Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 Review

Browning is one of the oldest and most reputable firearm manufacturers in the industry. Browning doesn’t actually make the safes but partners with a company named ProSteel out of Utah. They feature the industries best interior, fully customizable and very high quality. The 1878 series is nearly an exact copy of the Rhino Ironworks series and the same exact construction as the Hell’s Canyon series. In this Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 Review, I’ll explain why it is one of the best in terms of quality but overpriced compared to the competition.

Lock – Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49

First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock. The Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 features either a UL rated type 1 high security electronic lock or UL rated type 2 high security mechanical lock.

S&G UL Rated High Security Mechanical Lock

First and always most important is the lock. Included in the price is the S&G UL Type 2 Mechanical Lock. This is one of only two mechanical locks I recommend as it is high quality, reliable and known for longevity. It uses a three number combination that rotates into the lock body on the inside of the safe. This lock is designed to last for decades and features over 1 million possible combinations.

S&G 6120 UL Rated High Security Electronic Lock

There is also a second lock option that is the S&G 6120 UL approved high security electronic lock. This is an excellent quality lock made by the oldest lock company in the United States. They have a premier reputation and make the highest quality locks. UL Approved type 1 is the highest security rating available and I would recommend going with this lock option.

This lock features a 6 digit electronic code that is easy to program to your own custom combination. The lock opens 10,000+ times on just one battery. There are over 1 million possible combinations on this lock.

Hard Plate and Re-Locker

This lock is also protected by both a hard plate and internal spring-loaded re-locker. The Hard plate is a piece of hardened steel that absolutely destroys drill bits. The internal re-locker fires if the lock is punched through securing the bolts in place. Both of these are essential security features and included on this safe.

Security – Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49

In terms of security, the Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 is built extremely tough. It passed the UL RSC burglary test which ensures the safe can withstand an attack on the door with multiple different tools for a minimum of 5 minutes each. One attacker is used in the test and this is the same burglary rating as the most expensive Liberty and Fort Knox gun safes.

To achieve this security rating, Browning used 11 gauge steel in both the door and body. The door is a 1.25″ thick formed door with an inner steel plate. Securing the door are 1.25″ thick locking bolts covering three sides of the safe with pry-stop technology offering maximum pry resistance.

Fire Rating – Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49

The Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 features an 90 minute fire rating at 1680 degrees. This is over four times longer than the standard house fire. Browning uses an advanced ThermaBlock fire system that uses thicker sheets of fire insulation arranged in an interlocking design that minimizes gaps that would allow the internal temperature in the safe to rise during a fire. This design is as much as three times better than safes with internal hinges or gaps in fire protection and Browning proved it.

Style and Function

Browning has designed and patented the industries best interior with everything being replaceable, adjustable and customized to your exact needs. The interior is cantilevered modular shelving that can be adjusted up, down, side to side or removed. All parts are covered in rubber so that none of your firearms get scratched or damaged.

The back of the door features a premium modular door storage system with quick access long gun racks, pockets and pistol pouches.

This gun safe is finished in an antique steampunk style looking like it was made in 1878. Hardware includes a feature a cast iron wheel handle and black chrome keypad or dial.

Warranty

Not only does Browning make high quality products but they back it with the industries best warranty. First, they offer a lifetime warranty against break-in, attempted break-in and fires. They will replace the safe at absolutely not cost to you. Also, they offer a 5 year warranty on defects in materials and workmanship which cover all parts of the safe. All in all, this matches Liberty’s warranty and beats 1 and 2 year warranties from American Security, Rhino and Stealth. Finally, Browning is a reliable company and very easy to work with.

The Bottom Line

Would I buy the Browning 1878 49 Gun Safe 1878-49 to protect my guns and valuables? All things considered, yes, I absolutely would. With the UL RSC Burglary Rating, 11 gauge steel construction, three-way locking system, and 90 minute ThermaBlock fire protection, this is one of the best priced and quality mid-level RSC gun safes in the industry and backed by a 5 year parts and labor warranty.

With that said, it is way overpriced compared to the Stealth Premier series. For nearly $1,500 less you can get a bigger safe, 1/4″ steel plate door and 10 gauge body while retaining the 90 minute fire rating and UL rated high security lock. All things considered, I would go with the Stealth Premier gun safe over the Browning 1878.