored to the floor or wall, while compact ones can be hidden in less visible places.

To avoid counterfeits, check that the seller provides the necessary certifications.