Made in Idaho, USA, the Rhino Ironworks CD Series is one step below the A series line and still made with premier quality and unbelievable style. Rhino pays attention to detail on every single safe they produce with a relentless focus on quality. In this review, I’m going to explain exactly why the Rhino CD3022X Home Safe is one of the best mid-tier home safes in the industry.
Lock – Rhino CD3022X Home Safe
First and always most important for any Home safe is the lock. Rhino Metals offers three excellent options depending on your preference.
S&G UL Approved Type 2 High Security Mechanical 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.
S&G Spartan UL Approved Type 1 High Security Electronic Lock
Next, they offer the S&G UL Approved Type 1 Spartan D-Drive Electronic Lock. This is one of the three brands I recommend when it comes to Electronic Locks with the other two being NL and SecuRam. S&G is the oldest and most reliable lock company in the world, you can rely on either lock option for decades to come and S&G has one of the best warranty and service departments if you ever need help with your lock. These aren’t some cheap Chinese lock, they are high quality, made in USA, UL tested and approved locks. Finally, this lock has over 10,000+ possible combinations and operates on a 9 Volt Battery replaceable from the keypad located outside the safe.
SecuRam ScanLogic UL Approved Type 1 High Security Biometric Lock
The final lock option offered is the SecuRam Biometric lock with keypad backup. In my experience with the lock, the Biometric scanner is somewhat difficult to use and program. All in all, my recommendation is to go with either one of the first two lock options made by S&G and not spend the extra money on the biometric fingerprint scanner.
Security – Rhino CD3022X Home Safe
The Rhino CD3022X Home Safe is adequate when it comes to security. It’s tested and approved by UL as a Residential Security Container RSC. This is the standard burglary rating for gun safes and it fits within the mid-tier category competing with the Liberty Colonial series and Stealth UL series.
It has a 12 gauge steel body and a 12 gauge steel composite door which is also in line with its competitors.
It also features 2-sided bolt work with four 1″ thick locking bolts. The bolt work is anti-punch and anti-drill as well as the handle features a patented F-4 internal anti-tamper clutch. Finally, the lock is protected by an internal ball bearing drill plate and internal re-locker.
Fire Rating – Rhino CD3022X Home Safe
Rhino didn’t stop at just a great quality lock and security features. They also added 80 minutes of fire protection at 1400 degrees. To accomplish this fire rating they added 3 layers of 5/8″ fireboard in the ceiling and 2 layers in the walls, floor and door. Also included is a genuine Palusol fire seal. It expands to 7 times its size during a fire to keep smoke and heat out.
While this fire rating is not verified by ETL, an independent laboratory, Rhino safes have successfully survived many fires. Ultimately, I’d say the proof is in the pudding.
Style and Function
Rhino built this version of the CD series as an alternative to their unique antique Ironworks finish. It comes in a variety of textured finishes with trim and interior options. You can customize and design the safe exactly as you want it.
Once inside the safe, the interior is one of the best in the safe industry, perfectly complementing the exterior. Finally, a pre-installed electrical outlet powers electronics like an electric dehumidifier. This gun safe has the best style in the entire safe industry.
The Bottom Line
With a lifetime warranty including repair or replacement, adequate security, better than most fire rating, top of the line lock and top of the line style and function, the Rhino CD3022X Home Safe is one of my top picks in the category. This safe isn’t lacking anything and you should not hesitate to purchase. Support an American Company that makes a superior quality made in USA product. All things considered, I recommend you buy the Rhino CD3022X Home Safe.