I received my first gun at the age of six. Although it was BB gun, I was hooked on firearms and haven't looked back. A Ruger 10/22 followed, and soon thereafter Grandpa's .410 was handed down to me. At the age of 12, I self-inherited Dad's Browning 20-gauge, which started a long list of "our" guns turning into "mine." A couple birthday and Christmas presents left me holding a fine collection of small caliber varmint rifles. I worked summer jobs for a few bird guns, and some of my college tuition money even turned into a Browning .270 Winchester. By my early 20's, I was out of room under the bed for my ever-growing gun collection.

With an expanding collection of guns came a new collection of gun accessories. Having a new deer rifle wasn't complete without a new spotting scope, and the new spotting scope wasn't complete without a new tripod. Shotguns need a full set of choke tubes and pistols need additional clips. Slings, rangefinders and cleaning kits became just as necessary, and I haven't started on muzzleloading and archery equipment. Sometimes new guns were bought just so I could justify all the toys that could possibly go with it. With all my hunting and shooting gear strewn across the house and garage, security had become an issue and it was obvious I needed a place to lock up my guns and equipment.

While visiting a fellow gear junkie, Mark Mazour, I noticed he had a Cabela's Exclusive Gun Safe proudly displayed in his den. A quick inspection of the safe and I was convinced that this is what I needed for my gun and gear collection. Having purchased numerous products from Cabela's, I couldn't think of a better place than to store them than in a Cabela's safe.

A browse through the hunting section of Cabela's website that I knew so well, I quickly found the safe I was looking for. A few simple clicks and in less than a month my new Cabela's Maximum Security Gun Safes was drop shipped to my house.

My favorite feature on this safe was the convertibility. The safe is offered in a 9-17, 12-24, 17-33, and 16-36 size range. Having a safe that can also fluctuate as much as my collection does is a great feature. Currently I maintain a modest number of firearms, making the 12-24 gun safe right for me. As my gun collection will undoubtedly grow, I can remove the shelves to make room for up to 24 shotguns and rifles.

Not only did I now have a place to store my guns; I also had the security I wanted, particular fire security. I always feared fire damage more than someone breaking into my house and had heard the horror stories of fine gun collections turning into charred wood and molten steel with insurance companies only covering the cost of a few guns. Cabela's safe has a UL-rated 18 DN residential security rating fire liner that is rated for 1,250ý F for 45 minutes. Having that kind of assurance is well worth the money I paid.

The theft security is also impressive. The UL-approved KABA® MAS lock system utilizes a side-locking mechanism with two independent relockers and a full-length dead locking bar on the hinged side of the door, making my safe completely tamper resistant, not to mention burglar proof. The 12-gauge steel construction makes it virtually indestructible. The best part, however, is that it keeps my guns out of the hands of curious children. With neighborhood kids, nephews, nieces and cousins visiting, I don't have to worry about them finding a gun lying around the house somewhere.

The digital electronic lock is a great feature. This lock eliminates the dial-type mechanical system that can be hard to see in the dark and difficult to open. The touch pad lock allows me to simply key in my combination, spin the vault handle and I'm in. It's a lot easier to use than a mechanical dial and just as secure.

Even with all the security features that any safe could have, Cabela's didn't forget to make the safe look good. With some lack of space in the house, the safe was going to be part of the living room furniture and I was glad that it looks as classy as it does. The high-gloss metallic finish with custom gold pin striping gives the safe a comfortable look that fits well in my house. The Cabela's logo on front acts as a label as to what's inside.

I have always been a little hesitant about buying a gun safe. They always seemed cold and uninviting, a sign of distrust to those in my house. But today they have become a necessity. If you're anything like me, your gun collection is worth far more than any safe and at the price of these safes, why not protect your investment with one of the most secure gun safes on the market.

Click here to view Cabela's Maximum Security Gun Safes.

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