As a gun owner, keeping your weapon safe is extremely important. In order to prevent curious children and burglars alike from handling your long gun, gun safes are a must. Although there are many different types to choose from (including biometric gun safes), the important thing you should look for is the UL RSC rating. Residential Security Containers vary in purpose, but they come in three graduated performance levels, also known as attack levels. Let's take a look at just what each one means.
- Attack Level One: In order to gain this rating, a safe must be able to withstand a five-minute attack by one technician using common hand tools (such as drills, screwdrivers, and hammers). If five minutes pass and the safe is still securely locked, it will earn its UL RSC I certification.
- Attack Level Two: For a UL RSC II rating, the product must be able to tolerate a 10-minute attack by two technicians using more aggressive tools (such as picks, high-speed carbide drills, and pressure-applying devices). These techs will also attempt to make a six square inch opening in the door or front face of the gun safe; if the product successfully resists their efforts, it will gain a UL RSC II certification.
- Attack Level Three: This final level gives two technicians another 10-minute window to attempt to penetrate the safe, but they're allowed access to even more aggressive tools. At the same time, the size of the maximum attack window shrinks from six square inches to two square inches. A UL RSC III rating is considered to be the most secure of them all.
