7 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Gun Safe (And How to Avoid Them)
So, you’re thinking about buying a gun safe. Great call. Locking your firearms away securely isn’t just about protecting your investment; it’s about keeping your family and home safe. But if you’re not careful, it’s also surprisingly easy to end up with something that doesn’t actually meet your needs.
A gun safe isn’t a one-size-fits-all purchase. And because it’s not something most people buy more than once, the learning curve can be steep. Here are seven mistakes people commonly make when buying a gun safe—plus how to steer clear of them.
1. Underestimating the Size
This one tops the list for a reason. Way too many people buy a safe that’s “just big enough” for what they currently own, then quickly outgrow it.
Here’s what happens: you measure your current collection, find a safe that fits those items, and think you’re sorted. But then maybe you add another firearm. Or want to store documents. Or need a spot for your camera gear. Suddenly, your “perfect” fit is bursting at the seams.
If you’re already going to the effort of buying and installing a gun safe, make sure it’s future-proof.
Tip: Go at least 30% larger than you think you need. Seriously, you won’t regret it.
2. Focusing Only on Fire Protection
A lot of people get drawn in by fire ratings. And sure, fire resistance is important. But it’s not the only thing.
Safes with high fire ratings aren’t always the most secure when it comes to burglary. And a safe that survives a house fire but opens with a crowbar isn’t doing its job.
Think balance. You want a safe that protects from both fire and forced entry, not just one or the other.
Some shoppers also get caught up in the fire duration rating (like 30, 60, or 90 minutes) without understanding what those numbers really mean. These are based on controlled tests, not real house fire conditions. So don’t treat them as guarantees.
3. Choosing the Wrong Lock Type
Next on the list of what to consider when buying a gun safe is your access preferences. Dial or digital? Biometric or keyed? It’s easy to think all locks are created equal, but different styles suit different people, so this is an important point to consider.
For example:
- Digital locks are fast and easy to open, but they need battery changes.
- Dial locks are super reliable, but slower in an emergency.
- Biometric options feel high-tech, but can fail with dirty fingers or low power.
Think about how quickly you want to be able to open it, how many people need access, and how often you’ll be using it.
4. Ignoring the Weight and Placement
Where will your safe go? And can your floor actually support it? Safes can easily weigh several hundred kilos. If you’re planning to put it upstairs, in a garage, or on a floating floor, you’ll need to think about structural support.
Also, will you be bolting it down? If not, a thief could just walk off with it.
Before you buy, plan where it will live, how it will get there, and whether you’ll need help with delivery or installation.
Pro tip: Go for a spot that’s discreet but accessible. The back of a closet or built-in cupboard works well.
5. Overlooking the Interior Layout
The inside of the safe matters just as much as the outside. Some people end up with safes that technically “fit” their firearms, but only by stacking or cramming everything in awkwardly.
Look for:
- Adjustable shelving
- Proper rifle and handgun holders
- Space for accessories like ammo, scopes, or cleaning kits
If the layout doesn’t match how you use your gear, you’ll end up frustrated every time you open the door.
And remember, some interiors are lined with carpet or felt. That’s great for preventing scratches, but it can retain moisture, which increases the risk of rust. Consider adding a dehumidifier or moisture absorber if you’re in a humid climate.
6. Going Too Cheap
A decent gun safe isn’t a budget buy, and there’s a reason for that. You might be tempted to grab a cheaper cabinet from a hardware store and call it a day. But flimsy metal, weak hinges, or poorly made locks can all defeat the purpose of having a safe in the first place. And if you’re storing firearms for security and legal compliance, cutting corners just isn’t worth it.
That doesn’t mean you have to go top of the line, but be realistic about what you’re getting at each price point. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
7. Forgetting About Delivery, Access, and Anchoring
You’ve bought the safe. It’s on the way. But how are you getting it inside? This part often gets overlooked. Heavy safes aren’t easy to move, especially through tight hallways, stairs, or narrow doors. And once it’s in, you’ll want to secure it properly. That usually means bolting it to concrete or a solid frame.
Some safes come with pre-drilled holes; others don’t. Some installers will do the bolting for you, but not always. Before you click “buy,” double-check:
Can it fit through all access points?
Do you need equipment or help to move it?
Will you be anchoring it? If so, how?
Skipping these questions can leave you with a safe that’s either stuck in the garage or not properly secured at all.
Don’t Regret the Buy
Gun safes aren’t just about locking things away; they’re about doing it right. A good safe gives you peace of mind. It protects what matters, but only if it fits your needs, your space, and your lifestyle.
Avoid the common traps:
- Go bigger than you think you need.
- Balance fire protection with security.
- Pick a lock that suits your daily use.
- Consider where and how it’ll live.
- Check the interior before buying.
- Don’t cheap out on security.
- Plan for the install and anchoring.
Get those things right, and you’ll end up with something that works long-term, not just something that ticks a box. Because when it comes to storing firearms, “close enough” isn’t good enough.
