August 30, 2024 4 min read
Storing a gun safe in the garage is a common practice for many gun owners, especially those who need to optimize space within their homes. However, while it provides convenience and security, placing a gun safely in the garage has specific risks, especially environmental factors.
A few advantages might make you consider storing a gun safe in a garage.
Accessibility and Convenience
One of the main advantages of placing your gun safe in the garage is accessibility. Garages often provide easy access without navigating tight hallways or stairs. This is particularly beneficial for larger gun safes that are difficult to move inside a home. Additionally, the garage offers a discreet storage option, helping to keep firearms out of sight while still easily accessible.
Enhanced Concealment
Storing your gun safe in the garage can also enhance its concealment. A well-placed gun safe, perhaps camouflaged behind garage shelving or other items, can be less conspicuous to potential intruders. Moreover, guests visit the garage less, reducing the risk of exposing the safe’s location.
Storing a gun safe in the garage comes with risks that must be carefully considered. Understanding these potential hazards can help you take preventive measures to ensure the safety and longevity of your firearms.
Environmental Concerns
Garages are often subject to more extreme temperature fluctuations and higher humidity than a house's interior. These conditions can accelerate rust and corrosion on firearms, especially if the safe is not equipped with proper climate control. According to experts, gun safes should ideally be kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% relative humidity to prevent damage.
Fire Hazards
Another risk to consider is the potential for fire hazards. In the event of a fire, garages, which often store flammable materials like gasoline and paint, can experience intense heat that may compromise the integrity of the gun safe and its contents. It’s crucial to ensure that the gun safe is fire-rated, particularly if it will be stored in a high-risk area like a garage.
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperatures can also affect the performance of electronic locking mechanisms, potentially causing them to malfunction. This is particularly concerning in regions with harsh winters or scorching summers. It's important to consider installing a dehumidifier rod to regulate the gun safe's internal environment.
Proper installation is crucial to ensuring your gun safe is both secure and functional. The following techniques will help you install your safe to maximize safety and convenience.
Leveling the Safe
Before installing your gun safe, ensure that the floor of your garage is level. An uneven surface can cause the safe to tilt, making it more challenging to open and close the door properly. This can also put stress on the locking mechanism over time.
Bolting the Safe Down
For added security, it’s recommended that the gun safe be bolted to the garage's concrete floor. This prevents the safe from tipping over and deters thieves from attempting to remove it entirely. Other products, such as high-quality mounting options, can be used with this method to protect your firearms.
Implementing Humidity Control
Given the higher humidity levels often found in garages, it’s essential to implement humidity control measures. This could include using desiccants or an electronic dehumidifier to keep moisture levels within the safe at a minimum. Consider climate-controlled mounting solutions that help protect your firearms from rust and corrosion.
Strategic Placement in the Garage
When deciding where to place the gun safe, consider positioning it away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as water heaters and furnace vents. These can exacerbate temperature fluctuations and increase the risk of rust. Place the safe on an elevated platform to avoid contact with a potentially damp floor, which can lead to moisture buildup at the base of the safe.
Mitigating Access Issues
Consider integrating an additional locking mechanism or alarm system to enhance security further. Use secure storage solutions that offer quick access when needed to ensure your firearms are safe and accessible.
Here are a few expert best practices for maintaining a gun safe.
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect your gun safe to check for signs of rust, especially around the edges and locking mechanism. If rust is detected early, it can be treated with rust-removal products, preventing further damage.
Cleaning and Care
Keep the gun safe's exterior and interior clean to avoid dust buildup, which can also attract moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth for the exterior, and consider light interior vacuuming if needed.
Keeping Documentation Up to Date
Ensure that all documentation related to the firearms stored in the safe is up to date and securely stored. This includes receipts, warranties, and any other paperwork that might be needed in case of theft or damage.
The quality of their product and customer service is at the highest level. Sparton products are awesome.
Despite description on website, does dot properly fit Ruger AI style mags. The mount is good, and works well with MDT AICS mags, just doesn't properly fit Ruger 10 round RPR magazines. I like Spartan products just couldn't find a good match for the Ruger scout mags.
Don't do reviews normally, but this mount was PERFECT for this gun. Thank you!!!!
I have several mounts and they all perform as advertised. When I inquired on a mount they didn’t have for a particular weapon, they designed and produced one! When I ordered the wrong mount, they responded immediately and exchanged it for a new one. All around great product and great service! Mark
I was looking for a good way to mount my firearms for display and found Spartan arms. Their products work great, are affordable and easy to install.
I use Spartan mountains on 90% of the guns in my gun room. I have a few rifles that Spartan does not make a holder for on those, I’m just using hooks for now.
Overall, I am very pleased and they are The best gun mounting solution on the market in my opinion
JBL charge 4 mounted on ram track in Winnie travato. easy install with two hammer head bolts. Easy install. When I received this I didn't think it would hold but it has a very snug fit Great execution and design!
Had an issue spoke to Customer service. They shipped one right out to me. I’m very pleased great customer service I will continue to use their wonderful product Thank you
New mount is great, I am thrilled with it.
My only complaint (minor) is that the pistol info should be etched so it is visible on the front of the mount when the firearm is removed. The etching is currently on the backside (facing the wall) and is not visible once installed.
Fix this and its a Grandslam by Spartan Mounts!
Great mount. Purchased for the Mossberg 940. Works great.
Mike
Easy to mount ,small,clean cut look.Great
Love the fact that my spartan mounts make my guns and rifles look like they are floating off my slatwall instead of the silhouette being distorted by a hook.
I love Spartan mounts, the only thing with this mount is if you have a side saddle for your shells, you either have to take it off or get the Universal Front mount as it won't fit in properly and will lean forward.
The help me organize my my spare magazines. They are sturdy and easy to install. I only wish you sent me more stickers. Consider a blank space on the sticker for the caliper. Very sturdy product. Send me like 6 stickers please.