Originally headquartered in California, Cannon was one of the first companies to every produce gun safes. They since moved their headquarters to Henderson, Nevada and all manufacturing operations to Mexico. They have an interesting history over the last decade. Alpha Guardian acquired them through a merger with Stack-On. They then went bankrupt and came back to life. While Cannon safes are not the premier, high security products they once were, they are quite the bargain for the size.
Lock – Cannon Gun Safe Reviews
First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock used. Cannon primarily uses two styles of electronic locks. One of these locks is very high quality, UL approved Type 1 High Security, and the other is a non-rated very low quality Solenoid electronic lock.
UL Approved Type 1 High Security Electronic Lock – NL UR-2020
The NL UR-2020 locks are UL Approved Type 1 High Security. This is the highest rating you can get. This lock is designed to last for decades. The quality is impeccable. A triple hard plate protects the lock. This adds significant time during an attack. When attacking safes, the lock is the focal point. this extra protection makes a big difference.
Non-Rated Solenoid Electronic Lock
I wish Cannon would just use the NL lock on all of their safes. In an attempt to cut cost and have the absolute lowest prices available, they opted to use a low quality Solenoid electronic lock. These locks are unbranded, un-rated and prone to failure. They include a key override for when the lock inevitably fails. Finally, they do not include a hard plate or re-locker and really are as cheap as you can get.
Security – Cannon Gun Safe Reviews
Nearly all Cannon Safes are only CA DOJ approved as a firearm safety device. This rating certifies it can withstand light burglary protection. Ideally, you want a UL Approved as a Residential Security Container, RSC rating. Because it only has a 14 gauge steel door and body, they do not qualify for the test. Next, Cannon gun safes use solid steel locking bolts that range in thickness. They feature internal hinges which offer no exposed cutting points. The models with UL rated NL locks are actually decently secure despite the 14 gauge steel thickness.
In my opinion, there really isn’t a big difference between 11 gauge through 14 gauge steel. Burglars use the same tools to cut through the sides. The big difference comes from the American Security BFX gun safes with concrete composite in the walls. This type of material just destroys the saw blades. They are significantly more expensive though so if you just need standard burglary protection, these 14 gauge Cannon gun safes will do a great job.
Fire Rating – Cannon Gun Safe Reviews
Cannon Gun Safes use Gypsum Fire board as their insulation material. This is consistent with nearly every other manufacturer besides American Security who uses concrete composite. Cannon used to have all of their gun safes tested with ETL, an independent laboratory to verify their claims but no longer do so. This means that they only do a factory test and we have to trust that it will actually survive. I would recommend looking for at least one hour of fire protection.
Also included is a dual state triple fin door seal. This seal expands to multiple times its size during the fire to keep smoke and heat out. Cannon also backs this gun safe with a lifetime transferable warranty against fire.
Style and Function
Cannon Gun Safes are finished in a variety of textured powder coat paint schemes with drop down handles, 3-spoke handles and 5-spoke handles. Hardware finishes vary depending on the paint scheme and many models have very stylish beveled edges. The interior is standard carpeting with larger gun racks capable of holding up to 100 firearms. Nearly all sizes have adjustable side shelving, adjustable top shelves and door panel organizers with pistol holsters, pockets and a strap for holding a long gun on the door.
The Bottom Line
For the price and size you get with Cannon gun safes, they are hard to beat. In my opinion, 14 gauge really isn’t all that different from 10 gauge. So long as the model you choose has the triple hard plate and UL Approved NL lock, this gun safe offers nearly the same security of what is typically a UL rated RSC gun safe.
