Gardall’s history goes back to the 1930’s in America with the safe manufacturer ProtectAll which was started by George Bloch. This company was successful and respectable for some time but was eventually bought by the Mosler Safe Company for one million dollars. Later, when the original ProtectAll manufacturing plant was closed down in 1949 the financial advisor of ProtectAll, Henry Bluestone, decided to branch out and start his own company Gardall. Though it was initially plagued with financial issues Gardall eventually found stability when partnered with Thor Metal Products and the Falso brothers. Eventually control of Gardall was transferred to the Falso Brothers in 1970 and Henry Bluestone returned to his area of expertise in sales and accounting. From there the rest is history and Gardall has been slowly growing to become a major player in home and commercial safes worldwide.

Gardall, today, is a jack of all trades in the safe world. They offer everything from fire safes, gun safes, media safes, and customized safes. They put a large emphasis on state of the art security with thorough protection of your goods. Underwriters Laboratory has reviewed a number of Gardall products and awarded the prestigious UL security ratings to many of them.

The Gardall difference can be summed up in five simple points.

Premium Quality Manufacturing: Gardall uses high quality materials, and a combination of time tested and state of the art manufacturing techniques.

Varied Product Line: As previously noted there is a lot of variance in the products offered by Gardall. With over 120 safes in the product line and security ratings from RSC, TL-30×6, and UL-2 hour (1850 deg.) you can find almost anything among the Gardall products available.

Innovative Design and Engineering: Gardall stays on the cutting edge with security protection and anti-theft systems.

Superior Customer Service: Gardall boasts incredible customer service in helping you find the right safe and a regular availability to answer any questions you may have.

Nationwide Dealer Network: Today, Gardall has 3,000 dealers in the United States and is various options for purchasing and transporting safes worldwide.

Next time you’re looking for a safe keep in mind the perks of the time tested yet modern American company Gardall and check out its famous product line today.

To begin, take a look at the 12 golden rules of gun safety. All of these will apply to hunting but for the sake of brevity we will look at hunting specific safety measures (check out a previous post for the golden rules of gun safety).

One important aspect of hunting that may sometimes go overlooked is the importance of wearing an appropriate amount of neon orange. This is usually done with an orange (sometimes reflective) safety vest. This is important so that other hunters can readily identify you and be careful not to shoot anywhere in your general direction. A lot of hunters like to wear camouflage so that they won’t be spotted by the wildlife but this can seriously compromise your safety while hunting.

It is important when shooting at an animal to make sure there are no humans in the general vicinity. This also means, very importantly, looking beyond your target. Should you miss it’s possible for high powered ammunition to travel up to a mile.

When you climb over a fence or into a tree it is important to not do so with a loaded gun. If possible hand your gun to a hunting buddy and climb up or over and then have them hand it to you. If this is not a possibility it is best to make sure it’s not loaded at the very least.

Hunting with a friend or partner is both a better way to have fun but also an important safety precaution. Should anything happen during your hunt it will be nice to have someone there that can help you in an emergency situation. If you cannot go with a buddy it is important to tell someone where you are going and when they should expect you to return.

When hunting it is very important to never shoot at a sound of movement. You need to be able to identify what you are shooting at before you shoot. If you can’t see what you’re planning to shoot you should never fire.

These are just some common tips for hunting but probably your most important way to avoid catastrophe is common sense. Be sure not to impair your judgement with alcohol or drugs. However, also don’t be afraid of the dangers of hunting. If you are prepared and safe it’s not a dangerous sport and you should not be deterred from what can be an amazing experience.

The Big Reno Show

This show is located, as you may have guessed, in Reno. This year the show is going to take place for three days starting on the 16th of August. This gun show is special because it focuses more on antique collectibles from the wild west. It’s a great place for buyers, sellers, and collectors and it offers a great opportunity to learn a bit of history about your favorite hobby. The Big Reno show is also famous for its collection of Native American artifacts in addition to antique guns. It’s a favorite for gun enthusiasts so be sure not to miss it!

The Great American Outdoor Show

This annual outdoors show has been a favorite attraction of hunting and fishing enthusiasts for decades. While the main focus of this show is on outdoor activities and sports there is still a large presence of firearms and firearms accessories to keep the gun enthusiasts’ interest piqued. This one is a bit different from the rest because instead of taking place in a large indoor convention center, it takes place outside and instead has an assortment of shooting, hunting, fishing, archery, camping, and boating displays. Next year this is going to take place in Pennsylvania at the beginning of February and will even include concerts and fundraiser dinners. It’s a must see for outdoor enthusiasts and promises to be a great family experience.

NRA Annual Meeting

This is one of the longest running American gun conventions that is brought to you by the biggest name in organized gun clubs. This year will be the 142nd incarnation of this event and will take place in Houston, TX at the beginning of May. It promises to be one of the largest, if not the largest, gun convention in America. This year it will take place in a 400,000 square foot convention center and promises celebrity appearances, educational seminars, and other fun filled events over three days. Here you can find anything related to guns, gun accessories, or hunting. It’s a great place to purchase new equipment and learn about the newest products on the market.

The NRA was founded in 1871 as a nonprofit organization. The NRA promotes firearm ownership, police training, firearm safety, marksmanship, hunting, and self defense training in the United States. Being the biggest organization to promote firearm ownership the NRA has a long history lobbying various legislation proposed by the United States government  and independent parties. While often the points of contention can be controversial the NRA is usually fighting for the importance of the 2nd amendment and typically has the interests of American gun owners in mind.

What are the Benefits of Joining the NRA?

When you sign up for the NRA you can get a lot of bonus perks that you might not know about. Of course, you get a subscription to your choice of: American Rifleman, American Hunter, or America’s First Freedom. What you might not know about, however, is about the additional insurance that NRA members get. Annual members get $5,000 of insurance for firearm injuries sustained while hunting and lifetime members get $10,000 for the same. Police officers killed in the line of duty that are NRA members get $25,000 in coverage. Members additionally get $2,500 of coverage for their firearms, air guns, and bows.

Additionally the NRA, because of their long history lobbying gun legislation, has a large staff of capable lawyers that may be willing to take your case should you fall into disputable legal trouble. This is usually reserved for veteran members but it certainly never hurts to have a bit of assistance when you need it most.

Lastly, by joining the NRA you are effectively showing your support of the 2nd amendment and helping to retain its status in America. If you like guns and believe them to be an integral part of American society joining the NRA may be the best way to vocalize your sentiments. Anyone is welcome to join for a reasonable annual fee or a one time lifetime membership fee.

While it’s not necessary to join the NRA to enjoy your 2nd amendment right there are a lot of perks that you may not have heard about before to consider.

Residential Security Container (RSC)

This is one of the more common and basic security ratings assigned by UL. In order to attain a Residential Security Container rating, a safe must withstand attempted entry for 5 minutes of net working time. During this test, common burglary tools are used to assault the safe from all angles (besides the top and bottom) for 5 minutes. It must withstand drilling, prying, chiselling, punching, and any other sort of tampering for the allotted time. For the RSC rating there is no minimum thickness nor other criteria other than the ability to withstand assault for 5 minutes.

TL-15 Security Rating

This test is also conducted by Underwriters Laboratory and means that the safe can withstand an assault for 15 minutes from all sides. The tools used in the test are a little bit more sophisticated than those used for the RSC test and include high powered drills and saws. The safe walls must be at least 1 inch thick to comply with this safety rating. Engineers are often employed during this test to search for weaknesses before beginning to work on it with tools.

TL-30 Security Rating

This is a very similar test to the TL-15 but, as you have probably guessed, safes with the TL-30 rating must be able to withstand assault for thirty minutes of net working time. These tests have a few more tools than the TL-15 and a lot more time. Engineers, as with the TL-15 test, can look at blueprints to find weaknesses before they begin assaulting the safe. Both the TL-15 and TL-30 are recognized by insurance companies for their advanced security features.

Additional Ratings

Lastly there are some additional security ratings that boast even higher credentials than the TL-30. For example, the TL-30×6 is the same test as the TL-30 but all 6 sides can be assaulted during the test. Additionally, there is the TRTL-30 which is the same test as the TL-30 but with the addition of a torch to try and break the safe open.

Keep it Locked Up!

Bear in mind that this is no reason to get lazy about locking up your gun. Keeping your gun safely locked away is the surest way to keep your child safe and should be adhered to religiously. In fact, in most states, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony should your child (under 18) obtain your gun and either carry it in a public place, injure someone, or kill someone. The cardinal rule of gun safety and children is that you can never be too careful. Even if you don’t have kids there is always the chance that a relative’s child may come to visit so it’s important to practice safe gun ownership at all times. This includes storing your gun unloaded and locked away with ammunition kept in a separate container.

Talk to Your Child

While keeping your gun locked up is the first line of defense in preventing unwanted accidents there are additional methods for keeping your family safe around guns. When you feel that your child is of age to take the conversation seriously it may be time to talk about guns. By talking about it you can dispel some of the mystery around them and lessen the natural curiosity of your child. Make yourself open to any questions and emphasize the dangers associated with guns as well as the responsibility necessary. It may be important, depending on the age, to make a strong distinction between make-believe and reality. Should your child come across a gun at some point he or she will at least know something about it and the dangers it presents and hopefully not be so inclined to figure it out for themselves.

Lead by Example

Lastly, it is important to lead by example and exercise proper gun ownership. Should you teach one thing and do another you will be sending mixed signals that may undermine the basic safety fundamentals of gun ownership. Should you ever use your gun around your child be sure to diligently practice the proper safety measures and demonstrate responsible gun ownership. And, again, always remember that when it comes to children and firearms you can never be too careful.

Humidity Control

Controlling the interior humidity levels in your gun safe is an important aspect of antique firearm storage that is especially critical for older antique guns. Moisture over time can cause rust on the metal parts and cracks in wooden stocks. The simplest solution is to store your antique gun with desiccant packs that will absorb moisture and keep the humidity under control in your home gun safe. Another option is to keep a dehumidifier with your antique guns. This will have the same effect though will be more expensive than desiccant packs. As a bonus though, unlike desiccant packs, you won’t have to replace an electric dehumidifier periodically.

Temperature Control

While it may not be practical for most gun collectors to diligently control the temperature of their antique guns; the most important aspect is consistency and stability. Drastic changes in temperature can be damaging to antique firearms. Rapid swells in temperature can cause expansion and retraction in wood which may cause cracks and other damage.

Handling

It is important to wear gloves while handling your antique firearm. Your hands will have natural oils that can cause minor damage over time. It is recommended among experts to use nitrile (rubber) gloves while cleaning and coating your gun. Once coated, clean cotton gloves can be used to handle your gun without risking damage.

Protective Coating

There are a lot of different products on the market to protectively coat the exterior of your antique firearm. Most experts recommend a thin coat of wax to create a protective layer that will not harm the gun. Different oils will often be advertised for this purpose but have the potential to seep into a wooden stock and cause damage. A thin layer can be used on both wooden and metal parts of the gun without damage.

There are a lot of different ways to keep your antique gun in pristine condition. The above offers only a short insight into the world of antique firearms and proper care and maintenance. Seasoned gun collectors will likely be your best resource on the matter; so if you’re new in the game find a club or a group of enthusiasts and you’ll have no problem finding information to help secure your investment and keep your hobby alive.

Firearms can be mailed to a recipient in the same state without too much difficulty. The United States Postal Service requires that long guns mailed to the same state be sent by registered mail with no markings on the outside of the packaging to indicate that the content of the package is a firearm. Same state recipients for long guns sent by the USPS do not require a federal firearm license. Handguns, however, cannot be mailed through the USPS and require an independent courier service like UPS or FedEx. When mailing a firearm through an independent courier service it is necessary to inform them of the contents of your package and comply with their rules and regulations pertaining to firearm transport. Both UPS and FedEx require that firearms be shipped via overnight service and require the recipient to possess a federal firearm license (even if in the same state).

When packaging your gun it is important to make sure it is shipped without ammunition and is sufficiently broken down and inoperable. The firearm needs to be safely secured with bubble wrap or, preferably, a hard plastic gun case. Once properly secured and packaged put the gun in a snug cardboard box and it is ready to be mailed.

Shipping a gun to a different state requires that the recipient have a federal firearm license. A FFL is issued to companies or individuals that do business pertaining to firearms or munitions. If you wish to ship a firearm to a friend in another state you have to go through a company or individual with a federal firearm license that can receive your firearm by mail and then pass it on your intended recipient. This can actually be easier than it sounds but requires some degree of correspondence with a gun store or firearm dealer in the state you wish to send your gun. This process usually involves a small fee but is a fairly simple process. Most gun stores will be happy to help you and willing to receive your firearm by mail.

Sending firearms by mail is likely one of the more complicated processes involving firearms and requires a fair amount of research on the matter to do so successfully. Each courier service has its own regulations; so, before you send your gun by mail be sure to do your research and make sure you do it properly.

1. Always treat the gun as loaded.
2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
3. Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
5. Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
6. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
7. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.
8. Always use proper ammunition.
9. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
10. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun.
11. Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing.
12. Be aware of your surroundings when handling a firearm so you don’t trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.

Abiding by these simple rules will ensure that no unintentional harm comes from the misuse of a firearm. These rules will ensure your safety and the safety of those around you when using a firearm.

Shooting ranges may have their own rules on top of the golden twelve. Some common rules for shooting ranges include:

1. Follow the twelve golden rules.
2. Know and follow all of the rules of the shooting range.
3. Listen to what the range master tells you at all times.
4. Always uncase and recase your gun at the shooting bench and never behind the safety line.
5. Always keep the barrel pointed down range.
6. Always keep the safety on until you intend to shoot.
7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
8. Never shoot at water or hard surfaces.

The rules may vary from range to range but the above guidelines will always be applicable. If you follow the golden rules and the above guidelines for shooting at a range you will not only ensure the safety of yourself and those around you but you will earn respect as a responsible and knowledgeable gun owner. With all this in mind enjoy your gun and practice in a safe manner.

Imagine the scenario of a home intruder late at night in your suburban home and in your moment of panic you cannot properly enter your combination safe in a timely manner or you fumble with your digital keypad and the automatic lock down goes into effect. With a biometric finger scanner you have the quickest and easiest way to access your gun safe in case of a home emergency requiring self defense for you and your family.

The additional perks of a biometric fingerprint scanning mechanism is that it can be programmed to read a variety of fingerprints including those of your family as well. In the past these have been at times untrustworthy and inaccurate but with advancements in technology these scanners are quickly becoming incredibly reliable. Biometric locking mechanisms are quickly coming to represent the pinnacle of avant-garde home security.

Furthermore it is possible for those seeking additional security to pair a biometric lock with a digital keypad. This allows for additional security and a wide range of customizable options. Also, biometric locks are not solely limited to fingerprint scanning but can also include retinal scanning, voice recognition, or even face recognition. For the purposes of a gun safe, fingerprint scanning is likely the quickest and most accurate of the bunch but there are many options to choose from.

Bear in mind the perks of a biometric locking mechanism when you plan to purchase your next home gun safe. The ease of access it provides could be the difference between a thwarted robbery or a dangerous situation for your family.