Look, you’ve bought your dream firearms, invested in some cool accessories, and you’re just about ready to become John Wick—except with better judgment, hopefully.
But before you go all Matrix on us, let’s talk about storing that piece of lethal art. It’s a tale as old as time: you need a gun safe, but you’re also worried about fires.
So, the million-dollar question is: are gun safes fireproof? Hold onto your holsters, folks, we’re diving deep into this hot topic.
The Myth of ‘Fireproof’ Safes
Let’s clear the air first and foremost because it’s crucial to acknowledge that no gun safe, absolutely no gun safe out there, can claim to be 100% fireproof. Not a single one, not one tiny bit.
And if there happens to be someone who dares to tell you otherwise, well, my friend, they’re likely just trying to pull a fast one on you, maybe even attempting to sell you a majestic bridge in the bustling city of Brooklyn.
Trust me on this, I’ve been deeply entrenched in this industry for years, long enough to realize that the term ‘fireproof’ is nothing more than a clever marketing ploy rather than a scientifically backed statement.
While some manufacturers may adore casually tossing around this term like confetti, don’t let their flashy claims blind you from the truth. Oh no, it’s far more intricate and complex than that, my fellow firearm enthusiasts!
So let’s take a moment to dig deeper and unravel the layers of this smoke-and-mirrors game.”
Understanding Fire Ratings
Alright, ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, because it’s time for us to delve into the fascinating world of Fire Ratings 101. You see, when it comes to gun safes, they often come equipped with fire ratings that serve as a measure of how long these safes can effectively shield their precious contents when faced with intense temperatures.
However, brace yourselves, for here’s the twist that might just blow your mind: there exists no universally accepted standard for these ratings!
Yes, you heard it right. In fact, manufacturers have the liberty to conduct their own tests on these safes, and let me tell you, their testing methods can range from the adorable and endearing to the downright rigorous and vigorous. Quite a diverse spectrum indeed!
As an illustration, let’s delve deeper into the topic of fire ratings. Merely having a 30-minute fire rating at 1,400°F does not guarantee that your prized AR-15 will emerge unscathed without even a single mark.
It is essential to take into account several other crucial factors, including the ambient room temperature, the specific placement of the safe, and the level of insulation it possesses.
Consequently, it is unwise to treat these ratings as indisputable truths or absolute gospel, as they ought to be regarded as more flexible guidelines, subject to the intricacies and variables of real-world scenarios.
If you want to increase the odds of protecting your firearms from heat damage, look for safes with actual UL-certified fire resistance- as shown below (the longer the resistance, the better).
What’s Inside the Safe Matters
You can’t simply disregard the importance of properly safeguarding your ammunition and cherished family heirlooms by haphazardly stashing them in any safe and assuming your responsibility is fulfilled.
It is crucial to acknowledge that diverse materials possess distinct melting points, implying that certain objects may potentially endure irreversible harm, even if the safe’s external casing exhibits exceptional resilience.
To illustrate this point further, let’s envisage that you have securely kept some of your favorite polymer-framed pistols within your safe. Despite the chance that the safe might emerge unscathed, the intense heat could undeniably wreak havoc on these delicate yet aesthetically pleasing plastic masterpieces.
When evaluating your options for a secure storage solution, it is important to seriously contemplate what precisely you intend to store and how inherently vulnerable those particular items are to the damaging effects of heat.
Furthermore, not all fireproof safes are created equal. More competent (and expensive) designs that disconnect the metal frame from the interior walls do a much better job of creating a buffer zone between the hot exterior and the interior- thus keeping the temperature inside to a minimum.
Considerations for Fireproofing
If you happen to find yourself in possession of a surplus amount of cash that is literally begging to be spent, a clever and pun-filled solution would be to channel your inner investment guru and direct those funds toward acquiring a top-tier gun safe.
Now, it’s crucial to opt for a safe that boasts multiple layers of fire-resistant material like gypsum board, for this ensures that your hard-earned currency will survive unscathed even in the face of raging flames. External hinges are important too since they keep those substantial metal hinges from transmitting heat to the inside of the safe.
Remember, the thicker the lining of said safe, the higher the degree of protection it offers, turning it into an impenetrable fortress safeguarding your valuable possessions.
To amplify the level of security, it’s advisable to carefully select a location for your safe that is situated far from any flammable items, preventing potential disaster and guaranteeing some additional peace of mind.
For those who strive for absolute perfection and refuse to settle for anything less, some individuals even take it upon themselves to go above and beyond by installing an elaborate sprinkler system directly above their precious safe; now that’s what we call an overachiever.
Alternatives & Conclusions
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, fire-resistant document bags inside a basic gun safe are a cheaper but less effective alternative. You could also bury your safe underground, but let’s not go full pirate, shall we?
At the end of the day, no gun safe is truly fireproof, but some are better than others. Do your homework, scrutinize those fire ratings, and understand the value proposition compared to safes above and below that price point.
And always remember, you’re not just protecting your firearms, but also the investment and emotional value attached to them.
