Thread: Locks for gunsafe

What's the preferred lock system ?

Key type ? If so, are there different grades ?

Combination lock, digital or mechnanical ?

Maybe just a padlock somehow ?

I dont know about which is preferred, but multiple types is not a silly idea. Key and combination, etc. Looked at a bio-metric one yesterday. We have been using RFID and biometric at work for some time. (Bio metric are used for timesheets etc rather than access...)

Ross six lever locks have been the defacto standard for B, C and E cat safes in New Zealand for a long time.

Do you know where to source them and an approximate cost @systolic?

If you are planning on building your own sfe then a locksmith should be able to source a good quality lever lock (as opposed to pin tumbler). The greater the number of levers, the more difficult it is to open the lock without a key.

Mine came with the safe, but there's heaps on ebay and they sometimes come up on Trademe.

100 series are the usual ones used for gun safes.

ask your arms officer, there is a document with the standard required, I think it is a 5 lever lock but that might have changed.

Wouldn't a respectable combination lock be more secure from others in the household getting access ? The main hazard of firearms is said to be suicide. Children are smarter than their parents and have more time than a burglar so will usually be able to find any key you hide .

I've been told that digital locks can be smashed and opened with a hammer. True or no ?

Why are most gunsafes using a metal key ?

I meant resettable combination. Change at irregular intervals like a password.

Originally Posted by Bagheera

Wouldn't a respectable combination lock be more secure from others in the household getting access ? The main hazard of firearms is said to be suicide. Children are smarter than their parents and have more time than a burglar so will usually be able to find any key you hide .

I've been told that digital locks can be smashed and opened with a hammer. True or no ?

Why are most gunsafes using a metal key ?

@Bagheera

Maybe because We The People occasionally forget to change the combination lock batteries and need a plan B to get to our guns.

Ross locks can be bought from here
https://www.levco.co.nz/home

My plan "B" was a little 4.5" x 1.5mm cut off wheel in a grinder when I lost my keys.
Not many locks will resist that for more than a few seconds.
Zq

Digital locks often have a manual override so flat batteries aren't too much of a problem. Of course you do have the question of security and pickproofness of the key lock.

I'm still wondering why combination locks aren't more mainstream.

ZQ how to get into your safe when the key fails is probably best reserved for the dark web or PM to known forum buddies. However my understanding is that some ancient dodgy safes might be best consigned to the scrapheap.