Updated At
Price: $1,199.00
Customer Rating: ★ 4.5 out of 5 stars
Manufacturer: Steelwater Gun Safes
Steelwater Gun Safe Review – At A Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Capacity | Fire Rating | Lock Type |
| Up to 16 long guns | 60 minutes at 1875°F | EMP-proof digital keypad |
Material | Dimensions | Weight |
| 12-gauge steel | 16″D x 22″W x 59″H | 330 pounds |
Special Features | Interior | Shelves |
| Fully upholstered grey | 4 adjustable/removable |
Locking Bolts | Security Features | Color |
| Ten 1.5″ steel bolts | Gear-driven lock, re-locker | Semi-gloss textured black |
Pros
Cons
| ||
Steelwater Gun Safe Review: EMP-Proof, Fire-Resistant Vault
Security and peace of mind are paramount when it comes to safeguarding your firearms and valuables. You need a safe that’s not just robust but also equipped to handle unexpected threats—be it fires, break-ins, or even electromagnetic pulses.
Enter the Steelwater Gun Safe AMSWS592216-EMP, a heavy-duty, EMP-proof fortress designed to protect your rifles, pistols, and other valuables. In this review, I’ll dive deep into its features, pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your security needs.
Product Details – Steelwater Gun Safe
- Capacity: 16 long guns
- Fire Rating: 60 minutes at 1875°F
- Lock Type: EMP-proof digital keypad
- Material: 12-gauge steel
- Locking Bolts: Ten 1.5″ solid steel bolts
- Dimensions: 16″D x 22″W x 59″H
- Weight: 330 pounds
- Interior: Fully upholstered grey
- Shelves: 4 adjustable/removable
- Special Features: Auto LED lights, dehumidifier, door organizer
✅ Best For: Gun owners seeking top-tier security with fire resistance and EMP-proof technology for their firearms and valuables.
Steelwater Gun Safe Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Steelwater Gun Safe
- ✅ Exceptional fire protection (60 minutes at 1875°F)
- ✅ EMP-proof digital keypad with high-security bypass key
- ✅ Heavy-duty 12-gauge steel construction
- ✅ Ten 1.5″ solid steel locking bolts for enhanced security
- ✅ Automatic interior LED lighting for visibility
- ✅ Adjustable shelving for customizable storage
Cons of Steelwater Gun Safe
- ❗ Actual capacity may be less than advertised
- ❗ Heavy weight requires professional installation
The Steelwater Gun Safe has received mostly positive reviews for its robust construction and advanced security features. Users appreciate its fire resistance, EMP-proof lock, and overall durability.
In-Depth Review of the Steelwater Gun Safe
When it comes to safeguarding your firearms and valuables, the Steelwater Gun Safe AMSWS592216-EMP stands out as a formidable option. Let’s delve into its features to see what sets it apart.
Heavy-Duty Construction
The safe boasts a solid 12-gauge steel construction, offering substantial resistance against break-ins. Its composite 4 ¾” thick door includes two layers of fireboard, enhancing both security and fire protection. Weighing in at 330 pounds, this safe is a heavyweight in more ways than one.
Exceptional Fire Protection
One of the standout features is its 60-minute fire rating at a scorching 1875°F. The double-layer fireboard in the walls, ceiling, floor, and door jambs provides comprehensive fire resistance. Additionally, a heat-activated expandable door seal is designed to seal out smoke and water, expanding up to eight times its thickness in the event of a fire.
Advanced Locking Mechanism
Security is further enhanced by ten 1.5″ diameter solid steel locking bolts—seven active and three inactive—providing four sides of bolt coverage. The gear-driven lock and bolt system adds strength against prying, punching, and drill attacks. A drill-resistant hard plate protects the digital lock, re-locker, gear drive, and linkages, making unauthorized access extremely difficult.
EMP-Proof Digital Keypad with Backup Key
In a world where electronic security systems can be vulnerable to electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), having an EMP-proof digital keypad is a significant advantage. The safe comes with two reprogrammable (3-8 digit) user codes and a high-security, double-bitted bypass key, ensuring you can access your valuables even if the keypad fails.
Interior Features and Customization
The interior is fully upholstered in grey and features a two-section gun rack capable of storing up to eight long guns per section. It includes four adjustable or removable shelves for additional storage options, allowing you to customize the interior based on your needs. Automatic interior LED lighting illuminates the safe, making it easier to locate items in low-light conditions.
Installation Considerations
Due to its substantial weight, installing the safe may require professional assistance. The safe includes four pre-drilled ½” diameter anchor holes reinforced with ¼” steel plates, ensuring it can be securely bolted to the floor. It’s crucial to anchor the safe properly to prevent tipping, especially since the door’s weight can cause it to lean forward when open.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the safe is advertised as holding up to 16 long guns, users have noted that fitting 16 rifles, especially those with scopes or other attachments, can be challenging. Realistically, the safe comfortably holds 8-10 long guns. Additionally, the heavy weight and the necessity to bolt it down may be inconvenient for some users.
Who Is the Steelwater Gun Safe Perfect For?
If you’re someone who prioritizes maximum security for your firearms and valuables, the Steelwater Gun Safe is for you. It’s perfect for:
- ✅ Gun owners seeking fire-resistant and EMP-proof protection
- ✅ Those needing secure storage for rifles, pistols, and other valuables
- ✅ Users who appreciate customizable interior shelving
- ✅ Individuals requiring advanced security features against drilling and prying
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
While the Steelwater Gun Safe is a robust security solution, it might not be ideal for everyone:
- ✅ If you have a large collection exceeding 10 long guns, you might find the capacity limiting
- ✅ Those looking for a lightweight or more portable safe may find its 330-pound weight impractical
Customer Experiences with the Steelwater Gun Safe
We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Steelwater Gun Safe to provide real-world insights.
- ✅ Solid Construction: Users praise the safe’s heavy-duty materials and robust build, noting it feels like a bank vault.
- ✅ Advanced Security: The EMP-proof digital keypad and backup key receive high marks for reliability and peace of mind.
- ✅ User-Friendly Features: Many appreciate the automatic LED lighting and customizable shelving, enhancing usability.
- 🚫 Capacity Concerns: Some users report that the safe cannot hold 16 long guns as advertised, especially if the guns have scopes.
- 🚫 Installation Challenges: A few customers mention that the safe can tip forward if not properly bolted down due to the heavy door.
Value Analysis of the Steelwater Gun Safe
The Steelwater Gun Safe offers significant features for its price point, making it a competitive option in the market.
Security Features
The combination of heavy-duty 12-gauge steel construction, ten solid steel locking bolts, and a drill-resistant hard plate makes this safe a formidable barrier against theft. The gear-driven lock and bolt system enhances resistance to prying and punching attacks.
Fire and EMP Protection
With a 60-minute fire rating at 1875°F, it surpasses many competitors in this price range. The EMP-proof digital keypad with a high-security bypass key adds an extra layer of protection that’s rare among safes in this category.
Usability and Convenience
Features like automatic interior LED lighting and fully upholstered interior enhance the user experience. Adjustable shelving allows for customization, accommodating a variety of firearms and valuables. The included dehumidifier helps protect contents from moisture damage.
Considerations
While the safe offers excellent features, the discrepancy between advertised and actual capacity is a consideration. The need for professional installation due to its weight may add to the overall cost, but it also speaks to the safe’s robust construction.
The Steelwater Gun Safe is an excellent investment for those seeking robust, fire-resistant, and EMP-proof security for their firearms and valuables. With its advanced features and solid construction, it offers great value for serious gun owners.
Final Remarks: Is the Steelwater Gun Safe Worth It?
The Steelwater Gun Safe provides exceptional security features, including fire resistance and EMP-proof technology, making it a top choice for gun owners. Its heavy-duty build and advanced locking system offer peace of mind, though the actual capacity and installation requirements may be limiting for some users.
FAQs – Steelwater Gun Safe Review
How many guns can the Steelwater Gun Safe actually hold?
While the safe is advertised as holding up to 16 long guns, users report that it comfortably fits 8-10 rifles, especially if they have scopes or attachments. The capacity may vary based on the size and configuration of your firearms.
Is the Steelwater Gun Safe fireproof?
Yes, the safe has a 60-minute fire rating at 1875°F. It features double-layer fireboard in the walls, ceiling, floor, and door jambs, providing comprehensive fire protection for your valuables.
What does EMP-proof mean in relation to the digital keypad?
EMP-proof means that the digital keypad is designed to withstand electromagnetic pulses, which can disable electronic devices. This ensures that you can access your safe even after an EMP event. Additionally, the safe includes a high-security bypass key for manual access.
Can I install the safe myself?
Due to its heavy weight (330 pounds), professional installation is recommended. The safe needs to be bolted down securely to prevent tipping, especially because the door is heavier than the body.
Does the safe include interior lighting?
Yes, the Steelwater Gun Safe comes with automatic interior LED lighting. The lights turn on when the door is opened and shut off when closed, enhancing visibility inside the safe.
What kind of warranty does Steelwater provide?
The safe includes a limited lifetime fire and burglary warranty, as well as a one-year in-home warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Is the safe’s lock drill-resistant?
Yes, the safe features a drill-resistant hard plate that protects the digital lock, re-locker, gear drive, and linkages. This adds an extra layer of security against drilling attacks.
Can I customize the interior of the safe?
The safe comes with four adjustable or removable shelves, allowing you to customize the interior based on your storage needs. The fully upholstered interior also includes a two-section gun rack.
Does the safe require batteries for the digital keypad?
Yes, the EMP-proof digital keypad requires batteries to operate. However, in case of battery failure, you can still access the safe using the high-security bypass key provided.
What additional accessories are included with the safe?
The safe includes a 200-gram Dry Pack silica gel rechargeable dehumidifying box, automatic interior LED lighting, a heavy-duty interior door organizer, and a high-security bypass key.
Steelwater Gun Safe Review – Conclusion
Protecting your firearms and valuables is a serious responsibility, and the Steelwater Gun Safe rises to the challenge with its robust features and solid construction. Its heavy-duty steel build, advanced locking mechanisms, and exceptional fire and EMP protection make it a standout choice for those who refuse to compromise on security.
While it may not hold as many guns as advertised and requires proper installation due to its weight, the overall benefits far outweigh these considerations. If you’re in the market for a reliable, high-security safe that offers peace of mind, the Steelwater Gun Safe is a worthy investment.