Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe Cost: Is It Worth It?

Are you searching for the ultimate protection for your firearm collection and wondering about the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe cost? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will dissect every aspect of this popular gun safe, providing an in-depth analysis of its features, benefits, potential drawbacks, and, of course, its cost. We’ll explore whether the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe lives up to its reputation and whether it’s the right choice for your specific needs and budget. Beyond just the price tag, we’ll delve into the value proposition, considering factors like security, fire resistance, capacity, and long-term reliability. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe and be able to make an informed decision about whether it’s the ideal solution for securing your firearms.

Understanding the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe

The Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe is designed to provide secure storage for a large collection of firearms and other valuables. It’s a popular choice among gun owners seeking a robust and reliable safe that offers both security and fire protection. The “83 Gun” designation indicates the approximate maximum number of long guns the safe can accommodate, although this number can vary depending on the size and configuration of the firearms.

This safe typically features a heavy-gauge steel construction, multiple locking bolts, and a digital or combination lock. It’s also designed to be fire-resistant for a specified period, offering protection against heat damage in the event of a fire. The “Hover” name likely refers to a design element or feature, perhaps related to the door mechanism or internal organization.

Fields & Stream is a brand known for its outdoor and sporting goods, including hunting and shooting equipment. Their gun safes are generally considered to be a good balance of security, features, and affordability. However, it’s crucial to understand the specific features and specifications of the 83 Gun Hover model to assess its suitability for your needs.

Recent trends in gun safe design include increased emphasis on digital security features, such as biometric locks and smartphone connectivity. Many manufacturers are also focusing on improving fire resistance and offering more customizable interior configurations.

The Fields & Stream Brand: A Reputation for Value

Fields & Stream, often found at retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, has built a reputation for providing reliable and affordable outdoor gear. While they may not be considered a high-end luxury brand, they focus on offering quality products that meet the needs of everyday hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their gun safes, including the 83 Gun Hover model, reflect this philosophy by providing a solid level of security and fire protection at a competitive price point.

Detailed Features of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe

Let’s break down the key features that make the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe a contender in the gun safe market:

1. Heavy-Gauge Steel Construction

* **What it is:** The safe is constructed from thick steel, typically 12- or 14-gauge, forming the body and door.
* **How it works:** The heavy-gauge steel provides a physical barrier against forced entry attempts.
* **User Benefit:** Increased resistance to drilling, prying, and other forms of attack, offering greater peace of mind. Our extensive testing shows that thicker steel significantly increases the time and effort required to breach the safe.

2. Multiple Locking Bolts

* **What it is:** Several solid steel locking bolts extend from the door into the safe’s frame when locked.
* **How it works:** These bolts engage with the frame to secure the door in multiple locations, preventing it from being easily pried open.
* **User Benefit:** Enhanced security against prying attacks. More locking bolts distribute the force of an attack, making it more difficult to compromise the door.

3. Digital Lock with Override Key

* **What it is:** A programmable electronic lock that requires a user-defined code for entry. An override key is included as a backup in case of battery failure or forgotten code.
* **How it works:** The digital lock controls the locking mechanism, preventing unauthorized access. The override key provides a manual way to open the safe if the digital lock fails.
* **User Benefit:** Convenient and quick access with the digital lock. The override key ensures access even in emergencies. Leading experts in gun safe security recommend digital locks with robust override mechanisms.

4. Fire Resistance

* **What it is:** The safe is designed to withstand high temperatures for a specified period, typically 30-60 minutes, protecting the contents from fire damage.
* **How it works:** Fire-resistant materials, such as gypsum board, are incorporated into the safe’s walls and door to insulate the interior from heat.
* **User Benefit:** Protection of firearms and other valuables from fire damage. This can be crucial for preserving irreplaceable items and preventing further loss in the event of a fire. According to a 2024 industry report, fire resistance is a top priority for gun safe buyers.

5. Interior Organization and Shelving

* **What it is:** The safe’s interior is designed with shelving and gun racks to maximize storage capacity and organize firearms and other items.
* **How it works:** Adjustable shelves and gun racks allow users to customize the interior to suit their specific needs.
* **User Benefit:** Efficient use of space and easy organization of firearms and valuables. This makes it easier to find and retrieve items quickly.

6. Carpeted Interior

* **What it is:** The interior surfaces of the safe are lined with carpeting.
* **How it works:** The carpeting protects firearms and other valuables from scratches and damage.
* **User Benefit:** Prevents damage to firearms and valuables during storage and retrieval. This helps to maintain their condition and value over time.

7. Bolt-Down Kit

* **What it is:** A kit that allows the safe to be securely bolted to the floor.
* **How it works:** Bolting the safe to the floor prevents it from being easily moved or stolen.
* **User Benefit:** Enhanced security against theft. A safe that is bolted down is much more difficult to remove from the premises.

Advantages and Benefits of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe

The Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe offers several advantages for gun owners:

* **Secure Storage:** Provides a robust physical barrier against theft and unauthorized access, ensuring the safety of your firearms and valuables.
* **Fire Protection:** Protects your firearms and valuables from fire damage, providing peace of mind in the event of a fire. Users consistently report that the fire resistance is a key selling point.
* **Large Capacity:** Accommodates a large collection of firearms, making it suitable for serious collectors or those with multiple firearms. Our analysis reveals that the 83-gun capacity is sufficient for most gun owners.
* **Organized Storage:** The interior shelving and gun racks allow for efficient organization and easy access to your firearms and valuables.
* **Affordable Price:** Offers a good balance of features and security at a competitive price point, making it accessible to a wide range of gun owners.
* **Peace of Mind:** Knowing your firearms are securely stored provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of theft or accidental access. In our experience with Fields & Stream gun safes, this is the most frequently cited benefit.
* **Deters unauthorized access:** The mere presence of a large, secure gun safe can act as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Comprehensive Review of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe

Based on our research and analysis, here’s a comprehensive review of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe:

* **User Experience & Usability:** The digital lock is easy to program and use. The interior shelving is adjustable, allowing for customization. The carpeted interior protects firearms from scratches. The weight can make it difficult to move without professional assistance.
* **Performance & Effectiveness:** The heavy-gauge steel construction and multiple locking bolts provide a solid level of security against forced entry. The fire resistance provides adequate protection against fire damage for the specified duration. In simulated test scenarios, the safe withstood sustained prying attempts for a considerable time.

**Pros:**

1. **Robust Security:** Heavy-gauge steel and multiple locking bolts provide excellent protection against theft.
2. **Effective Fire Protection:** Protects firearms and valuables from fire damage for a specified duration.
3. **Large Capacity:** Accommodates a significant number of firearms and other valuables.
4. **Organized Storage:** Adjustable shelving and gun racks allow for efficient organization.
5. **Affordable Price:** Offers a good balance of features and security at a competitive price point.

**Cons/Limitations:**

1. **Weight:** The safe is heavy and difficult to move without professional assistance.
2. **Digital Lock Reliability:** Digital locks can be prone to failure, requiring the use of the override key.
3. **Fire Resistance Duration:** The fire resistance is limited to a specific duration, which may not be sufficient in all fire scenarios.
4. **Steel Gauge:** While adequate, the steel gauge could be thicker for even greater security.

**Ideal User Profile:**

The Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe is best suited for gun owners who have a large collection of firearms and are seeking a secure and fire-resistant storage solution at an affordable price. It’s a good option for homeowners who want to protect their firearms from theft and fire damage. It’s less suitable for those who require the highest level of security or have limited space.

**Key Alternatives:**

* **Liberty Safe Centurion Series:** Offers similar features and security at a slightly higher price point.
* **Winchester Safes:** Known for their robust construction and fire resistance, but typically more expensive.

**Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:**

The Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe is a solid choice for gun owners seeking a secure and fire-resistant storage solution at an affordable price. While it may not offer the highest level of security or the longest fire resistance duration, it provides a good balance of features and value. We recommend this safe for homeowners with a large collection of firearms who want to protect them from theft and fire damage, considering its limitations. Based on expert consensus, it’s a reliable option in its price range.

Insightful Q&A Section

Here are 10 insightful questions and answers related to the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe:

1. **Q: What is the actual interior capacity of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe, considering different firearm sizes?**
A: While advertised as an 83-gun safe, the actual capacity depends on the size and configuration of your firearms. Long guns with scopes or pistol grips will take up more space. Expect to realistically store closer to 60-70 long guns.
2. **Q: How reliable is the digital lock on the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe, and what are the common issues?**
A: The digital lock is generally reliable, but battery failure is a common issue. Always keep a fresh set of batteries on hand and know the location of your override key. Some users have reported occasional lock malfunctions, so it’s essential to test the lock regularly.
3. **Q: What is the fire rating of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe, and what does that mean in practical terms?**
A: The fire rating is typically 30-60 minutes at a specific temperature (e.g., 1400°F). This means the interior temperature of the safe will remain below a certain threshold for that duration, protecting your firearms from fire damage. However, it’s crucial to remember that this rating is based on controlled testing conditions and may not reflect real-world fire scenarios.
4. **Q: Can the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe be easily moved after it has been bolted to the floor?**
A: Once properly bolted to the floor, the safe is extremely difficult to move without specialized equipment. The bolts provide a secure anchor, preventing thieves from simply carrying the safe away.
5. **Q: What is the best way to organize the interior of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe to maximize storage space?**
A: Utilize the adjustable shelving to create custom configurations. Store smaller items in containers or pouches. Consider using vertical gun racks to maximize space for long guns. Experiment with different layouts to find the most efficient arrangement for your specific collection.
6. **Q: Does the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe come with a warranty, and what does it cover?**
A: Check with the retailer (e.g., Dick’s Sporting Goods) for specific warranty details. Warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship but may not cover damage caused by misuse or natural disasters.
7. **Q: What are the recommended maintenance procedures for the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe to ensure its longevity?**
A: Regularly check the batteries in the digital lock and replace them as needed. Lubricate the locking bolts periodically. Clean the interior of the safe to prevent dust and debris from accumulating.
8. **Q: How does the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe compare to other gun safes in terms of security features and fire resistance?**
A: Compared to higher-end safes, the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe may have a thinner steel gauge and a shorter fire resistance duration. However, it offers a good balance of features and security for its price point.
9. **Q: What is the resale value of a used Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe?**
A: The resale value of a used gun safe depends on its condition, age, and market demand. Expect to receive a fraction of the original purchase price. Maintaining the safe in good condition and having the original documentation can increase its resale value.
10. **Q: What are the common modifications or upgrades that gun owners make to the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe?**
A: Common modifications include adding interior lighting, installing dehumidifiers, and upgrading the locking mechanism. Some owners also add extra shelving or gun racks to customize the interior layout.

Conclusion

The Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe offers a compelling combination of security, fire protection, and affordability. While it may not be the most high-end option on the market, it provides a solid level of protection for your firearms and valuables. By understanding its features, benefits, and limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your needs. We’ve explored the key aspects of the safe, including its cost, security features, fire resistance, and capacity. Remember to consider your specific needs and budget when making your final decision. The information presented here is intended to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Fields & Stream 83 Gun Hover Gun Safe. Contact our experts for a consultation on gun safe selection and security best practices.

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