Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between certain items that may share characteristics or resemble each other. (Take peaches and nectarines, for example.) But when it comes to items that are a significant investment, knowing the differences is helpful no matter how nuanced those differences may be.
Takegun safes and gun cabinets, for example.
While they may seem like the same thing to a casual observer, each has its own unique features and benefits. Let's go over them to help you decide which is best for you.
What Is A Gun Cabinet?
Cabinets are a typical term used for furniture that stores things and the same logic applies here. Gun cabinets provide some protection for firearms and other valuables, but are usually not fire rated and have basic locks.Gun cabinets are particularly favored for their ability to neatly store long guns and designs over the years have included models that are more for aesthetics (e.g. wood framing, glass walls, etc.) than security. It should also be noted that many retailers or manufacturers will use the term “gun cabinet” interchangeably for “gun safe.”
What Is A Gun Safe?
Gun safes provide much better protection than gun cabinets when it comes to fire, explosive andburglary protection. This is due to sturdy construction (such as the heavy-gauge steel bodies found on Liberty safes) with hinges that are typically hidden and a design that can’t be pried open. You can even find gun safes from Liberty and other manufacturers that reinforce the door to discourage entry attempts with drills or hammers. Also, gun safes typically have a bigger variety of sizes, finishes and features than gun cabinets.
Key Differences
One of the biggest questions to ask yourself when choosing between a gun safe and gun cabinet is “what is the main reason I want it?” Gun cabinets do provide a lock and storage for firearms and other valuables, but they typically aren’t effective against brute-force entry. Gun safes provide much more protection and are more versatile with where you can place them, as they vary in size and shape. At the end of the day, talking to a professional locksmith or safe expert can help you choose thefirearm storage option that’s best for you.
Whether you’re in the market for a gun safe or gun cabinet, there’s a great option from Liberty Safe. Not sure yet?Take our quiz to determine which safe is best for you.