Welcome to our West Side Safe & Gun Blog — First Post
We are an FFL/SOT firearms dealer with a members-only outdoor range and we sell safes and vault doors and offer professional delivery/installation services for the safe that we sell, if you need a safe relocated or if you have purchased a safe from anther retailer.
This space will share practical advice, shop updates, and how-to guidance to help you protect your assets, and stay educated on various topics. Below is a quick tour of the topics we’ll cover over the coming months — each entry will include actionable tips, checklist items, and ways we can help.
Safe Installation 101: What to Expect When We Deliver and Install Your Safe
Walkthrough of delivery day, anchoring methods (if required), programming your electronic lock or training on how operate a dial combo, and what you should do to prepare for a smooth professional installation.
Understanding FFL Transfers: What Buyers Need to Know About Legal Requirements
Plain-language guide to Form 4473, NICS, dealer-to-dealer transfers, state variations, fees, timelines, and special NFA/Class 3 transfer considerations.
Spring Tune-Up: Maintaining Your Safe, Vault Door, and Gun Storage
Seasonal maintenance checklist covering bolt work, locks, gaskets, humidity control, dehumidifiers, and when to call a technician for professional servicing.
Member Range Spotlight: Safety Rules, Etiquette, and Getting the Most from Our Outdoor Range
Member-only policies (no guests/minors, CCW required), core safety rules, etiquette, training options, rental gear, and how to book orientation and bays.
Class 3 & NFA Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Suppressors, SBRs, and Registration
Updated overview of NFA items and the removal of the suppressor tax as of 01/01/2026 (registration and ATF approval still required). Covers Forms 1/4, trusts vs. individuals, timelines, and how we assist with filings.
Home Defense vs. Secure Storage: Balancing Accessibility and Safety
Practical strategies to balance fast access and secure storage: quick-access options, layered security, training drills, legal and insurance considerations, and maintenance best practices.
Commercial & Business Security: Vault Doors and Safes for Small Businesses
Security planning for retailers and small businesses: threat assessment, safe vs. vault decisions, deposit features, time-delay/dual-control options, alarm/camera integration, and insurer requirements.
Choosing the Right Gun Safe for Your Collection and Budget
Guide to safe types, capacity, fire ratings, lock choices, interior organization, anchoring, and realistic budget expectations for entry, mid, and premium tiers.
Prep for Hunting Season: Firearm Care, Range Practice, and Safe Transport
Field-focused checklist for cleaning and inspection, sighting and zeroing, practice drills, legal checks, safe transport, and gear prep so your season is safer and more successful.
Emergency Preparedness: Safes, Vaults, and Documents to Protect in a Disaster
What to protect, choosing fire- and water-rated safes, waterproofing and offsite backups, grab-and-go kits, firearm/NFA document storage, and post-disaster recovery steps.
Year in Review: New Products, Range Improvements, and Customer Success Stories
Recap of shop and range upgrades, new inventory and services, notable installs and transfers, training highlights, and what to expect next year.
Want full posts, printable checklists, or a consultation? We’ll publish a full post for each of these topics over the next year. If you’d like any full article now, a downloadable checklist, or an on-site assessment (safe selection, installation quote, transfer assistance, NFA filing help, or range orientation), contact us and we’ll prioritize that topic for our next post.
Thanks for reading — stay tuned for the first full article in March!
