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Purchasing a gun safe is a significant investment, and finding the right deal is crucial. This article will provide valuable tips to help you save money, cut through marketing noise, and make an informed decision when buying a gun safe.

The best time to buy a gun safe is between October and December, when demand is highest, and manufacturers are fiercely competing for your business. This period also coincides with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping, when retailers offer attractive discounts and gun safes may go on sale.

While some websites may suggest that summer is the best time to buy a gun safe due to occasional manufacturer rebates, this alone isn't enough to justify your purchase.

Instead, consider four key factors to determine the best time of year to buy a gun safe.  Discover our insights in this comprehensive guide:

Best Prices: When are they the lowest?

In the period from about October to December, consumer interest is high in gun safes. In fact, Google Trend searches have spiked predictably during this period for the past 5 years. With this much demand, retailers and safe manufacturers compete aggressively for your dollar through discounts, rebates, and specials. You are likely to see these referred to as "Fall Specials", "Halloween Specials", "Black Friday Deals", or "BFCM Deals". Search, and ye shall find!

 

 

Weather Considerations: Suitable for installation and delivery.

Most gun safes we are talking about weigh over 500 lbs. Getting the best deal but having it delivered curbside and moved into its final location through snow and ice is hazardous. Whether you move the safe yourself with a buddy or you opt for white-glove delivery and installation, bad weather is a hassle.

The good news: most of the country (except for Alaska) is unlikely to see snow in October and for most of November. (December and January are the snowiest months for most of the USA)

 

Inventory: When is it good?

Getting the best price and scheduling delivery when the weather is good is no use if the item you want is out of stock.

Gun safe manufacturers do not do large batch runs because safes are expensive and take up a lot of space.

When there is less demand, as in summer and in winter, manufacturing is likely to be low, and inventory could run out.

With the delivery of most safes at least 2-3 weeks, plan on starting early with your shopping - later September to early October if you want your choice of inventory.

 

Specials and Rebates: When do manufacturers and retailers offer them?

Manufacturer rebates are sometimes available for select models but come with a trade-off. They are usually for high-end models, newly issued models, and not for popular models.

If you are lucky, the models with a rebate will line up with what you want. But in our opinion waiting for that long shot is not worth it. You can find rebates throughout the year, with a slightly higher number in summer.

Check these popular gun safe manufacturer pages for their latest rebates and sales.

Browning Gun Safe Rebates

Rhino Safes Sales

Liberty Safes Rebates

Stack-On Safe Promotions

 

Best Time to Buy a Home Safe: Is it the same as for a Gun Safe?

No. The demand for home safes is less seasonal than the demand for gun safes. As shown below, searches for "home safes" do not show the same seasonal spike that we see for "gun safes," so one can expect fewer. 

You can see the trend for "Gun Safes" searches in blue and the one for "Home Safes" in red in this chart:

Should You Buy a Used Gun Safe to Save Money?

No, it's not recommended to purchase a used safe. While the idea of acquiring a safe at a reduced cost might be tempting, there are several reasons to avoid buying one. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

Unknown history:

With a used safe, you won't clearly understand its history or how well it was maintained. This could result in unexpected issues or compromises in its security and functionality.

Lack of warranty:

Used safes typically do not come with a manufacturer's warranty, meaning you won't have the same protection and support as you would with a new safe.

Compromised security:

A previously owned safe may have been tampered with or experienced attempted break-ins, which could weaken its security features and make it easier for burglars to access.

Outdated technology:

Older safes may not have the latest security features or fire protection technology, leaving your valuables more vulnerable to theft or damage.

Limited customization:

With a used safe, you won't have the option to choose the specific features, size, or design that best suits your needs.

Instead of opting for a used safe, consider purchasing a refurbished safe from a reputable dealer. While you might not find the exact model or brand you initially desired, the risks associated with buying a used safe are significantly reduced. Refurbished safes often undergo thorough inspections, repairs, and upgrades to ensure their security and functionality. Additionally, some refurbished safes may come with a limited warranty, providing you with greater peace of mind.

 

Conclusion

The best time to buy a gun safe is from October through December. This period sees the highest demand, leading retailers to offer more aggressive discounts. Additionally, inventory levels for various models tend to be sufficient or high, and in most parts of the country, snow has yet to become an inconvenience for delivery and installation.

At USASafeAndVault, we strive to get you the best deal by shipping directly to you from the manufacturer. Our low overhead means lower prices for you. Plus, we price match online retailers, and our unique year-round, free-accessory-with-order for select safes gives you added value with your buy from us. Vets get a special discount depending on the safe you order. Call us at (800) 418-1844 for more details.