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Introduction

As a responsible firearm owner, I've always believed that choosing the right gun safe is as essential as owning the firearm itself. It's not just about locking away my guns; it's about ensuring they're out of reach from those who shouldn't have access, protecting my family, and giving myself that peace of mind. And with the thought of determined burglars out there, equipped with power tools and aiming to breach any average safe, selecting the right gun safe becomes even more of a necessity.

After extensive discussions with leading experts in the gun safe industry, it became clear: AMSEC and Liberty Gun Safes aren't just any safes. They not only meet but surpass the Residential Security Container (RSC) standards. So, for the gun owner who wants top-tier protection, safety assurance, and peace of mind, these are the brands to trust. Your family's safety and your peace of mind deserve nothing less.

Having said that, let's cut to the chase. This article closely examines the AMSEC vs. Liberty Safe face-off to help you make an informed decision, clear things up, and simplify your choice. Let's get to it!

 

AMSEC vs. Liberty Safe

The major difference between AMSEC and Liberty Gun Safes is the quality of their construction. AMSEC gun safes are known to provide their users with maximum fire resistance. Their heavy-duty construction with a solid outer steel plate incorporates the highest quality materials in a compact size.  On the other hand, Liberty Gun Safes aims to offer more storage space without compromising on security.

So, which one's the best fit for you? Keep reading, we'll break it down.

Gun Safe Manufacturers: A Brief Overview

We can date the origins of the gun safe back to ancient civilizations, where intelligent locks and bolts were used to protect valuables from burglars. They may not have offered fire resistance like the brands we’re reviewing, but their lockboxes got the job done.

One such invention was the wooden safe often seen in Pharaoh Rameses II's tomb.

As the years progressed, more complicated locks, bolts, and doors were developed. Although the safes remained the same size, the materials transformed. Older safes made for gun owners or people with valuable possessions were quite heavy. They made use of a mechanical lock on the safe door. Today, manufacturers use different materials and techniques to create the average safe door and lock.

This includes the average gun safe made for handgun storage by American Security or Liberty Safe, which typically incorporates a safe door with cutting-edge materials and bolts that are hard to pry. Despite the initial investment, these gun safes can add value through their unmatched protection for your guns, making them a great long-term asset.

 

An Overview of AMSEC

AMSEC, also known as American Security, is well known in the gun safe industry as a manufacturer of some of the best gun safes in the region. Founded in 1948 by Glenn Hall, their initial operations revolved around gun-safe repair and service. However, they slowly transitioned to security and began producing a line of safes designed to protect valuables, documents, and firearms through gun safes that provided the best fire resistance.

 

An Overview of Liberty Safe

Founded in 1988 by Kim Waddoups, Liberty Gun Safe began manufacturing from the get-go. Their high-quality gun safes were popular in the market for fire resistance and firearms protection against external elements. Their dedication to quality bolts led to a line of safes that were durable and could protect firearms for extended periods. Liberty Safe is known today for its commitment to security, innovation, and customer service.

 

What Sets AMSEC and Liberty Safe Apart?

AMSEC and Liberty Gun Safes can be differentiated through their history, branding, design, technology, and even their lock mechanisms and bolts.

Here are other elements that set them apart:

 

The Safes Protect Firearms Using Different Lock Mechanisms

Both Liberty Gun Safes and AMSEC Safes offer the best locking systems to protect their customers’ firearms. However, subtle differences can be noted;

 

Liberty Gun Safes:

This brand of safes offers great value for your money with military-style locking bars, which provide you with multiple layers of security against an attack. Moreover, you can also choose the type of lock you want, as the safe gives you a choice between mechanical and digital locking mechanisms.

 

American Security Gun Safes:

AMSEC safes put a massive 3,500 pounds between your firearms and a potential intruder. These TL-rated safes are one of a kind as they allow you to upgrade to multiple layers of safety depending on your preference.

 

The Safes Are Constructed Differently

Liberty Gun Safe:

Liberty Safes have a steel thickness of up to 10 gauge with an even thicker door. This means multiple layers of steel are incorporated to construct this safe. It doesn’t just protect your firearms and valuables from intruders but also from moisture in the external environment along with fire for up to 110 minutes.

 

American Security Gun Safe:

Apart from being a TL-rated safe, AMSEC safes also provide great fire resistance through their heavily built material usage in manufacturing. The high-quality materials ensure your firearms last the test of time.

 

The Difference Also Exists in the Design

Apart from the thickness and lock mechanisms used in firearms protection, the design is also pretty different for both safes.  

Liberty Gun Safe:

Their gun safes allow you more choices. You can choose between sophisticated and modern options with multiple color themes and details that can merge with your home.

American Security Gun Safe:

AMSEC gun safes incorporate a more classical style with external hinges. They achieve this design parallel to the unmatched security that they offer.

 

Similarities between both brands:

AMSEC and Liberty Gun Safes are also similar in multiple aspects, which include the fire protection and security they offer:

Both Safes Optimize Construction

AMSEC and Liberty gun safes offer their customers high-quality manufacturing. Liberty gun safe uses materials for their construction that are just as effective and heavy-duty as AMSEC.

This means that both gun safes are quite similar when it comes to longevity. Their heavy gauge puts multiple layers of steel between a customer’s firearms and an intruder. The intruder needs to crack all the layers to get to the valuables. However, doing that is almost is virtually impossible for AMSEC or Liberty gun safes as the steel used makes them resistant to tampering and fire.

 

Both Safes Offer Ideal Fire Protection

Fire resistance ratings are often the first thing a buyer considers before purchasing a safe. Fire resistance can be loosely translated as a safe’s ability to withstand fire and offer protection against it. The internal temperature of the gun safes is noted to understand whether it offers ideal fire protection.

While Liberty gun safes offer fire protection for up to 2.5 hours, AMSEC safes provide the same protection for up to 2 hours. However, AMSEC safes may provide fire protection against higher temperatures. It is safe to say that the fire protection offered is at the same level as optimal fire ratings. In case of a disaster, both the Liberty gun safe and the AMSEC safe can protect your belongings from fire.

 

Both Offer Ideal Levels of Protection Against Intrusion

While the AMSEC and Liberty safes may use different methods to protect the inner contents against attacks, both safes offer ideal levels of protection. AMSEC’s TL-rated safes provide advanced security using optimal bolts and lock systems.

On the other hand, Liberty Safes optimizes security through its heavy-duty materials. They have been tested against 200-foot drops and car crashes and have come out unharmed on the other end. Moreover, their bodies are also UL-listed and drill-resistant.

 

What to Look for When Buying a Gun Safe

Here are some factors you should be looking out for when buying a safe for your guns;

Security

If you want the best protection, looking for a secure safe with sturdy locks and thicker steel is important. The best gun safes come with UL-listed locks, which have been certified by Underwriters Laboratories.

These locks meet the safety and security requirements of Underwriter’s Laboratories, one of the best security companies in America. Without the UL seal, you may be unable to trust the safe for optimal protection.

More than one steel layer can also provide protection as it increases steel thickness. All of these factors are present in safes manufactured by safe companies that know what they are doing.

Appearance

Before choosing a safe, decide on its appearance: do you want it sophisticated, hidden, or fitting your home's design? Consider if you need pre-cut anchor holes based on its placement. Think about the steel type; American steel offers more durability, though it might cost more. Lastly, consider if you want backup entry, like a key, in case you forget the combination. Remember, this safe will be a significant part of your home, safeguarding your firearms.

 

Weight

The weight of the safe is also another essential factor to consider. The heavier the safe, the harder it is going to be to maneuver. However, the weight of the safe may also add to its safety. It is up to you to strike that balance and determine which way to go when it comes to the overall weight of your unit.  

To give you an idea,  Liberty gun safes typically weigh anywhere between 600 to 1000 pounds. Their weight adds to the fire protection they offer. But a lighter one may not offer the same fire protection.

 

Internal Layout

Figure out if you want a safe that includes shelves in its internal structure. How does the safe utilize the space within and provide you with the optimal shelves to store your firearms? Do you need a door organizer?

 

Fire Protection

Fire protection and rating are extremely important for some users. To some, a gun safe may be useless if it doesn’t protect valuables and documents against fire. Thus, the fire protection must be of top quality, which can only be achieved through thicker gauge steel. This is what eventually maintains that interior temperature.

 

Safe Type

Here are some of the different types of safes you may encounter in the market;

• Fire-resistant safes: Safes that can withstand high temperatures, shielding your documents against fire damage.
• Burglary safes: Sturdy safes are recommended for clients who require firearms security against unauthorized access or intrusion.
• Home safes: Safes designed to deter residents from accessing firearms without authorization.
• Wall safes: Safes meant to protect documents or guns in a hidden and secure storage.
• Floor safes: Safes built into the floor for protecting valuables covertly.
• Jewelry safes: Safes designed to protect precious items through in-built soft linings and compartments.
• Bank vaults: Banks often use Large, fortified structures to safeguard valuables and documents.
  
  

Pricing

One of the most important factors when purchasing a safe is finding one that fits your handgun storage requirements. It is essential to ensure that the investment equals the value addition the safe provides for you.

Investing too much money in a safe that doesn’t provide proper handgun storage or doesn’t meet other essential requirements may have you rushing back to the store for a new one. It is important to identify all your requirements prior to making a decision.

For some handgun owners, a strong outer steel plate and a fire liner are a must for security. For others, pre-cut anchor holes are necessary for securing the safe to the ground. For them, pricing may not matter that much, as long as the safe provides value equivalent to the investment.

 

Warranty

Warranty is essential as you don’t want to be stuck with something you have no use for in the rare case that your safe doesn’t work as well as you expected. Gun-safe companies that have strong warranty policies can provide you with a refund and often a replacement.

 

AMSEC vs. Liberty Safe: How Does Each Company Stack Up?

Here are some of the gun safes offered by AMSEC and Liberty and a cross-comparison that can help you decide;

 

AMSEC BFII7240 vs. Liberty Presidential 50

 

While the Liberty Presidential Safe offers much better fire protection, the AMSEC BFII7240 also comes out on top with its active locking bolts. Both AMSEC and Liberty offer the option to upgrade locks on their safes.

The Liberty Presidential 50 gun safe takes away the prize with up to 2.5 hours of fire protection, a 7 gauge body, and an elegant and aesthetic design. The AMSEC BFII7240 safe offers just 120 minutes of fire protection at 1200 degrees.

	AMSEC BFII7240 – BF Series	Liberty Presidential 50	Winner
Price	$14,415	$9,599	Liberty Gun Safes
Weight	Up to 1991lbs	Up to 1,585lbs	AMSEC
Dimensions	External: 71.25" H X 40.00" W X 26.00" D (Add 3" for handle) Internal: 66.75" H X 35.50" W X 18.75" D	External: 72.5" x 42.25" x 27.75" Internal: 65" x 36" x 16.5"	AMSEC
Steel Thickness	11 gauge steel body	7 gauge steel body	Liberty Gun Safes
Steel Upgrades?	No	No	-
Locking Options	UL Rated Mechanical Dial Lock	UL Rated Group 2 Mechanical Dial Lock	Liberty Gun Safes
Fire Rating	120 Minutes at 1200°	150 Minutes at 1200° F	Liberty Gun Safes
Upgradable Security	Electronic Lock Upgrade	Electronic Lock Upgrade	-
Appearance	13 color options with three hardware color options The choice between a gun interior and an all-shelf interior	Textured, Marble, and Gloss Exterior Finishes Fully Upholstered, 4-in-1 Flex™ Adjustable Interior	Liberty Gun Safes
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime	-

 

AMSEC CE4524 vs. LIBERTY GUN SAFE FATBOY JR. EXTREME

The AMSEC CE4524 is a TL-15 safe that allows a combination lock for maximum protection against prying. This means that the safe has been tested multiple times against several tools that a burglar may use to break into it. Upon surviving these prying attempts, the safe  is awarded with the TL-15 certification.

On the other hand, the Fatboy Jr. Extreme Gun Safe is one of the best gun safes in America when it comes to fire protection. With its huge storage capacity, the Fatboy Jr. Extreme Gun Safe can last up to 75 minutes in 1200-degree temperatures without compromising the internal structure.

Searching for a secure safe in America for the storage of guns? Check out the ones below!

 

	AMSEC CE4524	LIBERTY GUN SAFE FATBOY JR. EXTREME	Winner
Price	$6,423	$3,149	AMSEC Gun Safe
Weight	2,003 lbs	754 lbs	Liberty Gun Safes
Dimensions	External: 52"H x 31"W x 29 ½" Internal: 45"H x 24"W x 20"D	External: 60 ½”H x 42”W x 22”D Internal: 56 ½”H x 38”W x 14 ½”D	Liberty Gun Safes
Steel Thickness	6” Steel Door and 3 ½” Steel Body	11 Gauge Steel Body	Liberty Gun Safes
Steel Upgrades?	No	No	-
Locking Options	UL Approved Mechanical Dial Lock	UL Listed Electronic Lock	Liberty Gun Safes
Fire Rating	120 Minute Fire Rating	75 Minutes at 1200° F Palusol Heat-Expanding Door Seal	AMSEC Gun Safe
Upgradable Security	No	No	-
Appearance	Adjustable/Removable Shelves (3) Chrome Tri-Spoke Handle	Textured and Marble Colors Door Storage Panel	Liberty Gun Safes
Warranty	1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty	Liberty Gun Safes

AMSEC TF5517 vs. LIBERTY GUN SAFE CENTURION 12

Although the following two safes are quite similar in some respects, they still have subtle differences. The AMSEC TF5517 has multiple lock options, while the Liberty Gun Safe Centurion 12 is much more affordable and offers a more comprehensive lifetime warranty. Keep reading to find out more.

	AMSEC TF5517	LIBERTY GUN SAFE CENTURION 12	Winner
Price	$1,113.75	$1,099.99	Liberty Gun Safes
Weight	286 lbs	247 lbs	AMSEC Gun Safe
Dimensions	External: 55.25" H x 17.75" W x 16" D Internal: 52.5" H x 16" W x 11" D	External: 59 ½”H x 18 ¼”W x 16”D Internal: 56”H x 16 ¼”W x 10”D	Liberty Gun Safes
Steel Thickness	14 Gauge steel body	14 Gauge steel body	-
Steel Upgrades?	No	No	-
Locking Options	U.L. Rated Electronic ESL5 Electronic Lock	UL Rated TopLit Electronic Lock	-
Fire Rating	30 Minutes at 1200°	30 Minutes at 1200° F	-
Upgradable Security	Other Lock Options Available	No	AMSEC Gun Safe
Appearance	Door Panel Organizer Textured Black Exterior Finish	The Liberty Centurion Offers a Durable Textured Black Finish Gray Fabric Interior	Liberty Gun Safes
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty Against Theft & Fire	Limited Lifetime Warranty	Liberty Gun Safes

 

AMSEC vs Liberty Safe: Pros & Cons

Here is a pros and cons list that can help you decide:

AMSEC Pros

• Additional Security: The American-made gun safes offer unbeatable security features. Their heavy-duty materials are quite thick, which deters intruders.
• Additional Protection from Fire: American-made gun safes provide superior fire protection by using insulation and seals, which protect valuables.
• Satisfied Customers: American-made gun safes satisfy customers through the variety of sizes and types of gun safes they provide.
  
  

AMSEC Cons

• High Pricing: American-made gun safes provide a higher quality sheet metal within the walls of the safe, along with a secure outer steel plate to protect against intrusion. They are the only company putting security above aesthetics or compactness. This might make them the best gun safe in the country when it comes to being secure, but it also means that they require a higher investment.
• Bulkier: American-made gun safes are also much bulkier as the concrete mixture they use for fire and burglar resistance can make them heavy. It makes them harder to transport.
• Availability Concerns: American-made gun safes are a lot better than commercial safes, but they also come with availability concerns since they are in high demand and their best-selling models are not always in stock for immediate availability.
  
  

Liberty Safe Pros

• Variation: Liberty Safes provides its customers with diverse products for their needs.
• Security: Liberty safes use steel construction and anti-drilling hard plates to protect against intruders.
• Fire Protection: Liberty safes excel at fire resistance using fireboard insulation and heat-activated door seals.
  
  

Liberty Safe Cons

• Heavy: Liberty safes are heavy weight due to the fire protection, which means they can be hard to install.
• Electronics: Liberty safes typically run on nine-volt batteries that last 12-18 months. However, frequently opening the safe may drain these batteries, requiring you to change them every six to twelve months. This might be an added hassle.
• Availability: Due to high demand, liberty safes might not always be available.

Gun Safe Brands to Avoid

While imported safes may provide a much lower rate, you will also face lower security than American-made safes. This is because commercial safes utilize a mixture of materials that can compromise the security of your firearms.

Understanding the downside of imported safes is important before you invest in them. Remember, a gun safe is an investment, and it is one you want to make with the right company.

Best Gun Safe Brands

Here is our list of the top gun safe brands for all-round quality, price, and features;

1. Liberty Safe
2. AMSEC
3. Browning Safe
4. Gardall Safe
5. Vaultek Safe
6. Cannon Safe
7. Rhino Safe
8. Fort Knox Safe

 

Final Judgement: Which Gun Safe Company Is Best?

We believe Liberty Safes outperforms AMSEC Safes, not just for their appearance but also due to their construction. Liberty Safes uses great materials for handgun storage, which allows their customers the peace of mind they need to keep their guns safe.

Liberty Safes also stands out for its lock options and incorporation of the best insulation and liners for optimal fire protection. We also rate them higher for the gun safe designs they offer to their customers!