Confronted with a locked steel cabinet, the average thief looking for a quick score will take a TV or VCR instead. Tubular key locks are more difficult to pick than standard locks and are available on many security cabinets. Smaller security cabinets weigh under 100 pounds and can be shipped UPS, while heavier models must be delivered by motor freight. With a little effort and perhaps a dolly, you can easily move a cabinet into the house and bolt it into the wall and floor in a few minutes. Gun Vaults Gun vaults are actual safes, made of thick steel with heavy doors that close like, well, a bank vault.
Many vaults sold today offer fire protection as well as security against forced entry.
When shopping, think about how much you want to spend, how many guns you want to store, and how much fire protection, if any, you think you need. The less expensive safe would be all right in a basement or a spare bedroom. You get increased security with more expensive safes, but mostly you're buying a piece of heirloom-quality furniture you can put in any room. Wildlife scenes, special exterior finishes, vault-style spoked handles, interior lights, and carpeting options all add to the looks of a safe without enhancing its basic function of safeguarding your guns. Be sure to buy a safe that will meet your needs if your gun collection grows.