Choosing the right gun safe can be tough with so many options out there. We carry brands that we feel have an advantage over the competition in the space that offer unique solutions. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide to our top brands, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they might be the right fit for you.

This Brand Guide includes a comparioson of the following

1. Browning ProSteel
2. American Security (AMSEC)
3. Hayman Safes Co.
4. Gardall
5. Steelwater Gun Safes
6. Sun Welding Safe Co.
7. ShotLock

1. Browning Prosteel

What We Like About Them:

Browning Prosteel is all about functionality without compromise. What do we mean by that? Their gun safes are known for their high-quality construction that matches or exceeds most of its peers in the space.

But where Browning really differentiate themselves is in their innovative interior technology and furnishings that are unmatched across the industry.  Browning holds more patents for these unique features than any other safe company in the world. 

Key Features:

• Innovation:
• Between their AXIS and CMS shelving systems browning provides their customers with an unparalleled level of interior customization.
  

• Customization:
• The AXIS Shelving gives customers the ability to choose from molded pistol shelves and racks or unique long gun storage systems along with drawers and filing cabinets.
• Their DPX door system allows for even more unique storage options and features some of the industry's best quick access barrel racks for long guns. This system also uses a MOLLE system to allow for even more customization.
  
  
• Up to 54% More Capacity:
• With all of their unique systems Browning has found a way to maximize the space within their safes to store up to 54% more than the next leading manufacturer.
  
  
• Interior Protection:
• All of their AXIS Racks and  shelving are coated in a soft protected polymer that keeps your guns safe and in place without worrying about abrasions, scratches or dents.
• Their CMS shelving on lower tier models are covered in a soft carpeting material that also protects your firearms. 
• Some Models Feature their DPX door panel “Scope Savers” which are recessed alcoves behind the door mounted barrel rack to safely house your scoped rifles without damage.
  
  
• Excellent Fire Rating:
• Many of their safes in the mid-to-high tier lines go above and beyond the standard 1200ºF testing so you can rest assured that in the event of a house fire, the contents of your safe will survive.

Who Is Browning Right For?

Browning safes are perfect for the person with a large or growing collection that also likes a little Razzle-Dazzle. If storage capacity, and functionality are your top priorities but you don’t want to sacrifice security, there is no better choice than Browning.

We recommend:

The Browning U.S. Series

Featuring most of the bells and whistles you would get in Browning’s top of the line Platinum and Medallion series safes, it’s the perfect combination of style and substance. 

With over 2 hours of fire protection and 11 gauge steel body (plus a 10 gauge hard plate inside the door), you can rest easy knowing that your collection is secure inside its patriotically embellished walls. 

2. AMSEC (American Security)

What We Like About Them:

AMSEC has a long history of combining security with innovation. They are the industry leader in security features for all sorts of safes with high level commercial applications, and that innovation trickles down into their gun safes. 

They are the gold standard that all other safes are measured by when it comes to burglary resistance and they have some innovative features in the interior as well. 

Key Features: 

• High security
• UL-rated locks, and burglary protection come standard. AMSEC doesn’t cheap out on any element of their safes.
• A good deal of their safes offer an RCS Level II certification which is well above industry standard for a firearm safe at this price.
• Their double reinforced doors add an extra layer of security and resistance to the areas that need it most. 
• Their trademarked DryLight™ Fill provides top-tier fire protection and added tampering protection.

• Functionality
• Their Mid-High tier safes offer a fabric lined, customizable interior that features a mirrored back and sides on the top shelving for better visibility and light management inside the safe. 
• Sturdy handles and hardware 
• All safes come standard with ESL5 electronic locks but can be either replaced with a reliable mechanical dial (free) or upgraded to more advanced digital locks. The option of having a mechanical lock on any model is not something all safe manufacturers offer and it is nice to know that you have that option across the board.

• Warranty
• American Security really stands behind their products. They have possibly the best warranty in the industry. 
• Lifetime NO-COST warranty against theft, attempted break-ins and fire for all their safes.
• BFX and BFII models have a FIVE YEAR parts and labor warranty as long as the lock was factory installed

Who Is AMSEC Right For?

If maximum security is your top priority, AMSEC is your go-to. Ideal for those who want an impenetrable fortress for their firearms and other valuables. It is a great safe to have if firearms are not the only thing you want to lock away safely as there is plenty of shelving space. Their safes are also pretty handsome too. 

We Recommend: 

The BFX Series

We love the AMSEC BFX series because it features most of the top line security features of the flagship BFII series at a more reasonable price, and its flexible interior with the mirrored backing gives a surprisingly luxe feeling. 

This is the most affordable product line in AMSEC’s collection that also comes with both their lifetime (No-Cost fire, theft, and attempted theft) warranty AND the 5 year parts and labor warranty. 

3. Hayman Safes Co.

What We Like About Them:

Hayman Has been in business since 1971 and has been producing high quality safes ever since. They have stayed on-top of industry trends and do their best to provide good value for the security. 

Recently Hayman has entered into the quick-access, home defense safe market and have created some really innovative products with their Minuteman Series that combines a low profile, with solid security and ease of access!

Key Features:

• Rockies/Black Hills/Ozarks Lines:
• A solid line of mid range safes with excellent security.
• They provide Fire Rated safes with 30-90-120 minute offerings at reasonable price points.
• They offer a streamlined collection of Gun safes suitable for most collections and price points
  . 
• The Minuteman Line:
• Innovative Quick access solutions for home defense.
• Comes in either a slimline floor mounted model or a Low-Profile In-wall mounted option. 
• With both silent digital keypad and Biometric lock options these safes make for a discreet way to access your home defense weapon without raising alarms. 
• Their clever top-open door allows you to store your home defense weapon barrel-down without damage and presents it to you in the “ready position”. 
• The Magnum version also has room to store up to 5 additional long guns in the safe.

Who Is Hayman Right For?

Hayman is a solid all around choice for mid range safes for anyone with a moderate collection. However where they really shine is in their quick access home defense models.

The Minuteman and its big brother the Minuteman Magnum, make a great option for firearm owners who either already have a storage solution for the bulk of their collection or for those with small collections with a focus on home defense. 

Our Recommendation: 

The Minuteman Series

The Minuteman is the only safe that actually removes the gun from the inside and presents it to you in a muzzle down, ready to deploy position, all while taking up no floor space in the room. Mounted in a typical 2x4” stud wall the safe is accessed via fingerprint or a unique 6-digit code that you program into the lock.

The Minuteman Magnum is bigger, badder and holds more guns. Guns store in the body as well as the door and can be easily mounted to the floor for more security and stability.

4. Gardall

What We Like About Them:

Gardall is known for its reliability and affordability. Their safes have been trusted in customers' homes for decades and are a trusted name in the industry, and for good reason.

Gardall safes offer solid protection without breaking the bank, making them a great value for money.

Key Features:

• Affordable security, high-quality safes at budget-friendly prices. Simple yet effective locking mechanisms.
• They offer a range of sizes and styles to fit your collections needs.
• Most of the long-gun safes they offer are fire rated at 60 minutes.
• Lighter than most compatible safes of their size making them a good choice for second storey residential placement. 
• Their hand gun safe features both a digital keypad and a biometric fingerprint scanner for quick access in a pinch and is a great choice for any home, office, car etc.

Who Is Gardall Right For?

Gardall is the perfect choice if you're looking for reliable protection on a budget. It’s great for first-time safe buyers or those looking for a dependable, cost-effective solution. It is also a good choice for those looking to have their safe placed on floors above ground level as they are a bit lighter weight than their peers. 

Our Recommendation: 

Shop their range or reach out to us to discover which Gardall safe is best suited to your needs!

5. Steelwater Gun Safes

What We Like About Them: 

Steelwater Gun Safes are some of the toughest safes for the price. They offer some of the best fire protection in the industry and are designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Key Features: 

• Superior fire protection,
• Their safes are tested at 1875ºF (well above the industry standard of 1200º) 
• Their regular line is rated for 60 minutes 1875º while their  heavy duty and Extreme Duty line are rated for up to 2 hours.
• Heavy-duty construction
• They don’t skimp on the protection, with 9 Gauge thick steel walls, and a ¼” thick steel door plate they can take a serious beating
• Their use of tried and tested, robust locking mechanisms, and Extra features like internal re-lockers make these the most affordable fortresses on the market.

Who Is Steelwater Right for?

If fire protection is a top concern for you, but you don’t want to break the bank on some of the more expensive brands, Steelwater is the brand to trust.

Great for those who want the ultimate in durability and fire resistance. They are also one of the few safe manufacturers that will factory install an EMP proof biometric lock for your safe.

Our Recommendation: 

Steelwater HD593024 EXTREME DUTY - 22 GUN SAFE

If you live in an area prone to wild/forest fires having a Top-Tier fire rated safe can mean the difference between protecting your collection and valuables or arguing with your insurance company over the contents of that safe. 

6. Sun Welding Safes Co.

What We Like About Them:

Sun Welding specializes in high-quality, All American-Made gun safes. Their Safes are built like TANKS and constructed with 100% American Steel. 

They are known for their craftsmanship and customization. Each one of their gun safes is MADE TO ORDER in their factory in Ventura County California. 

Key Features: 

• 100% Made in the USA, handcrafted with precision and care.

• Custom options to tailor the interior and exterior to your exact needs.

• Strong construction with advanced locking mechanisms.

• You can upgrade the steel of your safe body up to ¼” Thick and safe door up to ½” Thick which is a SERIOUS amount of metal.

• They are one of few companies that will allow you to choose which direction the safe door opens which can be incredibly helpful when planning where you can put it.

Sun Welding Safes Are Great For:

If you value American craftsmanship and want a safe that's built tough and built to last, Sun Welding is a fantastic option. Ideal for those looking for a safe that meets your exacting needs.

Our Recommendation: 

Browse the collection to get a better sense of their options and/or contact us to explore the customizable options Sun Welding offers to perfectly suit your needs!

7. ShotLock

What We Like About Them: 

ShotLock is perfect for low profile quick access safes. Their products are designed for convenience and accessibility.

While they may not stop a REALLY determined thief, the Shotlock is more focused on keeping your home defense weapon out of the hands of your kids, or nosey house guests.

Their compact size and ease of installation means you can install a Shotlock behind your bedroom door, closet wall, or even behind your curtains, wherever you decide it is best situated.

Key Features: 

• Quick access
• easy and fast access to your firearms. 
• Reliable and tactile mechanical locking mechanism means you never have to worry about malfunctions or dead batteries.
• Wall mounted design means your imagination is the limit as to where it can be installed. As long as there is a stud or concrete you’re good.
• AR variant allows for storage with a loaded magazine OR space for two stacked magazines ready to go.
• AR variant allows space for low profile optics, and other accessories mounted on your AR platform
• The AR Solo-Vault may secure some pump and over/under shotguns equipped with tactical pistol grips, ghost rings, and side saddle shell carriers on the receiver. Though it was not designed for this purpose.

Who Is ShotLock Right For?

If home defense is your main priority, and you are looking for a method to keep your home defense weapon close at hand and ready, ShotLock is the way to go. 

Shotlock is perfect for home defense scenarios where every second counts.

Our Recommendation: 

SHOTLOCK: AR SERIES 200M SOLO-VAULT

The ShotLock AR 200M Solo-Vault is the world's first Solo-Vault for AR platform rifles. Constructed of military grade 14 gauge steel, the AR 200M Solo-Vault secures most AR platform rifles in a convenient location in your house, making sure your firearm is close, secure and ready. 

If your home defense weapon of choice is an AR (We know ours is) then this is a great option to have for home defense.

No matter what your specific needs are, Gun Safe America has a brand that’s perfect for you. Check out our full selection and find the safe that fits your lifestyle and security requirements.

Explore Our Full Range of Gun Safes

Still not sure which safe to choose? Let us help! Call us at (833) 959-7233 or email us at hello@gunsafeamerica.com to get personalized recommendations and expert advice.

Stay safe and stay secure!