What size gun safe do I need?
  • June 18, 2024

What size gun safe do I need?

When owning a firearm in the UK, it's extremely important to store them responsibly. One of the first things to think about is getting a police-approved gun safe.

Whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or a first-time buyer, selecting the right size gun safe is crucial for ensuring the safety of your firearms, valuables, and loved ones.

But with a myriad of options available, how do you figure out the perfect gun safe size for you?

Know your needs

Before diving into the dimensions, it's essential to assess what you'll be storing in your gun safe and what you’re going to need it for. This will help determine where your gun safe will be placed and how you’ll access it. You should consider:

1. Number of firearms

Take inventory of your firearms collection, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and any additional accessories like scopes or ammunition. This count will be the foundation for determining the safe's capacity and how much space you’ll need.

If you only have a small pistol, then a Buffalo River Ammunition & Pistol Cabinet is a great choice. However, if you have a large rifle collection, the Buffalo River Black Diamond Series 10 may be what you’re looking for.

2. Additional valuables

Beyond firearms, think about other valuables you might want to store in your safe, such as jewellery, important documents, or cash. This will help gauge the overall storage capacity required and how much you want to invest in your safety cabinets.

It could be that you want to keep these valuables separate from your guns. If so, you can invest in a Home and Office Safe for all your other safety storage needs.

3. Future expansion

Try and think ahead to any future firearm needs or changes in your collection size. If you invest in a slightly larger safe than your current needs, like a Buffalo River Black Diamond Series, it can accommodate your future growth without the need to buy a new safe.

Choosing the right dimensions

Once you have a clear understanding of what you'll be storing, you can start thinking about the dimensions and sizing of your gun safe.

1. Internal dimensions

Look for safes with customisable interiors or adjustable shelving to accommodate various firearm sizes and configurations. Pay attention to the height, width, and depth of the safe's interior to ensure it can comfortably house your collection.

Take our Buffalo gun safes, they boast a wide range of internal dimension options that can fit anywhere between 3 to 24 guns.

2. Exterior size

Review the physical dimensions of the safe and how it will fit in your home space. Measure where you want to put it and be sure to check if it will fit through doorways, stairs, or any other tight spots when you're installing it.

3. Weight and placement

Factor in the weight of the safe, especially if you plan to install it on an upper floor or in a location with weight restrictions, making sure the floor can support the safe's weight. Consider hiring professionals to deliver, carry, and install your safe for a risk-free installation process.

General size guidelines:

  • A small gun cabinet’s internal dimensions, like the Phoenix Lacerta GS8001K are (HxWxD): 1290cm X 215cm X 165cm, whilst the external dimensions are (HxWxD): 1300cm X 220cm X 200cm.
  • A large gun safe’s internal dimensions like the Burton Warden MKII 14E are (HxWxD): 1530cm X 760cm X 300cm, whilst the external dimensions are (HxWxD): 1650cm X 880cm X 450cm.

Choosing the best brand

When picking the right size gun safe, choosing the right brand matters. Go for well-known brands that make high-quality and reliable safes with accurate size guidelines.

By picking a trusted brand, you can be confident your gun safe will keep your firearms secure for a long time and give you peace of mind. Explore our range of gun cabinets featuring top brands, including:

Designed to accommodate shotguns, rifles and pistols, these safes vary in size, and are capable of securely holding anywhere from 1 to 24 firearms.

Compliant with BS7558/92 Gun Security Standards, each safe comes equipped with a separate lockable compartment dedicated to ammunition storage.

Ready to invest in a gun safe?

Choosing the perfect gun safe helps keep your firearms safe and sound, giving you peace of mind. If you're unsure of what size you need, contact our security experts at eSafes.

Simply call us on 0800 783 2328 or email info@esafes.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you.

Alternatively, if you can’t find the gun safe you’re looking for or you’d like an expert opinion on the perfect one for your security needs, send us a message via our online contact form.