The Gun Safe Care Guideline

There are several references to “The Gun Safe Care Guideline” on the internet, however there are a few important bits of information that are not included in most online guides. Proper care for a gun safe begins at the time of delivery or purchase and continues throughout the life of the safe. Upon arrival or purchase, the safe should be inspected for any visible damage. Testing the knob and combination or electronic lock is also important, to ensure it is in working order. Some safes are damaged during transit, often bending the parts of a lock inside the door, making it unable to lock when closed. If this happens, contact the company holding the warranty. They will often send out their own approved locksmith; removing the door without consent will void the warranty of most safes.

After purchasing a gun safe, it is best to keep the door closed and locked at all times. This is especially important for safe owners who live in humid climates. Even if the door is kept closed, dessecant beads should be purchased and placed in the bottom corner of the gun rack compartment. Any other compartments that are large should have a small amount of dessecant housed there also. It is crucial to understand the directions for care of dessecant beads and follow them exactly. Read the package thoroughly and save the instructions, always keeping the substance away from pets or children. Dessecant is a substance that traps moisture from humidity or steam. When used properly, they will prevent odors, mold, mildew and other damages commonly seen from moisture. Moisture will not only ruin the inside material of the safe, but it may also damage some guns, wood stocks or some types of improperly-sealed ammunition.

If young children or teens live in the house, parents should use their discretion about whether or not kids should know the gun safe’s code. Many shootings have occurred because children or teens know the safe code and obtain the gun while their parents are not home. It is recommended that parents ensure kids do not play with the safe, especially if it has an electronic lock pad. Keeping the safe in a cool and dry location is also important. It is best to keep it out of plain view, but if that isn’t possible, there is no need to worry. Safes may be bolted down to the floor if they are lighter in weight. By bolting the unit to the floor, this will ensure that someone will not be able to break in, pick it up on a lift and haul it away. Renters should check with their landlords for acceptable forms of bolting a safe down. If flooding occurs in the house, due to natural disaster or a failed appliance, it is important to let the safe dry out thoroughly if water has come into contact with it. Some models have airtight seals, but most less expensive safes do not, so drying is necessary.

One of the best ways to avoid a safe being stolen is to fill the empty compartments with ammunition. Ammo is heavy, especially in large quantities. Filling a safe with it will add up to 500 extra pounds, depending on how much room the safe has. Proper safe care includes keeping the combination in a location that isn’t visible to everyone. Writing it down in a cryptic form is suggested. Also writing it in a location where nobody would look is a good idea. Every few years, it isn’t a bad idea to change the combination. Have a trusted locksmith perform this service. The locksmith will also be able to remove the door panel and service any parts that require it. It is important to choose a trusted locksmith with accreditation and a good reputation. Untrustworthy locksmiths running scam businesses have been known to return or send friends to break into a safe, stealing the entire contents. Nevertheless, it is best to remove all contents from the safe before a locksmith comes to service it. Always check with the manufacturer before calling a locksmith; as mentioned, removing the door, even if its for servicing, may void the warranty if permission is not granted.