I live in California, have small children and need to buy a closet gun safe. I would like your input. I have a few handguns and rifles. I also want to store some other items in it.
Do I get a safe with just a combination lock or a combination and a key lock?
Are there any "better" manufacturer's or are they basically all the same, with different brand names?
What else do I look for?
Thank you for your answer.
There are a few factors that everyone forgets.
Safes are heavy. Being in California I know they built a lot of homes with elevated floors. If this is your case keep in mind that most safes weigh more that 500 pounds.
You may need to reinforce the floors joices where you put the safe.
Now with that said. Safes are like insurance, the cost of the safe determines the amount of protection you get. (for the most part)
A security cabinet will keep honest people honest. A safe with dial, or key and dial, or a touch pad will slow down a determined crook.
If a crook has to spend more than 15 minutes breaking in then they will be more likely to get caught.
You also need to remember, safes are not fireproof. You can add layers of fire rated drywall (sheetrock) to the inside to add fire resistance to them.
When you select your safe ( I like the cannon safes myself ) make sure you place the side of the door that opens against the wall. This inhibits the ability to pry the door open.
Also, bolt it to the floor.
Part of your select process should also be, find the size you think you need and buy the next bigger size.
you will be amazed the "stuff" that you put in the safe.
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSG16DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protects against burglary and theft. The 16 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful hunter green paint finish with gold accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Safe comfortably holds 16 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection 3-Number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security. Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization. A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning supplies and more Sturdy hooks allow for hanging items like duck calls or hats Slot behind the trays is perfect for storing maps, manuals, licenses or other documents A removable carpeted shelf is included in this safe for
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GS8DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 8 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protecting against burglary and theft. The 8 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful hunter green epoxy paint finish with silver accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 8 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearm owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Holds 8 rifles or shotguns up to 52 tall Lock Protection 3-number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks 3 live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning supplies and more Sturdy hooks allow for hanging items like duck calls or hats Slot behind the trays is perfect for storing maps, manuals, licenses or other documents A removable carpeted shelf is included in this safe for added storage Exterior has a hunter green epoxy paint finish with gold accents
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSB16DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms. as well as protects from burglary and theft. The 16 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful black epoxy paint finish with silver accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Holds 16 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection 3-Number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door to resist drill attacks 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Safe bolts securely to the floor Includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning supplies and more Sturdy hooks allow for hanging items like duck calls or hats Slot behind the trays is perfect for storing maps, manuals, licenses or other documents A removable carpeted shelf is included in
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSB710EDS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 10 Gun Safe with Electronic Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its electronic lock with timeout feature and drill resistant hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as giving added protection against burglary and theft. The 10 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful black epoxy paint finish with silver accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 10 Gun Safe with Electronic Lock. There is a growing category of firearm owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Safe holds up to 10 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection Electronic lock includes operational lights for open, low battery warning and incorrect entry There is a time out period after 3 incorrect attempts A drill resistant hardened steel plate is located behind the lock for greater security A trouble key is included 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Safe includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit securely to the floor Batteries are accessible from the front of the safe and are easy to replace Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer i
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSB719DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 19 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protects against theft and burglary. The 19 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful black epoxy paint finish with silver accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 19 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Safe holds 12 rifles or shotguns on the left side of the safe plus an additional 7 guns or adjustable shelving on the right side of the safe Lock Protection 3-Number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization Safe has 4 adjustable shelves Exterior has a black epoxy paint finish with chrome accents and silk-screen Specifications: Dimensions: 26-13/16W x 17-5/8D x 59H Shelf Dimensions:
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSG710DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 10 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protects against burglary and theft. The 10 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful hunter green paint finish with gold accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 10 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Holds 10 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection 3-number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate behind the lock provides greater security A trouble key is included 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Includes bolt-down fastening hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning supplies and more Sturdy hooks allow for hanging items like duck calls or hats Slot behind the trays is perfect for storing maps, manuals, licenses or other documents A removable carpeted shelf is
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSG719DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 19 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevent children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protects against burglary and theft. The 19 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful hunter green epoxy paint finish with gold accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 19 Gun Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Holds 12 rifles or shotguns on the left side of the safe plus an additional 7 guns or adjustable shelving on the right side of the safe Lock Protection 3-Number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points Bolt-Down Capability Includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization Safe includes 4 adjustable shelves Exterior has a hunter green epoxy paint finish with gold accents on the door Specifications: Dimensions: 26-13/16W x 17-5/8D x 59H Shelf Dim
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSB16EDS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 16 Gun Safe with Electronic Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its electronic lock with timeout feature and drill resistant hardened steel plate prevents children or other people from having unauthorized access to your firearms. The 16 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful black epoxy paint finish with silver accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 16 Gun Safe with Electronic Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Safe holds 16 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection Electronic lock includes operational lights for open, low battery warning and incorrect entry Time out period after 3 incorrect attempts A drill resistant hardened steel plate is located behind the lock for greater security 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points A trouble key is included Bolt-Down Capability Safe bolts securely to the floor Item includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Batteries are accessible from the front of the safe and are easy to replace Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security. Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning s
Stack-On Safes - Safes - GSG716DS - Keep your guns safe and secure with the 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock by Stack-On Safes. Its 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate prevents children from having unauthorized access to your firearms, as well as protects against burglary and theft. The 16 rifle or shotgun capacity ensures that all of your hunting equipment can be stored in one place. Three live action locking bolts, concealed hinges and a pry resistant door provide additional security. A beautiful hunter green paint finish with gold accents ensures that this safe fits with any decor. Firearm safety always comes first with the Stack-On Safes 16 Gun Safe with Combination Lock. There is a growing category of firearms owners that want to secure their firearms but want an affordable alternative to fire resistant safes. Constructed of plate steel with reinforced doors, these safes fill the need of this growing segment. This category of safes feature fully carpeted interiors, Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for scoped guns as well as 1 live action locking bolts which are standard on all Stack-On safes. Gun Capacity Holds 16 rifles or shotguns Lock Protection 3-Number combination lock with a drill resistant, hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks 3 Live action locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 6 locking points. Bolt-Down Capability Safe includes bolt-down hardware to bolt the unit to the floor Solid steel, pry resistant door with concealed hinges provides greater security Fully carpeted interior with Stack-On's patented barrel rests and standoffs for storing scoped rifles allow for better space utilization A 2-tray organizer is included for storing ammo, cleaning supplies and more Sturdy hooks allow for hanging items like duck calls or hats Slot behind the trays is perfect for storing maps, manuals, licenses or other documents A removable carpeted shelf is included in this safe for added stora
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Pendleton Knight Series Gun Safe Review
The Apostles of Clean Fighting: Who Put the Rifle Into the National Rifle Association?
Why is the National Rifle Association called the National Rifle Association? It seems an odd choice considering the organization's commitment to the Second Amendment, which refers broadly to "arms," not rifles, that require keeping and bearing. Wouldn't it make more sense for the NRA to call itself the National Firearms Association or the National Gun Association? Rifle comes across as a little . . . exclusionary. I mean, what about all those millions of pistol and shotgun owners?
At least that's what I naively thought before I began writing American Rifle: A Biography. As it happens, there are very sound reasons, rooted in its foundation in 1871, for the NRA's emphasis on rifles.
Consider the year. 1871. Just six years before, the most lethal war in American history, the Civil, had finally ended, leaving roughly 620,000 combatants dead and numberless legions maimed, traumatized, and shocked. Half the country was a morgue, the other, a madhouse.
This (still-)astounding death tallies, as well as the grieving of millions of mothers and widows, caused Americans to swear never again, no more Antietams, no Gettysburgs. While few believed that men would war no more, many dreamed that when battle was joined the slaughter could at least be controlled. Soldiers would die, of course, just nowhere near as many, and the violence would be confined strictly to the battlefield, not visited on civilians. As World Wars One and Two would starkly demonstrate, this was a fantasy, but there could be no gainsaying the appeal of such sentiments at the time.
There was not, by the way, even the slightest hint of soft-headed pacifism about the desire to ratchet down bodycounts. In fact, among proponents could be counted hardbitten veterans and hardheaded military experts alike. Unlike those who tended to romanticise war, these individuals had seen battle up unpleasantly close. Not least among them was William Conant Church, editor of the Army and Navy Journal, who was sure he knew what had gone wrong during the war.
He ascribed the bloodletting to the popularity of firepower among generals. To them, volume of fire -- or the ability to send vast numbers of shells, bullets and other pieces of metal hurtling toward the enemy -- was the creed that won battles. Church felt, however, that such thinking was extravagantly wasteful in lives and ammunition, and also indicated a distinct lack of discipline.
To him, what counted was accuracy: Soldiers needed to learn how to hit their targets with the minimum number of bullets. This wasn't just about being able to hit a bullseye at 300 yards with a rifle. Such marksmanship went hand-in-hand with other typically American virtues. Good shots required coolness under fire; steely self-discipline; familiarity with such high-tech implements as telescopic sights, windage indicators, and ballistic instruments; a determination to improve themselves by constant training; and independence of thought and action. In Europe, where the ideology of mass-firepower had long held sway, soldiers were still treated as dull, disposable automatons and subjected to fearsome discipline to flog out any remnants of individual initiative. Civil War generals had fallen beneath the European spell; Church wanted to "re-Americanize" warfare.
It's telling to remember exactly how incompetent were many recruits at target shooting before and during the Civil War -- a relic of the Musket Age, when guns were inherently inaccurate. Thus, in the 1850s, one soldier recalled, marksmanship was given such short shrift by the army that he was taken out to the rifle range only twice in five months, while the colonel commanding Fort Laramie bragged that he hoped about half his troops might one day "become expert enough to shoot at a crowd" using their rifles. During the War, Captain George W. Wingate discovered that most of his New York company couldn't hit even a barrel lid at 100 yards.
By improving the men's shooting skills, thought Church and his allies, fighting would be made safe, humane, and short. No more would wars drag excruciatingly on for years. No more would battles climax in horrific, wanton frontal assaults against entrenched troops. No more would there be endless sieges punctuated by titanic artillery bombardments. Instead, elite teams of sharpshooters (itself a Civil War term) based far behind the front lines would aim at officers' heads with their rifles, kill them with a single shot at 1,000 yards or more, and thus bring the battle to a halt.
In a eerie echo of today's technology evangelists sitting thousands of miles away and guiding precision missiles to their targets using just a joystick, Church was certain that victory would henceforth go to the sure of eye and the steady of hand, not to those who relied on brute force and blunt firepower.
In 1871 Church and Wingate would together found the NRA to propagate and popularize their principles among civilians and soldiers. They were so successful in persuading the army to overcome its previous suspicion of target practice that by the early 1880s the Chief of Ordnance could exultantly inform the Secretary of War that he had at his disposal "an army of marksmen."
The United States Army had become, shot for shot and man for man, the deadliest force on earth -- an enviable ranking it retains. Marksmanship was the military's watchword and the Holy Grail of civilian shooters. The rifle, not just any old gun, was their weapon of choice.
And that's why the NRA is called the National Rifle Association.
Born in the United States, Alexander Rose was raised in Australia and Britain. A military historian and former journalist, he is the author of Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring, and his writing has appeared in the New York Observer, the Washington Post, Studies in Intelligence, and many other publications.
About the Author
Please visit the author at His website, www.alexrose.com .
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