5 More Gun Safe Misconceptions

Gun safes are a critical investment for firearm owners but even with growing awareness, misinformation still floats around. Last year, we tackled some of the most common myths about gun safes. Today, we're back to shed light on five more misconceptions we regularly encounter through our experience in safe moving, delivery, and installation. Whether you're planning to purchase your first safe or want to make sure yours is set up properly, understanding these myths can help you make smarter, safer decisions.

1. The Heavier the Safe, the More Secure It Is

Weight can play a role in a safe’s fire resistance or resistance to tipping, but heavier doesn't always mean more secure. Some safes are heavy due to the fireboard or insulation used, not because they’re constructed with thicker steel or reinforced locking mechanisms.

A heavy safe with poor locking bolts or weak welds may deter casual thieves but could still be vulnerable to a determined intruder. Instead of focusing on weight alone, look for a balance of:

• Steel thickness

• Bolt strength

• Relocking features

• Anchorability

• Proper fire rating for your needs

Security is about design, not just mass.

2. Digital Keypads Fail Too Often to Be Trusted

It’s true that older digital locks had reliability issues but that was then. Modern electronic locks are now widely used in commercial-grade safes for cash, jewelry, and even pharmaceuticals.

Today’s digital keypads often come with:

• Battery warnings

• Manual override options

• UL ratings

• Anti-tamper features

These locks allow for faster access, customizable codes, and in many cases, a higher level of tamper resistance than mechanical alternatives.

3. The Lock Is the Only Thing That Matters

The lock is important but it’s just one part of a much larger security system. A safe’s overall strength depends on the entire structure working together:

• Body construction and gauge of steel

• Bolt mechanisms and how they engage with the frame

• Internal relockers

• Door reinforcement and hinge protection

Even the interior material can affect the condition of what you're storing, especially over long periods.

4. A Hidden Gun Is Just as Safe as a Locked Gun

This myth is dangerously misleading and can be divisive amount firearm owners. While hiding a firearm might fool an intruder temporarily, it does nothing to protect against unauthorized access, damage, or accidents.

Children, guests, or even service workers could unintentionally discover a hidden gun. And unlike a safe, hiding spots offer no defense against fire, humidity, or theft.

It may look cool in the movies, but a properly secured safe with quick-access features (if needed) is the far more responsible route.

5. “It’ll Fit Through Any Door - It’s Just a Big Box”

A common assumption when moving a gun safe is that, since it’s box-shaped, it’ll move through your house like any large piece of furniture. In reality, gun safes are rigid, heavy, and completely unforgiving in tight spaces.

Challenges include:

• Door swing clearance

• Low ceilings

• Tight turns in hallways

• Narrow entryways

• Elevated thresholds or stairs

We’ve seen situations where a safe couldn't make it into a room without removing doors, trim, or even cutting drywall. Always measure not just the safe, but the entire pathway from entry point to final destination including turning angles and floor materials.

Bonus Myth: Vault Doors Are Overkill For A House

Residential vault doors are more accessible and practical than many realize. While they used to be reserved for high-security spaces or preparation bunkers, today’s vault doors are used in:

• Gun rooms

• Panic rooms

• Document storage

• Storm shelters

Modern vault doors come in discreet finishes, fit into standard framing, and offer varying levels of security and fire protection. They still might need some reinforcement of the floors, walls, and ceilings, yet it doesn't usually require installation when a house is being built. With the right setup, they can turn a spare room or basement corner into a formidable security zone no concrete bunker required.

Gun safes and vault doors often come with a lot of misunderstandings and half-truths, which can lead buyers to make choices that don’t match their actual needs.

If you're unsure how to move, install, or place your safe don’t go it alone. At Nick of Time Moving, we specialize in the professional relocation and installation of gun safes and vault doors. With the right equipment and years of experience, we ensure your safe is moved safely and set up the right way, with no damage to your home or the safe itself.

Visit www.nickoftimemoving.com to get started, and let us take the weight off your shoulders - literally.