Storing your guns in a gun safe is an easy way to prevent a tragic accident in your home. Safes also keep your guns away from thieves, and the cost of buying a safe is cheaper than the lawyer bills if your guns end up in the wrong hands.

Gun safes made of steel are the best, but there are different types of steel available. More steel and higher quality steel equals stronger protection. However, attaching a thick-steeled safe to the floor is more difficult because it is hard to drill holes through the thick steel.

Most safes are fire-resistant, not fireproof. If you have a valuable gun collection, it may be worth the extra money to buy a fireproof safe. Fireproof ratings are usually listed by the amount of heat the safe can withstand and for how long.

The size of the safe you should buy depends on your gun collection. Larger safes generally cost more than smaller safes of equal quality. If you only have pistols, you should buy a smaller safe. You can move or remove the shelf in the safe to best arrange your pistol collection. Smaller safes can be easily hidden underneath a bed, in a closet, or in a dresser. Bigger safes for shotguns and rifles, however, are harder to move, which is an added security. Smaller safes should be bolted to the floor to keep them in their place.

Most sporting goods stores that sell guns also sell gun safes. You can also shop online. Most companies will ship anywhere in the United States. If you buy your safe from a wholesaler and have to pay for shipping, you may still get a cheaper cost than if you bought the safe at full price. Don't be afraid to comparison shop or talk to gun owners about the safes they recommend.