Buying Liberty safe but split on Mechanical or Keypad...

[titsonritz]

While I agree with this statement, I think we can also agree that "Buy once cry once' is often our best route.

Especially on high dollar items.

 

[NW Backpacker]

Scroll down to the part on locking devices:

Gun Safe Buyers' Guide

More:
Electronic vs. Dial Locks on Gunsafes within AccurateShooter.com

 

[billdeserthills]

I don't know how aware people are with the UL listing on safes, but even an expensive UL listed TL-15 safe only provides 15 minutes worth of protection, according to Underwriters Labs & most folks won't spend that much on a safe. I have 5 safes & none of them is even equal to the TL-15 I mentioned.

Gun Safes-- The difference between RSC's (residential security containers) & Safes Gun Safes: The difference between "Safes" and "RSC's"

 

[2A2Dend]

Some may be interested in this as an upgrade.

Check them out for other options regarding locks.

 

[jbett98]

My digital lock has a skeleton key in case it stops functioning.

 

[dddrees]

I don't know how aware people are with the UL listing on safes, but even an expensive UL listed TL-15 safe only provides 15 minutes worth of protection, according to Underwriters Labs & most folks won't spend that much on a safe. I have 5 safes & none of them is even equal to the TL-15 I mentioned.

Gun Safes-- The difference between RSC's (residential security containers) & Safes Gun Safes: The difference between "Safes" and "RSC's"

Probably one of the best if not best quick down and dirty on a rsc vs safe I've seen yet.

 

[2A2Dend]

My safes have a master-key, named "cracker"
In case I forget

Regarding longevity in a fire, layer several layers of 5/8" green-board on the exterior.
Keep the cu/ft on the inside as dimensional as can be.
You can't get any better than that.

Five layers of 5/8" rock, bring it!!

 

[jyuzamas]

Depends on your eye sight. I have had electronic even before my eye started going bad and have had no problems yet. 15 year old electronic lock.

 

[Heywood]

I chose mechanical for most of the reasons stated by others. Just don't go cheap.

 

[vadgru]

I have a mechanical for reliability and security reasons.( personal opinion) You get used to opening it pretty quick after a while. But I do know that the average kid or theif even if he's given my combo he will have a fun time figuring out to open it. In hope that delay can be to my benefit. But if it's electronic. Type it in and done.. i also have key that locks the dial from turning so you can't open safe at all. (Liberty Safe) I like it. I'd buy another. Interested in Fort Knox too for next one

 

[billdeserthills]

Instead of talking about the benefits of mechanical or electronic combo locks why not just get both? Redundant combo lock

SecuRam - SafeLogic - EXTREME Redundant Lock Body & Keypad (SET: LOCK & KEYPAD)

SecuRam SafeLogic Xtreme EMP-Proof Redundant Electro-Mechanical Safe Lock Part Number: EC-1501A-X-CH (Dial & Keypad) and XL-1501 (Lock Body) The SafeLogic Xtreme is a highly advanced electromechanical safe lock system that offers EMP protection. Access assured. SafeLogic Xtreme features push...

trackersafe.com

 

[The Heretic]

I would opt for the dial, especially if it is a quality one - IMO worth the extra $$$

If you need to access a gun real fast, then get an additional locking setup external to the safe.

If you look at my microwave, you can tell which buttons I press every day.