When it comes to keeping your firearms safe and preserved from fires, only the best will do. One of the most prestigious and high-quality gun safe companies is Steelwater. Steelwater has been producing extremely durable gun safes for the past 30 years. Here is our 2020 Steelwater Gun Safe Buyer’s Guide
Reviewing The Steelwater Fireproof Gun Safes
When it comes to gun safes, there are many factors to consider such as capacity, size, weight, security features, and so on. This guide aims to be a helpful comparison between several top fire-resistant gun safes from Steelwater.
[amazon table=”44613″]
What Is The Best Steelwater Gun Safe?
Our Winner: Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 22 [star rating=”5″ numeric=”yes”]
After choosing 5 of Steelwater’s fire resistant gun safes, and carefully comparing each one’s options and protection, our top pick is [amazon link=”B00W4FC6IS” title =”the Steelwater Heavy Duty 22.”] This model is overall the best bang for your buck (no pun intended).
For the price, you get a safe that can protect up to 22 long guns for up to an hour at fire temperatures of 1875o F. (It will of course last longer at lower temperatures.)
[amazon link=”B00W4FC6IS” title =”Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 22 AMLD593024-EMP”]
[amazon box=”B00W4FC6IS”]
High Capacity – Steelwater Heavy Duty 39
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”4″ numeric=”yes”]
Another big boy in the mix, [amazon link=”B00Y1HRC9K” title =”the Heavy Duty 39″] has a 39-gun max capacity (avg. 24-30.) While it isn’t quite as big as the Heavy Duty 45, it still provides more than enough space to store your weapons and/or valuables.
The Steelwater Heavy Duty measures at 59”x39”x24” and is rated fire resistant at the standard 1875o F for 60 minutes. While it comes standard with the EMP-proof heat-sensitive keypad lock, you can also purchase the Heavy Duty 39 with the biometric keypad if you so desire. Also, you get the drill-resistant hard plate, the 20 locking bolts, and the bolt holes in the interior.
[amazon link=”B00Y1HRC9K” title =”Steelwater Heavy Duty 39 AMLD593924-BLK”]
[amazon box=”B00Y1HRC9K”]
The interior is divided into a three-section gun rack, with each being able to hold a max of 13 guns each. Also included are 7 shelves, one full length, and six small shelves to give you more storage options. You also receive the standard Steelwater door organizer with this safe.
Another useful feature that this safe has, along with the other Steelwater safes, is the LED lighting. There are automatic LED lights within the safe. With this system, you also get a power supply that includes 3 A/C outlets and two USB ports. Overall, the Heavy Duty 39 is a great option for people who need a lot of space, but don’t want to drop the extra money on the Heavy Duty 45.
Pros & Cons
✔ 39 Long gun max capacity (avg. 24-30)
✔ Comes with 7 shelves and door organizer
✔ Biometric keypad lock available
✔ Eighteen 1 1/8 inch locking bolts
✔ Rated fire-resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes
✗ Not available in all areas
✗ Depending on shelving, some guns may not fit
✗ Initial smell (fades over time)
Best Value – Steelwater Heavy Duty 22
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”5″ numeric=”yes”]
This safe provides a good balance between people who need a decent amount of space, but not as much space as other models like the Heavy Duty 45 offer. Per the name, this safe can hold a maximum of 22 long guns (avg. 14-18 long guns)
Standing at 59”x30”x24” [amazon link=”B00W4FC6IS” title =”the Steelwater Heavy Duty 22″] is still pretty hefty, but only takes up about the same space as a dresser (although it will certainly keep your guns safer than a dresser would.) The interior is divided into two racks that can hold up to 11 guns each. The safe also comes with 4 reinforced shelves that you can further divide the interior up with.
[amazon link=”B00W4FC6IS” title =”Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 22 AMLD593024-EMP”]
[amazon box=”B00W4FC6IS”]
Even though it is not as pricey as other Steelwater safes, the Heavy Duty 22 is equipped with all the new anti-theft features, including the EMP-proof heat-sensitive digital keypad. Also included is the double-bitted emergency bypass key. The keypad and revolving spoke handle control the 20 locking bolts that secure the door.
If you prefer a quicker yet just as secure lock option, the Heavy Duty 22 is also offered with a new biometric keypad that includes a secondary numeric entry. Whichever option you choose, the keypad and the gears are protected by a drill- and ballistic-resistant hard plate.
The Heavy Duty 22 is fire resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes. To further prevent fire damage to your weapons, this safe (like other Steelwater safes in this guide) is equipped with a heat-activated seal that keeps out smoke and moisture in the event of a catastrophic event.
Pros & Cons
✔ Durable Construction
✔ Interior LED Lighting
✔ Optional Biometric Lock
✔ 22 Long Gun Capacity
✔ Heat resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes
✔ Door organizer included
✔ Dehumidifier included
✗ Not deliverable in some areas
✗ Installing is slightly difficult
Top Performer – Steelwater Extreme Duty 22
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”5″ numeric=”yes”]
If you thought that the other safes were tough, just wait till you get a look at this one. [amazon link=”B00UTSIKBE” title =”The Steelwater Extreme Duty 22″] is the only safe out of this review that is rated fire resistant at 1875o F for 120 minutes instead of 60. As the name suggests the Extreme Duty 22 can hold a maximum of 22 long guns.
To make this safe more fire-resistant than the others, Steelwater built this safe out of 9-gauge steel instead of the normal 12 gauge. Also, the Extreme Duty 22 has four layers of fireboard in the body, this is double the number of layers in the Heavy Duty version safes. As if that wasn’t enough, the door is 5 ¼ inches thick and includes 3 layers of fireboard and an extra ¼ inch thick steel plate.
[amazon link=”B00UTSIKBE” title =”Proof Steelwater Extreme Duty 22 AMHD593024-EMP”]
[amazon box=”B00UTSIKBE”]
The dimensions are the same as the Heavy Duty 22 at 59”x30”x24”. Within the safe, you get the same style racks that can hold up to 11 long guns each and the four shelves: one full-length and three small ones.
To secure your valuables, [amazon link=”B00UTSIKBE” title =”the Extreme Duty 22″] comes with the Steelwater standard E.M.P-proof heat-sensitive keypad and the 20 locking bolts. Or, you can order this safe with the biometric keypad.
Pros & Cons
✔ 22 long gun max capacity
✔ Fire-resistant at 1875o F for 2 hours
✔ Available with biometric keypad
✔ Extra ¼ inch plate added to door
✗ Possibly door heavy (should be bolted down)
✗ Not available in some areas
Best Option on a Budget – Steelwater Heavy Duty 16
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”4″ numeric=”yes”]
This safe is a good option if you’re just starting your gun collection, or if you need something compact for a small home or apartment. But, just because it’s small and inexpensive doesn’t mean that your guns/valuables will be only slightly less vulnerable. This is still a Steelwater safe. And with its price, you can get quality protection without breaking the bank.
Standing at 59”x22”x16” [amazon link=”B005BT9QF0″ title =”the Steelwater Heavy Duty 16″] is a slim boy that can easily fit in a bedroom space or some closets. The door is a compact yet strong 4 ¾ inches thick with 3 layers of fireboard built into the material.
[amazon link=”B005BT9QF0″ title =”Steelwater Heavy Duty 16 AMSW592216-BLK”]
[amazon box=”B005BT9QF0″]
The Heavy Duty 16 comes with the standard security features including the EMP-proof heat-sensitive keypad and the drill- and ballistic-resistant hard plate. Because of its size, the safe only has ten 1 ½ inch locking bolts, but that’s all it needs.
Like many of the Steelwater Safes, the Heavy Duty 16 is fire resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes. It also comes with the heat-activated seal to keep out smoke and moisture. To keep your guns preserved in normal conditions, the Heavy Duty 16 also includes a dehumidifier,
The interior is divided into two gun racks that can hold a max of 8 guns each. Also included are one full-length reinforced shelf and three small shelves to increase your storage options. You also get the Steelwater door organizer included.
Pros & Cons
✔ Tough, Compact Design
✔ 16 Long Gun Capacity (avg. 8-10)
✔ Stylish
✔ Easy to place out of sight
✔ Fire-resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes
✗ Not available in some areas
✗ Slightly door-heavy (tilts forward if not bolted down)
Biggest Capacity – Steelwater Heavy Duty 45
ITIShooting.com Rating: [star rating=”4.5″ numeric=”yes”]
When it comes to the big boys, this is the biggest boy of them all. As the name suggests, it can hold a maximum of 45 long guns (Avg. of 33-39). [amazon link=”B00Y1EDG98″ title =”The Heavy Duty 45″] will keep your weapons secure inside its 72”x42”x28” 12-gauge steel body. The door alone is 5 inches thick, and also includes 3 layers of fireboard in its construction.
While this safe is fireproof, it is also virtually burglar-proof. Armed with features like 20 locking bolts, an 8X drill- and ballistic-resistant hard plate, nobody is getting this safe without your permission.
[amazon link=”B00Y1EDG98″ title =”E.M.P Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 45 AMLD724228-BLK”]
[amazon box=”B00Y1EDG98″]
This gargantuan safe is locked with an E.M.P-proof digital keypad, that also has a double bitted emergency bypass key. Also, to prevent excessive wear on the numbers, the keypad is heat sensitive so you don’t have to press hard on the keys
Inside, the safe is divided by a three-section gun rack that can hold a max of 15 guns each. These sections are upholstered in a gray interior. Also, you get two full-length reinforced shelves and six small shelves. To further aid you in organizing your valuables, the inside of the door has a multi-pocket organizer.
In case you want to ensure even further that your Heavy Duty 45 doesn’t go anywhere, the safe also has drill holes on the bottom of the interior if you want to bolt your safe to the ground. This is a good option if you have children.
Pros & Cons
✔ 45 Gun Capacity
✔ Fire-resistant at 1875o F for 60 minutes
✔ EMP-proof keypad
✔ Automatic LED Lighting
✔ Drill-resistant hard plate
✔ Long-lasting (doesn’t rust)
✔ Includes dehumidifying box
✗ Requires a lot of space
✗ Not available for delivery in some areas
Choosing Your Gun Safe
Just like every safe is made differently, every gun owner is different. There are a whole host of factors to consider when making an investment like this to protect your property. Also, with other gun safes on the market, what makes Steelwater stand out from the rest?
With that in mind, here are just a few things to consider about choosing your safe and why Steelwater is one of the best safe makers in the business.
Space Needed vs. Space Available
In a perfect world, you would have ample space to store as many weapons as you want. But, real life being what it is, there is always spacing to consider. Will you have the safe out in the open, or will you conceal it in a closet? Also, will you have sufficient space to get a big enough safe?
When considering which safe to buy, aside from the obvious number of guns you have, it’s also important to consider what else you’ll need to store in the safe i.e. ammunition, handguns, documents, jewelry, etc.
In the case of a Steelwater safe, the door organizer that comes with the models in this review can handle handguns and jewelry. However, for storing bulkier items like documents and ammo, you’ll need to use the provided shelves, which will, of course, affect gun capacity.
Getting the Safe in Position
It comes as no surprise that these safes are not light by any means. However, these safes weigh a lot more than two grown men could lift and carry (even if they are powerlifters.) If you are looking to buy one of these safes, it is recommended that you either enlist the help of several friends, use dollies and slide boards or even consider hiring professional movers to install it.
Steelwater does offer free shipping and garage delivery, however, that is all they do. The deliverers do not install the safe for you.
Why Steelwater Safes?
While there are many fire-resistant gun safe brands on the market, Steelwater is one of the best. They have been building and improving gun safe designs for almost 30 years, and they offer distinct advantages in construction and customer service.
In several design areas, Steelwater has been ahead of the curve. This includes reinforcing the shelves to prevent sagging and adding an additional plate where the anchor bolt holes are located to decrease the chances of rocking.
Another benefit to a Steelwater safe is the fire resistance capability. These safes embody the phrase “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” All of the safes in this guide are rated resistant at 1875o F. However, most house fires burn at an average of only 1,100o F. So, you are pretty much guaranteed that even if a catastrophic event occurs, your weapons and valuables will be safe and sound.
Where Steelwater truly outshines the competition is their customer service. While many safe companies take several weeks to deliver your product, Steelwater will ship your safe within 1-2 business days, and you will normally receive your safe within 3-7 business days. Several users could not believe how quickly their safe was delivered.
Steelwater Gun Safes: Conclusion and Top Pick
Our Winner: Proof Steelwater Heavy Duty 22 [star rating=”5″ numeric=”yes”]
After carefully considering and weighing all the pros and cons, our top pick for this buyer’s guide is [amazon link=”B00W4FC6IS” title =”the Steelwater Heavy Duty 22.”] While the other safes in this guide are excellent choices, the Heavy Duty is the best choice for several reasons.
While it may not have the highest gun storage capacity, the Heavy Duty 22 is designed to cater to appeal to all but the most avid gun collector. Furthermore, the value for the price is excellent. With all of the high-security features packed into its 12-gauge steel frame like the E.M.P-proof keypad and 20 locking bolts, this safe is hands-down the best bang for your buck.