Cannon Safes

Scout S21 Gun Safe Review

In 2011, Cannon Safes unveiled its Scout Series of entry level gun safes. There are seven different models and the Scout S21 one of the smaller models with a maximum capacity of 24 long guns.

Before I go much further, I think it is important to note that Cannon tries to bridge the gap between offering mass market inexpensive gun safes, like the Scout series, and more expensive better built safes like the Commander Series.

Cannon competes tries to compete on the low end with companies like Sentry and Stack-On. Thus, it is hard to compare the Scout Series with a $5,000 safe from Heritage or Fort Knox.

That being said, let’s take a look at the Scout S21 in the context of mass market safes.

If want to learn more about some of the terms and features discussed below, take a look at my gun safe buying guide.

Cannon Safes Key Advantages:

1. UL Rated: While the Cannon website does not state it, customer service confirmed that the Scout Series is UL RSC rated. For entry level safe options, this is a good thing.
2. Fire Rating: This safe has a 30 minute rating. Thirty minutes is not a lot of time, but at least it has a fire rating. Moreover, a third party independently verifies the rating. Having a third party verify fire ratings is rare, even with high end options. The safe also has a “Triple Fin” door seal as part of its fire protecting. This means that the safe door seals even if the smoke is cold. Meaning that if the fire is not near the safe, but the smoke travels to where the safe is.
3. Warranty: The Scout S21 gun safe enjoys the very comprehensive Cannon Safe warranty: fire or theft, your covered. The warranty includes shipping costs and the locksmith cost to open the safe, if needed.
4. Lock: You get a UL Type 1 rated electronic lock. This is a good lock for a low end safe.
5. Electrical /Internet Connections: This Scout has an internal electrical outlet, USB and RJ45 Ethernet connection already wired into the interior. Almost no higher end safes have, this so it is really good for one at this price point. This allows you to just “plug and play” with a dehumidifier and store your computer in the safe, if you want.

Cannon Safes Key Disadvantages:

1. Locking Bolts Sides: The gun safe door only has locking bolts on 1 side. Other entry level safes do better, but many do the same here. Either way, one sided coverage is not great.
2. Weight: Obviously, this is not a 1,000 pound safe. The weight is only 421 pounds. Overall, this is light, however, it is fairly good compared with other mass market options.
3. Steel: It has12 gauge steel which is, overall, not great, but standard for low cost options.

Fit and Finish

As mentioned above, the safe is already wired with an electrical outlet, USB and RJ45 Ethernet Connection. You also get two exterior color choices. The choice is nice given its lower cost.

The internal shelving is not adjustable like other safes. Overall, I like the look of the safe. It has great graphics and would look good in the room.

Bottom Line

Cannon Scout S21 – By the Numbers