by Robert Fox
Do you know a firearm? If yes, you will agree that protecting your firearm is a priority. Guns are one of the home's most valued possession, and as a gun owner, you are charged with a great responsibility as every consequence and action of your firearm is solely on you. You wouldn't want to see your gun in the wrong hand, be it an intruder, a stranger, or a kid. This is why ensuring your gun(s) is safe is very important. This is where a gun safe comes in, as it will help secure your gun(s).
These days, gun safes are more than basic combination lock safes. They feature numerous incredible features, which improve its overall security and usage.
There are numerous products to choose from as long as firearm safes are concerned. Most of these gun safes are expensive, and it won't be nice to invest in a product that will give you less value. Hence, in this article, I have compiled a list of the best gun safes worth less than $1000. These products have been tested and noted to be best in 2023.
Also, due to the many gun safe options in the market, I have formulated a well-detailed buying guide, highlighting all the crucial factors you need to check out when purchasing a gun safe for your firearm(s). You will also find answers to the most frequently asked questions about gun safes in this guide.
Contents
When you have gun, it is important to keep it safe. For the gun safety, there are many reliable safes available in the market under 1000 dollars. You must keep your guns safe. It is important to keep them away from the reach of kids and it also lowers the risk of theft. The gun safes are specially designed to save the guns. They are used from many decades but there are many models available in the market are simple and versatile. They are resistant, strong enough, and even fire proof.
When you are buying the gun safe, it depends which type of guns you want to keep safe. It also depends on the number of guns. Before buying gun safe, you must find out about your local law enforcement to determine whether you are okay to purchase such a particular kind of safe.
After meeting the legal requirements, the gun safe should have enough space in it to keep the cartridges and additional clips. It should have good security system and easily accessible at the time of any emergency. There are four main types of gun safe lock systems in the market that are keyed, electronic and biometric or combination of both. Each security system has its own pros and cons.If you are willing to buy a good gun safe under 1000 dollars, we can help you here to fine out best one. It is a life time purchasing. If you buy a good one that meets your need, you didn't need to change it again and again. Here are some good ideas for you given below.
If you need a gun safe capable of holding less than four guns, the Barska Quick Access gun safe is the ideal product for you. The product features a dimension of 52.13" long, 9.75" wide, and 8.63" deep; thus, it does not require or consume plenty of space.
The Barska Quick Access gun safe has no compartment other than a small shelf, which can be used to secure little possessions such as jewelry and ammo. The interior surface of this product is also made up of brackets, which help keep long guns in a place, preventing them from crashing into one another.
The Barska Quick Access gun safe is qualified with the latest technology as it comes with a biometric lock with about 120 fingerprint storage capacity. The first fingerprint is known as "administrative" since it can be used to either remove or add any other fingerprint to the system.
The exterior surface of the safe is constructed from high-quality steel. It is highly durable, features protective edges, and guarantees your firearms are safe from potential attackers. The product features a 3-point deadbolt locking pattern, which provides additional security for its content.
Although it features all the necessary hardware, this safe is highly affordable. It is also DOJ certified, making it better than those without the certification.
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This is yet another fantastic product known for its amazing physique. The product features thick doors that burglars cannot break. Additionally, the metal structure is made from a sturdy material.
In addition to the solid exterior construction, the product also comes with an equally fantastic interior surface. The gun safe's interior surface features removable shelves that can be arranged based on your preferences. It can also be redesigned to suit the objects you want to put inside. These objects include your money, pieces of jewelry, home and office supplies, and, most importantly, your gun. Thanks to its large compartment, users get to put in a lot of objects of varying sizes.
The Steelwater AMSWFB-450 Gun Safe also comes with predrilled holes, allowing you to attach or fix the gun safe to the floor for additional security. This means that apart from the product's heavyweight of 330 pounds, it will be pretty difficult for anyone to lift the safe from the floor.
And, if by chance, there is an attempt to drill the safe with intentions of moving it, it (the gun safe) automatically executes a glass re-locking strategy, which ensures the safe stays put.
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The Scout fire-resistant gun safe is another highly recommended gun safe that can hold up to 28 firearms. This means that you can store guns of varying sizes alongside other expensive and valuable items with this product.
The Scout fire-resistant gun safe belongs to the heavy-duty safe category as it features a massive weight of 410lbs. This feature is mainly due to its high-quality heavy-gauge steel construction material, providing it with a high level of durability. Thus, it is certain to provide adequate protection for its content.
The Scout Fire Resistant 28-gun Safe features top-grade shelves, which are carefully constructed to match the gun's shape.
Regarding security, the safe features predrilled holes to help attach it to the floor, one electronic locking system, a surefire re-locker, among others.
Since the price tag is under $1000, Scout Fire Resistant 28 gun Safe is regarded as one of the best and most inexpensive gun safes in the market today.
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The Vaultex MX handgun safe is another ultra-modern and high-capacity gun safe. This model features Wi-Fi which allows for remote control via the Vaultex application. With this application, users can unlock their safe, view battery, access history logs, adjust brightness, among other features.
This safe also features a large compartment that comfortably accommodates eight (8) handguns alongside magazines.
The case is constructed from solid 14-gauge carbon steel, while the door is made from sturdy 12-gauge steel coated with an anti-corrosive powder. The Vaultex MX handgun safe is impenetrable as it features impact detectors, reinforced bars, mounted hinges, anti-impact latch, among others. The modular interior is another fantastic feature as it comes with a height-adjustable pull-out shelf and pistol racks made of foam.
The gun safe also features a 5-point entry illuminated keypad, smart key, interior LED lights, and smart key nano for easy and fast access. The safe is also digitally operated and depends on the power and rechargeable battery.
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The Fortress brand is famous for high-quality and affordable gun safes. Although it is less expensive, it passes the UL fireproof test.
The gun safe features a great grey design and an adjustable shelf added for the storage of handguns and ammo.
The product also features two deadbolts, active locking bolts, and a patented notch bolt.
The Fortress 8-Gun Fireproof Safe comes with an electronic keypad lock, which utilizes a 9V battery, included in the product's package. With two holes present on the floor of the gun safe along with lag bolts, the product can be secured to the floor for extra security.
However, you should note that this product's warranty covers only the safe. So, the content of the safe, including your guns and valuables, has to be insured separately.
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This is the last be not the least on this list of the best gun safes in the market today. The product weighs about 125 pounds and is ETL certified.
The gun safe feature a combination lock alongside a pry-resistant hinge bar, featuring six (6) locking bolts.
This is for sure one of the best ways to safeguard your valuable home documents and your guns.
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This amazing product from Steelwater is worthy to purchase. If you are looking for a long gun safe under 1000 dollars, your wait is over. You will never regret of buying this gun safe. This long gun safe is heavy duty safe and has 30 minutes fire rating. The steel door provides protection against break ins. The 12 gauge steel is used for the door making it strong enough.
It has a good long gun capacity. Almost 8 to 10 guns can be fitted in this gun safe. It is really a worthy product within 1000 dollars and gives you maximum protection like a big brand in the market. It is very easy to install. This gun safe has the relock feature in it in case of any attack.
It has another amazing feature of LED lighting in it which is automatic. It has capacity of twenty long guns. The double sided key lock makes it more secure. The 5 inch thick door includes 2 layers of fireboard. The seal of the door is heat activated that has the feature to seal out the water and smoke. The thickness of the door will expand in case of fire.
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The Amazon basic home safe is heavy duty safe with carbon steel door. The 8 gauge steel door is very secure and safe. This product is best to secure 4 to 5 handguns. You can also secure your other valuables in this safe. The holes are predrilled for bolting it to floor or a wall.
The best thing in it is its keypad which is electronic and quick in use. The good feature is that this product has 2 backup keys. If you ever forget the password of electronic keypad, you can open the safe with keys. It makes it easy to use. The safe is made up of 14 gauge steel. It contains two shelves in it that holds cartridges, handguns and other things like documents or anything that you want to save in this safe.
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The SentrySafe is a good quality secure safe when you are looking for personal home use. This product is good for home use. You can save your important accessories in it. If you want to protect your vales from thieves, kids and other family members, you must consider this SentrySafe product. This product gives you good protection for your values that you want to safe.
It has good interior lining which is soft and has removable shelves. The safe comes with digital keypad and you can set your code. It can be eight digit combinations. It is good security features. The product is electronic and constructed with heavy duty steel. The doors of the safe are anti drill.
This safe is strongly designed to protect your valuable things from thieves. The three live action locking bolts which hold the door make it prybar attack resistant. The interior of the safe is well organized. You can safe your things in well organized manner and nothing will be misplaced. The interior lining is soft which protect your values from damaging.
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The Barska biometric Rifle safe is made up of all steel. You can safe your firearms within your reach. It has advance biometric system which scans your fingerprints in 1.5 seconds. The access is quick and reliable. The security system is trustable. It is an upgraded home defense system. It can store near about 120 fingerprints in its database.
Now you don't need to use any outdated key, keypad system or combination of both. This product provides you an updated biometric security system. The 2 Rifles can be easily fitted in this safe and it is approved by department of justice.
The walls of the safe are made up of strong steel and inner edges are tamper resistant. This safe comes with an efficient battery which delivers low power consumption. It also includes keys as an additional unlocking method. It is an affordable and high quality safe for your firearms.
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Mesa Safe Company is among the popular companies for firearms safe production. If you are a gun owner, you will recommend it due to its grace. It is highly secure safe for your firearms. It is 7.6 cubic feet large gun safe. To keep your firearms safe, it has room inside it. You can keep your firearms and its accessories secure in this safe. It helps you keep your firearms away from adults and children.
A bonus for firearms owner is that it comes with door organizer. Six to eight gunshots and rifles can be fit in it. It has much space in it. This gun safe has great value for rifles and gunshots. You can also adjust a dehumidifier in it. This will keep your guns dry. It is strong like a tank and can bear a beating. This is one of the heavier gauge steel constructed gun safe if you compare it with other gun safes. This is best gun safe in 1000 dollar price if you compare it with other gun safe of same price.
The Mesa Safe has electric outlet inside it and couple of plugs and a port for USB. This is high level gun safe and you can buy it without any hesitation. It has keypad lock. This safe has hard plate on the lock which is drill resistant.
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The secure It Agile Model 52 Cabinet is a heavy duty, premium quality firearms safe storage system. With Knockdown Technology, the safe is easy to disassemble for transportation purpose and easy to assemble again.
It has pre drilled holes that helps you to bolt the cabinets to wall studs and floor joists. You can store about 6 fire arms. It has a modular system. And you can customize the firearms, accessory and gear to fit exactly according to your needs. Its flexibility helps you to change the way to want to store the gear. You can set your six digit code for keypad lock. It will beep upon pushing the keypad buttons but can be on silent mode if you want to make it silent. If there is any issue with battery, the safe has backup key to open it.
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The Biometric keypad Rifle Safes by Barska will be a great choice if you want to secure your firearms and rifles. It is easily accessible safe. This safe has advance biometric lock system. This system allows its registered users a quick access his content inside the safe with the scan of fingerprint. The Barska safe users can also open this safe with a pin code created by user or with keys also in traditional way.
This safe has removable shelves. It also includes position handgun rack and position rifle rack. It has quick open system with biometric print scanner. It has ability to save about 120 fingerprints in its database. It comes with 4 AA batteries and two back up keys. This safe is DOJ approve to store the rifles and firearms. It has programmable silent access mode.
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The Hornady security company provides you an outstanding secure safe to store your firearms safely. This safe uses patented RIFD technology to unlock the safe than biometric and keypad system. It offers you flexible storage space. You can store your guns on racks inside it. Its 500 locking lugs give you incredible protection for your firearms. It is made up of strong steel.
It is safe, convenient and digital keypad system makes it more comfortable in use. It comes with backup key in case of any mishap. The battery power and AC ensure effective and safe storage for gun.
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The Stealth safe is best gun safe of this time. It is best for 14 guns to store. This safe is California DOJ approved. It has 30 minutes fire rating. This safe is made up of UL approved electronic lock. Its six 1 inch locking bolts are made up of solid steel. The safe has adjustable or removable top shelf. It comes with 2 USB slots and 3 outlets plug INS. It has 4 pre drilled bolt down holes and 4 covering caps included.
The panel of the door is covered with Molle webbing, which allows the user to easily un snap any of the included accessories and can move them to other places on the door. This allows the user to completely customize the look of door panel organizer according to his needs.
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The V-Line company offers you a high quality USSA made in safe. This safe features 3 point rod locking system. It comes with heavy duty anti pry brackets along with the anterior side of the door. It has simplex mechanical push button lock which is genuine and reliable. It doesn't contain any batteries, so no worries about batteries to go dead or replace.
It can easily fit into the wall and protrudes out 2 inch only. This safe is best for storing up to 4 long guns, documents, jewelry and ammunition. It includes mounting bolts and very easy to install.
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You need to consider several factors if you want to purchase the perfect gun safe based on your preferences. Knowing all the factors to check out when trying to buy a safe will give you peace of mind and guarantee the best quality. This buying guide will assist you in making the right decision by exposing you to the numerous factors you must consider before purchasing any gun safe.
There is a vast range of dimensions and sizes of gun safes in the marketplace. This is why you should know the perfect size you want your safe to come in.
To get the perfect safe size, there are a couple of factors to consider. First, you must consider the size of the firearm you intend to store. Is it a long gun like a rifle and shotgun, or is it a smaller pistol or handgun? Also, if you intend to purchase more guns in the nearest future, you need to plan accordingly, so you don't end up like most people who buy a gun safe that is smaller than it was supposed to be. Hence, to gain the best from your purchase, ensure you understand what you want and act accordingly.
Another factor is what you intend to use the safe for. In addition to storing guns, most people tend to store other valuable stuff like cash, jewelry, and essential documents in their gun safe. If you intend to do the same, ensure you purchase a gun safe with enough room for all you intend to store.
This is an essential factor you need to consider before purchasing a safe because the construction material used for the gun safe has an important role in its durability. The quality of steel used in the construction of the safe also helps determine the safety level of your firearms.
Also, if you are looking for a safe that will keep your firearm from the reach of your kids, then you need to consider going for a gun safe constructed with 16 - 18-gauge steel.
However, if the major concern is securing or protecting your valuables from falling into the wrong hands, then you should go for a safe with a thickness of 10 - 14 gauge. This thickness guarantees that the safe is resistant to all kinds of equipment utilized by intruders. This thickness level can also resist water and fire, ensuring that your safe has an additional layer of protection.
Firearm safes are usually put through numerous tests to determine their resilience against physical attacks and burglary attempts. These certificates will help you know what you are signing up for before purchasing. There are three (3) kinds of certifications: the Fireproof certification, UL certification, and the DOJ certification.
The UL stands for "Underwriters Laboratories." They provide the Residential Security Certificate (RSC), verifying that a safe can withstand at least 5 minutes of a skilled attack. This kind of attack includes using a pry bar, screwdriver, a 3lbs, and chisel.
The UL certificate also ascertains that the safe can resist fire (fireproof). The fire-rated quality is illustrated as two (2) hours of 350 degrees and one (1) hour of 400 degrees.
Next is the DOJ, which the Department of Justice hands out. Although this certificate sounds promising, it doesn't guarantee unbreachable security. According to recent studies, DOJ-certified safes are not higher in quality than those not certified.
This is another critical factor to consider. After paying a huge sum to purchase a safe, the last thing to expect is a weak other than an easy-to-open and robust locking mechanism.
Gun safes usually offer three types of locks. It would be best to go for the option that works for you.
The mechanical dial is the most commonly used and oldest locking system. It does not utilize batteries; hence, it is unnecessary to change them. However, once a combination is set, it cannot be changed. So, if by chance you forget your code, you will need to reach out to the manufacturer.
Furthermore, if your code gets into the wrong hands by chance, you will have no other option than to replace the entire safe.
The biometric lock is the most reliable and newest locking mechanism. Due to the outstanding security it offers, safes with that feature kind of lock come with a higher price tag.
I highly recommend this type of lock because of its easy accessibility and mysterious nature since fingerprints cannot be replicated.
This is the last type of locking mechanism which utilizes batteries. Although they can run for many years, you must always ensure they run before any emergency.
Unlike the mechanical dial, the code here can be changed, making this a better security option. Most safes with this kind of lock often feature a backup mechanical lock.
The type of lock you decide to go for solely depends on your budget and personal preference.
5. Mounting
Mounting is another factor you need to consider before purchasing a lock. Here's why.
Mounting is one vital feature that guarantees optimal safety. When burglars cannot gain access into the safe, they often tend to carry it along, despite the weight. This is why mounting is a vital feature as it ensures that the safe is fixed into the wall or ground.
Smaller safes feature a sturdy wire used for mounting, while larger ones utilize deadbolts to position the safe in one location.
There are a lot of gun safes available in the market from different companies. Some are good in quality and some are good in their security system. When you are in the market to buy a gun safe for yourself, some points you should consider while buying a gun safe. It depends on your need. A gun safe should have enough space in it to hold weapons. It should have additional clips and cartridges. In case of any emergency, it should be secure and easily accessible.
Every gun safe may vary in its quality, features and different security levels. Some important features you should keep in mind while buying.
There are many types of safes available in the market. They may design as small portable safes to hold a single handgun or large heavy floor style safes, which are made to hold more than one gun, hand gun and related accessories.
While buying gun safe, must pay attention to interior and exterior dimensions. Exterior dimension helps you to identify whether that safe fits in your desired space or not. And anterior dimensions give you information about the space inside it. It should be large enough to hold all your guns and firearms.
Every gun safe has its own lock system. There are four main options in them. They can have biometric, electronic, combination or keypad lock system. Every lock system has its own pros and cons. You can buy which one you like according to your need.
In this system the owner is able to program more than one individual fingerprints into the biometric lock system. When the individual put their finger on the scanner, it will immediately scan the recorded fingerprint. If the fingerprint matches with the recorded one, the lock will be open. It is good in security but if your fingers are not clean, the scanner will not able to scan the fingerprints. In that case the lock will not open. The biometric lockers runs on batteries, if battery dies, it stops working until you replace the battery.
In this system, the user enters a combination of six to 8 numbers on a digital keypad to open it. The users of this locker system can reset the key codes if they want. Just like biometric locks, such lockers runs on batteries. If the batteries die, you have to replace them first to open the lock.
In the combination lock system, the user rotates the dial back and forth, enters three to five digit code to lock the safe. It is the simplest lock system.
There are very few gun safes that open only with a key. Most of the time, the keys are only used as a backup, if owner forgets the combination or code.
A fireproof gun safe can tolerate the heat for a specific time. It can stop the heat to enter into the safe for certain time. This is known as fire rating which means that your accessories in the safe remain secure in that specific time in case of any intense heat hits the safe.
The higher fire rating, good locking system and heavier gauge of steel makes the safe highly secure. The security of safe is always on priority if you have kids at home. A secure safe helps you to keep your firearms away from the reach of kids and other family members.
There are four (4) major gun safes in the marketplace based on their locking system.
1. Gun safes that utilize patter keypad combination
Here you are expected to feed a pattern that locks your safe. One major setback here is that pattern codes are easy to hack or crack.
2. Gun safes that utilize manual lock
This is the most commonly used method of locking safes. Safes under this category utilize a mechanical dial which can be adjusted back to zero by twisting the knob.
3. Gun Safe that utilizes Biometric Lock
This is the most secure and prominent method of locking safes. Safes with this type of lock feature a scanning technology that deeds fingerprints, and this detects and identifies, after which it gives access to the user.
4. Gun Safe that utilizes Number Keypad Combination
The method requires a combination of 3-8 digits in a precise other, as established by the owner. Although this code is pretty hard to crack, it is not impossible.
Users who use safes with this type of locking system are advised not to use the number from their routine or notable dates as their safe combination. This is only going to make hacking into the safe easier.
Yes, it is. It is essential to get a gun safe to prevent intruders or kids from gaining access to your gun. Additionally, gun safes are easy to access in case of an emergency.
You are also allowed to store your valuables, such as jewelry, in your safe as well.
A basic safe for home security is usually below $500. With this price range, you are sure to have access to a couple of reasonably good safes. Also, the safes under this category are ideal for office and house environments. This set of safes is increasingly gaining popularity due to its affordability and unique new features.
However, when it has to do with maximum protection and extended space, you should be willing to invest a little more in a safe. A decent gun safe under this category should be around $1000.
Every gun safe has its own lock system. There are four main options in them. They can have biometric, electronic, combination or keypad lock system. Every lock system has its own pros and cons. In the biometric system the owner is able to program more than one individual fingerprints into the biometric lock system. It is an updates locking system, easy to use. But you can't rely on it because it runs on batteries. If battery dies, it stops working until you replace them. The backup keys help you in such situation. The electronic lock safe user enters a combination of six to 8 numbers on a digital keypad to open it. But it also runs on batteries. In the combination lock system, the user rotates the dial back and forth, enters three to five digit code to lock the safe. It is the simplest lock system. There are very few gun safes that open only with a key. Most of the time, the keys are only used as a backup, if owner forgets the combination or code.
As we said before, every lock system has its own pros and cons. You can select one type according to your demand.
The higher fire rating, good locking system and heavier gauge of steel makes the safe highly secure. The security of safe is always on priority if you have kids at home. A secure safe helps you to keep your firearms away from the reach of kids and other family members. The gun safe with higher fire rating are airtight for specific time. It can be one hour or more.
A good quality safe should be fireproof and water proof. This feature makes the gun safe more secure for your firearms. You can also safe your valuables in gun safe. They have shelves in them to store other accessories and values. The safe made up of heavy steel walls are more secure. The durability and locking system must be good enough. It should have enough space in it to store 4 to 5 guns.
SWSD16GUN-EMP 60 Minute Fireproof 16 Long Gun Safe with EMP Lock - Walmart Link
Wasatch 24 Gun Fire and Water Safe with E-Lock, Dark Bronze - Walmart Link
Liberty Safe Cn12-bkt-e Centurion Safe With Electronic Lock, 12 Gun Capacity - Walmart Link
AMSEC TF5517E5 55-1/4" x 17-3/4" x 16" Gun Safe Electronic Lock - Walmart Link
Second Amendment Fire Protection for 1 Hour B-Rated Safe for Weapon Firearms Like - Walmart Link
Hollon Hunter Series Gun Safe HGS-11E - Walmart Link
Sports Afield 6040 Waterproof 40 Gun Capacity- Waterproof- 40 Min Fire Protection- Gun - Walmart Link
SWSD16GUN-EMP 60 Minute Fireproof 16 Long Gun Safe with EMP Lock - eBay Link
Wasatch 24 Gun Fire and Water Safe with E-Lock, Dark Bronze - eBay Link
Liberty Safe Cn12-bkt-e Centurion Safe With Electronic Lock, 12 Gun Capacity - eBay Link
AMSEC TF5517E5 55-1/4" x 17-3/4" x 16" Gun Safe Electronic Lock - eBay Link
Second Amendment Fire Protection for 1 Hour B-Rated Safe for Weapon Firearms Like - eBay Link
Hollon Hunter Series Gun Safe HGS-11E - eBay Link
Sports Afield 6040 Waterproof 40 Gun Capacity- Waterproof- 40 Min Fire Protection- Gun - eBay Link
A gun safe is essential if you own a gun; it doesn't matter if it is a large rifle or handheld pistol. Purchasing a gun safe for your guns will ensure there's no undesirable tragic event, especially when it gets into the wrong hands.
I hope with this, you have discovered the various factors to consider when purchasing a gun safe for yourself.
Don't forget to share with family and friends.
About Robert Fox
Rob Fox is a former hydro worker who used to teach self defence in Miami for 10 years. He's currently enjoying his retirement, playing cribbage and golf with his buddies, locksmithing and home security in his spare time. Rob is an avid reader, and has even written a few books on the subject of self defence.
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