Two of the most important elements in gun safe construction are steel and fire protection. MERIK constructs the vast majority of our gun safes with an outer steel body, a proprietary fire-resistant cement wall fill, and an inner steel security liner. The inner steel security liner provides a secondary barrier to further prevent attempted forced entry.

• The inner steel liner creates a "Safe within a Safe."

The construction of a gun safe's door and walls are the most critical line of defense from preventing a determined criminal from gaining access to your valuables.

We focus on the following critical areas...

• Door steel thickness
• Exterior body wall steel thickness
• Secondary inner steel security liner thickness (the "Safe within a Safe") 
• Fire rating
• The placement, size, and number of active locking bolts
• Lock and locking mechanism

NOTE: When viewing MERIK safes please take the time to compare MERIK Safe steel thicknesses, the number and size of active locking bolts, features, designs, price and MERIK's Best in Class Warranty. Once you have done so you will understand the real value that we provide. 

 

Safe Steel Thickness Chart

Steel thickness or steel gauge is probably the most misunderstood fact in the gun safe industry...

NOTE: The higher the steel gauge number, the thinner the steel!

 

 

When it comes to firearms safety and security, gun safes are an important investment for responsible gun owners. However, not all gun safes are created equal. While many may appear similar on the outside, the differences in construction, materials, and locking mechanisms can have a significant impact on the level of security provided. Here are some reasons why all gun safes are not equal.

Construction Quality: One of the most significant factors that affect the quality of a gun safe is the construction. The quality of the construction is determined by the type of materials used and the manufacturing process used to build the safe. High-quality gun safes are typically constructed with thick steel walls, doors, and frames, making them resistant to forced entry. The minimum steel thickness for a gun safe should be 12mm (The thicker the steel, the more secure the safe will be.

On the other hand, lower-quality gun safes may be constructed with thinner steel or lower-grade materials that are easily penetrated. These safes may look similar to high-quality models, but they provide much less security.

Locking Mechanisms: The locking mechanism is another critical factor in the security of a gun safe. High-quality gun safes have advanced locking mechanisms that are resistant to picking, drilling, and other forms of tampering. These locking mechanisms typically feature a mechanical combination lock, electronic keypad, or biometric lock that provides quick access while maintaining high levels of security.

In contrast, lower-quality gun safes may use less sophisticated locking mechanisms that are easier to pick or manipulate. In many cases, these safes may be opened by simply hitting them with a hammer or prying them open with a crowbar.

Fire Protection: Another factor to consider when purchasing a gun safe is fire protection. Fire-resistant gun safes are designed to protect firearms and other valuables from damage in the event of a fire. The level of fire protection provided by a gun safe is determined by the fire rating, which is measured in minutes.

High-quality gun safes typically have a fire rating of at least 60 minutes or more. These safes are designed to withstand high temperatures and protect the contents inside from damage. Lower-quality gun safes may have a lower fire rating, making them less effective in protecting firearms from fire damage.

Size and Capacity: Finally, the size and capacity of a gun safe are also important factors to consider. High-quality gun safes come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate a range of firearms, ammunition, and other valuables. They may also feature customizable shelving or interior configurations to provide maximum flexibility.

Low-quality gun safes may be limited in size and capacity, making them unsuitable for larger firearms or collections. Additionally, these safes may not have customizable interior configurations, limiting the owner's ability to store firearms and other items in a way that maximizes security and accessibility.

In conclusion, all gun safes are not created equal. While many may look similar on the outside, the differences in construction, materials, locking mechanisms, fire protection, size, and capacity can have a significant impact on the level of security provided. Responsible gun owners should carefully consider their needs and choose a gun safe that provides the highest level of security and protection for their firearms and other valuables. By investing in a high-quality gun safe, gun owners can ensure that their firearms remain secure and protected, helping to prevent theft, unauthorized access, and other potential dangers.