American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe Review

American Security is the oldest, most reputable and highest quality safe company in the world. They’ve been around since 1946 and have always headquartered in California, USA. They make real safes, not the illusion of security but real, actual , high quality, secure, insurable safes in the BFX series and up. The American Security TF Series however, is not made by American Security but actually made in China and American Security just puts their logo on it. Just because something is made in China doesn’t mean it’s bad quality and the American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe is actually a good quality product but overpriced and in this review I will explain exactly why.

Lock – American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe

First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 gun safe comes standard with the ESL5 electronic lock. This lock is UL approved type 1 high security. I usually only recommend electronic locks made by NL, SecuRam and S&G. You can special order these locks to be pre-installed at the factory which is critically important to retain your full warranty.

There is also a second lock option that is the Big Red Mechanical Lock, UL approved Type 2. This is one of the two mechanical locks I recommend with the other being made by S&G. This high quality lock is designed to last forever and uses the traditional 3 number combination on a spyproof dial that prevents others from seeing you spin the combination. You can also special order the S&G Mechanical Lock from the factory as well.

Security – American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe

The American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 is built similar to standard gun safe construction with one layer of steel and multiple layers of gypsum fire board. Their BFX series uses a concrete composite mixture that is significantly stronger against burglary attempts using saws. The TF series uses only a 14 gauge steel body in combination with a 3/16″ steel plate on the door and an inner steel liner of 11 gauge only on the door.

It did pass the CA DOJ Firearm Safety Device burglary test and overall is significantly more secure than the safes you will find at Tractor Supply, Walmart or Costco. Its nearest competitor the Stealth EGS Gun Safes use only a 14 gauge door and body.

Also included in the TF series are 8 solid steel locking bolts 1″ thick and covering all four sides. A hard plate is placed in front of the lock which absolutely destroys drill bits. Finally, a re-locker keeps the bolt in place if the burglar attempts to punch through the lock.

Fire Rating – American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe

What I like most about the American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe is its 30 minute fire rating at 1200 degrees. This is the only model American Security makes that is not tested and verified by ETL, an independent testing laboratory and is only a factory test.

Considering American Security is based out of California, wild fires are all too common. There are tons of TF gun safes that have survived the hottest fires for long periods of time. They also use genuine Palusol Fire seals which are the high quality seals in the industry. They expand to 7 times their size during a fire to keep smoke and heat out.

Style and Function

The American Security AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe is finished in a textured black powder coat paint job. Hardware includes a chrome drop down L-Shaped handle and chrome keypad. The back of the door features a very high quality door panel organizer with pistol holsters and additional rifle storage.

Finally, the interior includes an adjustable gun rack and top shelf, all upholstered in a high quality fabric.

Warranty

American Security offers a lifetime warranty against break-in, attempted break-in and fire. In addition, they offer a 1 year parts and labor warranty on all components of the safe.

The Bottom Line

Would I buy the AMSEC TF5517E5 Gun Safe for my firearms and valuables. Yes, I definitely would as it is a good quality safe at a decent price.

There are however better options for less money such as the Stealth EGS14 Gun Safe. The reason I like this safe better is that it has the NL high security electronic lock, a much better paint job, electrical outlet and a Molle Door Panel Organizer all for significantly less money than the TF Gun Safe.

Most companies in the safe industry don’t keep these American Security gun safes in stock. They end up just shipping them direct form American Security which adds a significant amount of time from when you order the product to when you actually receive it. That’s why I’ve partnered with Dean Safe company. They have the largest supply of in-stock American Security Gun Safes in the industry. All of their product pages will tell you which models are available as In-Stock and able to ship same business day. You can see all of the available In-Stock American Security Gun Safes Here.