Based out of Tacoma, Washington, Sports Afield has been the fastest growing gun safe company over the last 7 years. They sell primarily through big box stores like Costco, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply and Home Depot. While they don’t have a great reputation for quality and are considered low end in security, they do offer a full comprehensive lifetime warranty covering all components of the safe. So, if anything were to go wrong, you can rest assured you are covered.
Lock – Sports Afield Gun Safe Reviews
First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock used. In an attempt to cut cost and have the absolute lowest prices possible, Sports Afield opted to use a low quality Solenoid electronic lock. Undoubtedly, 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 – Sports Afield Gun Safe Reviews
Nearly all Sports Afield Gun Safes are only CA DOJ approved as a firearm safety device. This rating certifies it can withstand light burglary protection. Ideally, you want a gun safe that is UL Approved as a Residential Security Container, RSC. Because they only have a 14 gauge steel door and body, they do not qualify for the test. Next, Sports Afield gun safes use solid steel locking bolts that range in thickness.
Generally, there really isn’t a big difference between 11 gauge through 14 gauge steel. Because, burglars use the same tools to cut through the sides. Comparatively, the big difference comes from the American Security BFX gun safes with concrete composite in the walls. Because, 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 Sports Afield gun safes will do a decent job.
Fire and Water Rating – Sports Afield Gun Safe Reviews
Sports Afield 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. Sports Afield does not test their gun safes with ETL, an independent laboratory, to verify their claims. 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.
Water Rating
In contrast to the rest of the industry, Sports Afield gun safes have water resistance. Surprisingly, Sports Afield is the only brand that makes safes with a water rating and it can survive in up to 2 feet of water for 7 days. In the event that, you live in a state in the south that experience hurricanes, this is a great feature.
Style and Function
Sports Afield 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. The interior is standard carpeting with gun racks, side shelves and zero sag top shelves. Nearly all models have door panel organizers and electrical outlets.
The Bottom Line
Without the UL rated lock, I can’t recommend any Sports Afield gun safes. SA Consumer Products is the parent company who makes Sports Afield gun safes and they recently released a brand new Remington Gun Safe line which does feature the SecuRam Basic UL rated high security electronic lock. These Remington gun safes are very high quality and I would recommend you spend the extra money and get a safe that will actually last.
Not the safe you were looking for? Check out all of the Gun Safe Reviews Here.