Originally headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Winchester used to be one of the first largest companies to produce gun safes in the USA. They closed their USA factory entirely and only started to import gun safes from China. They have two main lines, one sells exclusively in Tractor Supply and the other through traditional dealers and online channels. The safes sold through traditional channels are actually quite good but the gun safes sold on Tractor Supply are down right terrible. Allow me to explain why.
Lock – Winchester Gun Safe Reviews
First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock used. Winchester primarily uses two styles of locks. One of these locks is very high quality, UL approved Type 2 High Security Mechanical lock, and the other is a non-rated very low quality Solenoid electronic lock.
UL Approved Type 2 High Security Mechanical Lock – S&G
The S&G Mechanical locks are UL Approved Type 2 High Security. As a matter of fact, this is the second highest rating you can get. This lock is designed to last for decades. The quality is impeccable. They don’t use any batteries and are the traditional “old school” style where you spin in a 3 number combination. Finally, a 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 UL Approved locks on all of their safes. In an attempt to cut cost and have the absolute lowest prices available for Tractor Supply, 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 – Winchester Gun Safe Reviews
Winchester gun safes are split between un-rated, CA DOJ approved as a firearm safety device and UL Approved RSC. Steel thicknesses range from 14 gauge steel door and body up to 10 gauge. Furthermore, Winchester gun safes use solid steel locking bolts that range in thickness. Generally, the models with UL RSC Burglary ratings and the S&G mechanical locks are actually very secure and good quality safes.
Fire Rating – Winchester Gun Safe Reviews
Winchester 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. Winchester does not have their gun safes tested with ETL, an independent laboratory, to verify their claims. Evidently, 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 an intumescent door seal. This seal expands to multiple times its size during the fire to keep smoke and heat out. Winchester also backs this gun safe with a lifetime warranty against fire.
Style and Function
Winchester Gun Safes are finished in either textured gray or black 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. Finally, the interior is standard carpeting with larger gun racks, 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 Winchester gun safes, they are pretty good options. I would avoid the Tractor Supply exclusives that are un-rated and use the Solenoid electronic lock. In summary, stick with a high quality UL Approved RSC Gun Safe with the S&G Mechanical Lock.
