Gardall used to be a major player in the safe industry. While they are nowhere near as big as they once were, they still make quality burglary and fire safes at affordable prices. In these Gardall Gun Safe Reviews, I will explain why they are a solid option but overpriced compared to the competition.
Lock – Gardall Gun Safe Reviews
UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock
First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The Gardall Gun Safes come standard with a UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock. This is the S&G mechanical lock which is my top recommendation and the best in the industry. This high quality lock is designed to last forever and uses the traditional 3 number combination. It’s fully mechanical with no batteries or electronics. It has over 1 million possible combinations.
S&G 6120 UL Rated High Security Electronic Lock
The second lock option 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. In addition, 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. Also, the lock opens 10,000+ times on just one battery. Finally, there are over 1 million possible combinations on this lock.
Hard Plate and Re-Locker
All lock options are 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. In addition, 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 – Gardall Gun Safe Reviews
In terms of security, the Gardall Gun Safe is built tough. With the exception of the GF5517 which only exceeds CA DOJ Gun Safe standards, they all 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. Finally, 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, Gardall used a 1/4″ steel plate door and 11 gauge steel in the body on the BGF series and 3/16″ steel plate on the GF5517. Securing the door are up to 1.5″ thick locking bolts covering three sides of the safe offering quality pry resistance.
Fire Rating – Gardall Gun Safe Reviews
The Gardall BGF Gun Safes are fire rated for 60 minutes at 1400 degrees and the GF5517 is fire rated for 30 minutes at 1200 degrees. Keep in mind this is a factory test and not verified by an independent agency like UL or ETL. They did however use UL approved fireboard to achieve this rating and Gardall has been around for over 50 years with many safes actually going through real world fires.
Gardall also includes a UL approved fire seal that expands up to 7 times its size during a fire to keep smoke and heat from entering the safe.
Style and Function
The Gardall Gun Safes are finished in a standard textured black powder coat. Hardware includes a gold or silver 5-spoke handle on the BGF and 3-spoke handle on the GF5517. Inside you’ll find a split gun rack with adjustable side shelves and top shelf. Also, you can swap the gun rack out for an all shelf interior. This interior is fully carpeted to prevent scratches to your valuables. In addition, a premium door panel organizer is now included on the back of the door with pistol holsters, mesh pockets and a pocket. Finally, four bolt down holes are located on the bottom of the safe for mounting the safe.
Warranty
The Gardall Gun Safes come with a lifetime warranty on fires where they will replace the safe at no cost to you if it ever experiences a fire. Gardall also provides a 1 year warranty. Unfortunately, the warranty is very unclear on what is covered or who pays for installation and service. For me, that is a red flag and usually the company will only provide parts but then not pay for drilling, installation and other various labor.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy a Gardall Gun Safe to store my valuables? All things considered, yes I would. With the 1/4″ steel plate door, 11 gauge body and UL rated S&G lock options, this is a quality product made by a long standing company.
With that said, it is way overpriced compared to the competition. The Stealth Premier series is more than $500 less and retains the UL rated lock and 1/4″ steel plate door but then beefs up the body to 10 gauge steel and increases the fire rating to 90 minutes. It also has a lifetime warranty on burglary and attempted burglary in addition to double the parts and labor warranty where they pay a technician to repair your safe on site. All things considered, I would buy the Stealth Premier gun safes over the Gardall BGF gun safes.
