Browning 1878 Vault Door 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. In this Browning 1878 Vault Door Review, I’ll explain why it is an excellent vault door but overpriced compared to the competition.

Lock – Browning 1878 Vault Door

First and always most important for any vault door is the lock. The Browning 1878 Vault Door 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 Approved High Security Electronic Lock

The second lock option available is the S&G 6120 UL approved high security electronic lock. This is an excellent quality lock made by a longstanding and reputable company. S&G is the oldest lock company in the US and has a premier reputation for making very high quality locks. UL Approved type 1 is the highest security rating available and has over 1 million possible combinations.

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 Vault Door

In terms of security, the Browning 1878 Vault Door is built extremely tough. The door and frame are built with 7 gauge steel and feature 24 solid steel locking bolts, 1.25″ thick. 12 of these bolts are active and 12 are dead bolts on the hinge side. When this level of security is combined with a concrete room, the security is unmatched. It will also work great as a front door or storm room.

Fire Rating – Browning 1878 Vault Door

Most vault doors do not have any fire rating as they are just the door and not encased on all 6 sides like a traditional gun safe. The Browning Universal Vault Door features 1-7/8″ of composite material providing fire protection, however it has not been tested or given a timed rating. Also included is a Palusol door seal that expands to 7 times its size during a fire to keep smoke and heat out.

Style and Function

The Browning 1878 Vault Door is the exact same as the Clamshell version but only in one finish. They finish it in an antique styling metal glaze finish with cast iron wheel handle and external corner reinforcements. It’s nearly an exact copy to the Rhino Ironworks safes and Fort Knox Distressed safes. I think this styling is very good but for specific applications like the man cave.

Warranty

Not only does Browning make high quality products but they back it with one of the industries best warranties. 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. Next, 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 Vanguard 1878 Vault Door to protect my valuables? All things considered, yes, I absolutely would. With the 7 gauge steel construction, 24 door bolts, and 1-7/8″ of fire material, this is one of the best vault doors in the industry and backed by a 5 year parts and labor warranty.

With that said, I find it overpriced compared to the American Security BFQ Vault Doors. The reason I like these vault doors better, is that they feature a 1/2″ steel plate door and include drylight concrete composite which is the best fire insulation material available. All things considered, I would recommend the American Security Vault Doors over Browning.