An Impressive Combination of Security & Value
The reinforced steel plate door makes these Champion gun safes arguably the most secure safes at this price point.
Investing in a reliable gun safe provides assurance and organization for your firearms. The Champion Challenger gun safes are a standout. They offer premium security features at a mid-range price.
Since 1988, we’ve offered the biggest selection of gun safes in the Pacific Northwest. Having sold thousands of safes, we understand the differences between everything from lightweight entry-level safes to high-end commercial safes. When it comes to a mid-range gun safe, the Challenger series is an exceptional investment, offering an impressive level of security for the price point.
This review includes our honest assessment of the Champion Challenger Gun Safe to help you evaluate if it’s the right safe for you. It will cover:
Champion Challenger Safe Overview
Champion is known for its superior craftsmanship and American-made quality. The Challenger Series is no exception. This line of safes features:
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Body Construction – Made from 12-gauge steel, the Challenger provides a solid defense against unauthorized access.
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Reinforced Door – Each door is made up of three sturdy pieces of steel, offering more protection against cutting, prying, and fire. More on this below.
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Locking System – The Challenger uses up to 12 active locking bolts that help keep the door securely closed even under attack.
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Size Options – This series is available in multiple sizes to accommodate different firearm collections.
When it comes to looking at this series of Champion gun safes, the Challenger doors offer an impressive level of security for this price point. Each door is made up of 3 key components:
1. One full sheet of 12 gauge steel
2. One full sheet of 14 gauge steel
3. A 7/16-inch solid door edge (that’s almost a ½ inch of steel!)
By combining a 12 gauge steel construction with a 14 gauge steel plate reinforcement and a nearly ½-inch solid door edge, the Champion Challenger offers an impressive value.
Challenger Security Features
Security is a key consideration when choosing a gun safe. In addition to the impressive door, the Challenger Series delivers in two key ways:
1. Heavy-Duty Locking Bolts
The Challenger series is built with 1-inch active locking bolts that extend deep into the safe’s frame. These bolts make it significantly harder for burglars to pry open. This system provides a level of security that exceeds many competitor safes in the same price range.
3. UL-Rated Sargent and Greenleaf Electronic or Mechanical Locks
We’re not shy about the fact that we strongly recommend UL listed locks. Thanks to their Magic Module Mount, these locks are not only secure but more affordable to maintain. Champion Challenger safes are available with a Sargent and Greenleaf UL-listed electronic lock or mechanical dial lock.
How much do we trust Sargent and Greenleaf locks? These are the locks used on nearly all our business safes. Additionally, Sargent and Greenleaf locks are used by the overwhelming majority of NW Safe employees. These are the locks we trust to keep our loved ones safe.
Champion Gun Safe: Challenger Fire Protection Review
According to a 2024 report by insurance research company The Zebra, “In less than five minutes, the heat from a house fire can exceed 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.” Additionally, a 2019 NBC article stated that Bellevue's average emergency response time is approximately five and a half minutes when the department is fully staffed on-site. However, the Fire Chief noted that response times can extend up to 14 minutes when additional personnel need to be called in.
The Challenger series offers 60 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. This 60-minute fire rating is the bare minimum we would recommend for a fire-rated safe intended to protect $10,000 in value (or less).
Challenger Fire Protection Features
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⅝-inch Type X Fireboard
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Heat-Expanding Fire Seals
The Challenger Series isn’t just about security—it’s also built for convenience and organization.
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Adjustable Shelving – The adjustable shelving allows users to customize the layout for firearms, ammo, and valuables.
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Plush Interior – A soft, fabric interior helps protect firearms from scratches and damage.
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Door Organizer – The complimentary door organizer includes pistol holsters, storage pockets and key hooks — helping maximize storage efficiency and organization of smaller items.
Champion Challenger Gun Safe FAQ
Is the Champion Challenger Safe Worth It?
The Champion Challenger Gun Safe is an excellent choice for those who want the best value safes in the industry. Its solid steel construction, fire resistance, and robust locking system make it a strong contender in the mid-range safe market.
Why Would I Regret Buying a Champion Challenger Safe?
The Champion Challenger series is a solid option for a mid-range safe. However, if you are protecting more than $10K worth of value, the Champion Challenger is not the best option. You would want to look at gun safes with more robust fire and burglary protection, like Liberty’s Master Series.
Can I Customize the Interior of a Champion Challenger Gun Safe?
The Champion Challenger comes with a flexible interior, which allows you to customize the layout based on your needs. It even includes space on either side of the safe for extended barrels. However, the interior is only available in one color. If you would like a safe with a specialty interior, we would recommend a Fort Knox gun safe, which can be fully customized.
Can I Fit a Champion Challenger Gun Safe in My Closet?
Generally speaking, a closet gun safe needs to be 22 inches deep (or less). The Champion Challenger 15 is the shallowest of the Challenger series, at just 22.5 inches wide. Unfortunately, this safe may be too deep to fit comfortably in most standard closets.
Learn more about the best closet gun safes.
Can I Install a Champion Challenger Gun Safe in the Garage?
Definitely. Nearly half the gun safes we install are in a garage and the Champion Challenger series is no different. The key to properly installing any safe in a garage is to make sure it is level, so you have proper airflow. And, to make sure you are using a reliable dehumidifier, to keep moisture from potentially damaging your valuables.