A rule of thumb is to purchase a gun safe that has the thickest steel as possible. But the thicker the steel, the more expensive a safe will be. Level 3 safes feature 11-gauge steel that is 0.1196 inch (3.038mm) thick. That is 14% thicker than the 12-gauge steel used in Level 2 Security safes. Thicker steel is more difficult to drill or punch. It is also heavier, which makes it more difficult to remove. A square foot of 11-gauge steel weighs 4.879 pounds, which is over half a pound heavier per square foot than 12-gauge steel.

Your gun safe’s type of locking mechanism matters. In a brute force or manipulation attack, your locking mechanism needs to be able to withstand a sustained attack. Level 3 Security safes feature upgraded X-cam locking mechanisms that are more secure than the direct-cam mechanism used in Liberty Security Level 2 safes.

Level 3 Security safes feature Liberty’s innovative 1/4-inch thick military-style locking bars. The Colonial gun safe has up to 10 locking bars. Meanwhile, the Fatboy Jr. has 8 locking bars spread around its door’s four sides.

Hardplate steel is specially heat-treated to create a harder surface. Liberty uses triple layered hardplate to protect Level 3 Security safes from drill and punch attacks on its locking mechanisms. Why use triple layers of hardplate? Because it chews up and shakes drill bits to prevent a burglar from drilling completely through.