A gun safe is a special safe or cabinet used for the safe storage of firearms and ammunition. In Germany, weapons cabinets are required by law to ensure the safe handling of weapons and to prevent access by unauthorized persons. There are different types of gun safes that offer different levels of security depending on requirements and needs. The most common types of gun cabinets and the approved classes in Germany are explained in more detail below.

Types of gun safes

Short weapon cabinets

Short gun safes are specifically designed for the storage of pistols and revolvers. They are usually smaller and more compact than long gun cabinets and provide space for a limited number of handguns. These cabinets have special holders or compartments to securely hold the guns and protect them from damage. Short gun cabinets can be purchased as either single or multiple cabinets, depending on how many guns are to be stored.

Long gun cabinets

Long gun cabinets are larger and provide ample space for storing long guns such as rifles or shotguns. They are usually equipped with special gun holders and compartments to safely store and organize the guns. Long gun safes can have different sizes and capacities to meet individual needs. They are often equipped with additional compartments or shelves to also store accessories such as scopes, magazines or cleaning materials.

Combined cabinets

Combined cabinets offer the possibility of storing both short and long guns in a single cabinet. They are especially convenient for sport shooters or hunters who own both pistols and rifles. These cabinets feature a combination of gun holders and compartments to ensure safe and orderly storage. Combined cabinets are available in various sizes and can be customized to meet individual requirements.

Approved gun cabinets in Germany

Gun cabinets in Germany are classified into different resistance classes (also known as security levels). This classification is based on the European standard EN 1143-1 and indicates how resistant the cabinet is to burglary attempts. The resistance classes range from 0 to 5, with higher classes providing a higher level of security. The various resistance classes are explained in more detail below:

Resistance Class 0 and I

Weapons cabinets in resistance class 0 offer basic protection against burglary attempts. They are usually made of sturdy steel and have a solid locking mechanism. Although they offer the least protection, they still meet the legal requirements and are suitable for private use.

Weapon safes of resistance class I already offer increased protection against burglary attempts. They are more robust and resistant than Class 0 cabinets, with thicker steel walls, reinforced locks, and possibly additional security features such as integrated alarms or electronic code locks.

In a Class 0 firearms cabinet according to DIN/EN 1143-1, unlimited long guns and up to 5 handguns and ammunition may be stored if they weigh less than 200 kilograms. If it is a Class I or higher firearms cabinet, an unlimited number of short and long firearms may be stored, regardless of weight. This means that in cabinets with higher resistance classes, there is no weight limit for the storage of weapons, provided that the security requirements are met.

This classification allows gun owners to safely and properly store their entire gun collection in a single gun cabinet without worrying about weight restrictions or limited space.

Weapons and ammunition do not have to be separated in a Class 0 cabinet according to DIN/ EN 1143-1.

Resistance class II

Weapons cabinets of resistance class II offer even higher protection and are suitable for commercial and private use. They are significantly more stable and resistant to burglary attempts. They have thicker steel walls, multi-point locking doors, and may have additional security features such as fireproof insulation.

Resistance class III

Resistance Class III gun safes offer a high level of protection against burglary attempts. They are designed for commercial use, such as in gun stores or shooting ranges. They have reinforced steel walls, multipoint locking doors and additional security features such as integrated alarm systems and fire protection insulation.

Resistance class IV and V

Resistance class IV and V gun safes offer the highest level of protection and are usually intended for professional use, for example in banks or government offices. They are extremely resistant to burglary attempts and have special security features such as high-security locks, armor plates and special reinforcements.

Old resistance classes A and B

The old A and B resistance classes for gun safes were part of an earlier classification that is no longer used in Germany. This classification was based on the VDMA 24992 standard and has been replaced by the current European standard EN 1143-1. Nevertheless, it is interesting to give a brief overview of the old resistance classes A and B.

Resistance class A

Weapon safes of resistance class A corresponded to a lower security level. They offered basic protection against burglary attempts and were suitable for private use. These cabinets usually had a thin steel wall and a simple lock. They met the legal requirements of the time, but were less resistant to professional burglars.

Resistance class B

Gun cabinets of resistance class B were more robust and resistant than class A cabinets. They offered greater protection against burglary attempts and were suitable for both residential and commercial use. These cabinets had thicker steel walls, reinforced latches, and additional security features such as integrated alarms.

It is important to note that the old resistance classes A and B no longer comply with current German regulations and have been replaced by resistance classes according to the European standard EN 1143-1. This current standard ensures higher security standards for gun safes and guarantees better protection against burglary attempts. When purchasing a gun safe, always make sure that it meets the current legal requirements and has the correct resistance class to ensure adequate protection for your weapons and ammunition.

Existing protection for A and B cabinets

Grandfathering applies to A and B cabinets, so they can continue to be used without restriction. The current owner also has the option of acquiring additional weapons and storing them in the existing cabinets. If the cabinet is fully occupied in accordance with legal requirements, at least one Class 0 cabinet must be purchased when making a new purchase.

The storage capacity for stocked cabinets is determined as follows: An A cabinet may hold up to 10 long guns. For a B cabinet, there is no limit to the storage of long guns. A B cabinet weighing less than 200 kilograms may also hold 5 handguns, while a B cabinet weighing 200 kilograms or more may hold 10 handguns. If a B cabinet weighs less than 200 kilograms but is firmly anchored, it may also hold 10 handguns. However, it is important to note that regardless of the storage capacity, the legal requirements for the safe storage of weapons and ammunition must always be met.

When selecting a resistance class for a gun safe, it is critical to consider the number and type of weapons to be stored, as well as individual security needs. It is highly recommended to seek the expertise of a professional before purchasing a gun safe. This can ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the gun cabinet meets individual needs. Expert advice makes it possible to select the right resistance class and find the optimal security solution for storing weapons. The advice of an expert not only ensures compliance with the applicable regulations, but also guarantees a high standard of security and thus the best possible protection for the valuable equipment.