Safe Space Episode 6: Commercial Safes, Gun Cabinets, Fireproof Gun Safes

QUICK SUMMARY: Are commercial safes just for businesses (nope), do you really need to bolt down a 1,000 pound gun safe, which big-box store sells the best gun safe and more!

Folks, we’re doing a big thing this week — our Video Podcast is making the launch into an official podcast you can stream on all the platforms. When we began selling safes in 1988, we never dreamed of websites, blogs, YouTube channels, or podcasts.

But as with all things we do here at NW Safe, our goal is to help customers invest in their piece of mind. That’s what we’re continuing to do with the podcast — offer transparent insights into the world of safes, safe manufacturing, safe delivery, and safe maintenance.

Thank you to all who have joined us for one episode or every episode. It’s an honor.

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Episode 6 Discussion Questions

01:21: Are fire ratings just a marketing scam?

13:59: If you had to choose a big box store to buy a gun safe from, who would you choose?

19:52: Should companies stop calling anything under 12 gauge steel a gun safe?

22:25: Is there any brand of safe you wish we carried?

25:26: Are commercial safes just for businesses?

30:28: Is fireproof just a branding thing?

32:00: How do you feel about government mandated storage laws?

33:42: Myth. You don't need to bolt down a safe if it weighs over 1,000 pounds.

Episode 6 Discussion Question Synopsises

01:21: Are fire ratings just a marketing scam?

Many people believe a fire-rated safe will protect their valuables, but most don’t realize how misleading these ratings can be. That’s because there’s no industry-wide standard — manufacturers often create their own tests and labels, some without doing any real fire testing at all.

For example, a Cannon safe and a Liberty USA 48 may have similar fire ratings, but the Liberty is fully welded and has more insulation. The Cannon, with weak spot welds and less insulation, offers far less protection. Small construction details like how hinges are built or how insulation is placed make a big difference during a fire.

Don’t just rely on the fire rating sticker. Ask how many layers of insulation the safe has, what material is used, and how it’s installed. Poorly supported insulation or air gaps can cause it to collapse in a fire. Top brands like Fort Knox go further, welding both the inside and outside, adding metal studs for support, and including air gaps to reduce heat transfer.

Some high-end commercial safes, like those from ISM and American Security, use poured concrete between steel walls to create a dense, gap-free barrier. These safes often outperform many "fire-rated" models from big-box brands.

Also, be cautious of how fire tests are done. Some companies slowly heat safes and measure temperatures at cooler points, making ratings seem better than they really are. Look for third-party testing, like Intertek or UL certification. These include more intense testing.

Bottom Line: Ask questions and buy from trusted brands. A well-built safe is worth it.

13:59: If you had to choose a big box store to buy a gun safe from, who would you choose?

When shopping for a safe at a big-box store, common options include Costco, Tractor Supply, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. While these retailers offer convenience, the quality, selection, and support can vary greatly.

Costco stands out for its excellent return policy and occasional “roadshows,” where they offer upgraded safes like Rhino models with ten-gauge steel and glossy finishes. However, these higher-end models are limited-time only, and their delivery service is basic—typically curbside and limited to safes under 500 pounds.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are Liberty Safe dealers, offering dependable U.S.-made safes. But service can be hit-or-miss, depending on staff knowledge. Some locations can’t even open display models to show you how they work. Sportsman’s Warehouse has similar limitations.

Tractor Supply is the largest gun safe retailer in the country, focusing more on quantity than customer service. If you know exactly what you want, it might be a decent option—but don’t expect expert help.

If you want a heavier, better-built safe, try timing your purchase with a Costco roadshow or look for higher-end imports like Remington. Just know that professional installation is rarely included, so plan to hire help.

Local safe dealers often assist with delivery and setup — even for safes bought elsewhere. Their expertise ensures proper placement and added safety.

Another solid option is Scheels, a regional sporting goods store known for great customer service and partnerships with local installers.

Bottom Line: For big-box buys, Costco (roadshows) and Scheels offer the best mix of value and support—if you're prepared to handle installation separately.

19:52: Should companies stop calling anything under 12 gauge steel a gun safe?

There’s a common debate online about whether safes made with thinner steel—like 14-gauge—should really be called "gun safes," or just "cabinets." Some people argue that anything lighter than 12-gauge steel isn’t secure enough to be considered a true safe. But the speakers disagree with that idea.

They explain that a lot of these arguments are based on UL (Underwriters Laboratories) ratings. UL uses the term "Residential Security Container" (RSC) for many entry-level gun safes. Just because something doesn’t pass a certain UL test doesn’t mean it’s not a real safe. In fact, there are safes in Europe that don’t use UL ratings at all, but they’re still considered high-quality safes.

The speakers also point out that not all safes are created equal—even if they’re made with the same gauge steel. Some 14-gauge safes made in the U.S. are better built than thicker imported ones. So instead of just focusing on steel thickness, it’s important to look at the overall quality and components of the safe.

They use a simple comparison: A Ford Ranger and a Ford F-150 are both trucks—they just serve different purposes and have different capabilities. In the same way, a 14-gauge safe with a UL-listed lock and solid construction is still a gun safe—it’s just considered an entry-level one.

Bottom Line: Steel thickness isn’t everything. A well-made 14-gauge safe with good parts and proper testing can still offer solid protection and deserves to be called a gun safe.

22:25: Is there any brand of safe you wish we carried?

Becoming a Fort Knox dealer was a big moment for us. It had been on your wish list for decades, and finally making it happen felt like a major accomplishment. Fort Knox is known for high-quality safes, and adding them to the product lineup made a strong impact. The feeling was mutual—Fort Knox had also wanted to work with us, but the timing hadn’t lined up until now.

Over the years, we have built relationships with top manufacturers in the industry. We’ve worked hard to offer the best quality safes at the best value. Another example is ISM, which makes some of the highest UL-rated safes in the world. Becoming an ISM dealer was another important step in offering premium products.

We also deliver safes from other high-end brands like Brown Safe, which makes custom, luxury safes—often for jewelry. Although we don’t currently sell Brown Safes directly, we think it would be great to one day offer them in our store. The same goes for Pendleton safes, which are known for their unique carousel-style storage. While there’s interest in these types of safes, space limitations make it hard to add even more models to our showroom. 

Bottom Line: We’re proud of the strong partnerships we’ve formed. We work with brands that are loyal to their dealers and committed to quality. Even though Fort Knox was the last major brand that had been out of reach, that gap is now filled.

25:26: Are commercial safes just for businesses?

We have been selling more commercial-grade safes—known as TL-rated safes—than ever before. Surprisingly, most of these sales aren’t to businesses, but to homeowners. While many people assume that TL-rated safes are only for commercial use, that's no longer true. More and more residential customers are choosing these high-security safes to protect valuables like cash, documents, and especially precious metals.

TL-rated safes are tested and rated based on how long they can withstand break-in attempts using tools or torches. Insurance companies often require certain TL ratings for businesses, depending on what’s being stored. We apply the same logic to homes. If you’re protecting something valuable—like $250,000 worth of gold, jewelry, or collectibles—you should have a safe rated to match that value, like a TL-15 or TL-30.

These commercial safes actually offer better value than many high-end residential gun safes. They may not have all the fancy finishes or flashy features, but they’re built to be tough, reliable, and secure. Fort Knox safes, for example, use exotic metals and are very strong, but they don’t use poured concrete insulation like true commercial safes do. That makes TL-rated models even more secure in some ways.

One key point is that commercial safes are simple and practical. They may not have the sleek designs or advanced locking systems of some luxury gun safes, but their basic construction is stronger and often more resistant to forced entry. Plus, we offer the option to customize the interior—adding features like gun racks or jewelry drawers—so you still get a personalized setup inside a high-security shell.

A great example is the American Security RF series. This safe uses the same heavy-duty door and frame found in their jeweler’s safes (which are TR-rated), but with a gun-safe-style interior. It’s a powerful combination and one of the best gun safes you can buy straight from the factory.

Bottom Line:Commercial-grade TL-rated safes aren’t just for businesses anymore. They’re becoming a top choice for homeowners who want maximum protection, and with custom interiors, they can offer the best of both worlds: strength and storage tailored to your needs.

30:28: Is fireproof just a branding thing?

When it comes to safes, one of the most common misconceptions is the idea of a “fireproof” safe. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a completely fireproof safe—only fire-rated safes. That’s an important difference.

Many imported safes sold online or in big box stores advertise that they’re “fireproof” and “waterproof,” but these claims are just marketing tactics. Unfortunately, many people believe them. Then, when a real fire happens, they find out too late that their safe couldn’t actually protect their valuables.

Fire ratings are based on how long a safe can withstand heat and how it’s built—not on a magic ability to resist fire forever. The more extreme the marketing claim (like super long burn times at high temps), the more skeptical you should be.

Bottom Line: “Fireproof” is a branding term that misleads people. Always look for real fire ratings and ask questions before buying a safe.

32:00: How do you feel about government mandated storage laws?

This is a topic our team feels strongly about. We fully support using a safe to lock up firearms and valuables to help keep families safe. Being a responsible gun owner is extremely important—especially in today’s world.

However, we don’t support laws that mandate how people store their firearms. In fact, we spent money to oppose a specific gun storage law in Washington State. Our belief is that while people should store their guns safely, the government shouldn’t force them to do it.

Times have changed—it’s not like the 1960s or 70s when guns were often left unlocked on grandpa’s farm. Now, with the rise in gun thefts, accidents, and even shootings, it's more important than ever to lock up firearms. But we believe it should be a personal responsibility, not a legal requirement.

Bottom Line: We encourage everyone to be responsible gun owners and use safes—but they don’t believe the government should tell people how to do it.

33:42: Myth. You don't need to bolt down a safe if it weighs over 1,000 pounds.

One big myth in the safe world is that heavy safes don’t need to be bolted down. That’s just not true. Our team has seen safes that weigh over 1,000 pounds get stolen—pushed down stairs or dragged out of garages. So our number one recommendation is always this: bolt your safe down.

Whether your safe is in the garage or inside the house, bolting it down adds a lot more security. If a thief can’t tip the safe over, it’s much harder to get the leverage needed to pry it open. Even with heavy safes, bolting makes a huge difference. That’s why it’s a standard part of our professional installation service.

There are a few cases where bolting isn’t recommended—like homes with post-tension concrete slabs or in high-rise buildings where hidden cables might run through the floor. In those situations, other methods can help. Some alternatives include using steel plates, epoxy, or even building a pedestal that the safe bolts into, which then connects to the wall. One customer even used plywood in a closet to block the safe from being moved.

Bottom Line: Nothing beats bolting down your safe. Even professionals with tools can remove an unbolted safe in minutes. But if it’s anchored properly, they’re stopped in their tracks.