Liberty Franklin 35 Gun Safe

The Liberty gun safe Franklin 35 is a solid choice. The Franklin Series is designed for those gun owners who need more space than the Colonial Series offers and want some additional security and safety features.

As I will discuss more fully in the “Bottom Line” section below, I would pay the slightly higher price for the equivalent Lincoln Series gun safe. But first, let’s take a look at the Franklin 35.

Key Advantages:

The Franklin Series has many of the advanced features of more expensive option and this does make the safe an attractive choice.

1. DX-90 Monster Mech Cam Device: This is Liberty Safes patented locking mechanism that deflects prying pressure away from the lock, thus making it more difficult to open. The Franklin Series is the lowest priced option that offers this device. Besides prying, the mechanism also is part of its re-locking device that keeps the locking bolts in place.
2. Interior Steel Door Plate: Some lower priced gun safes only offer steel on the outside of the door. The Franklin Series offers it on the inside as well. Why is this important? It makes the door more rigid, thus making it harder to pry the door open.
3. Locking Bolts: Like the more expensive Lincoln Series, the Franklin Series has longer (2.375″) and larger (1.75″) bolts than most lower priced safes.
4. UL Rated Burglary Protection: Like all Liberty gun safes, the Franklin is a UL rated Residential Security Container. It also has a UL Group II rated combination lock. For an additional fee, you can get a UL rated electronic lock.

Key Disadvantages:

1. Three Sided Locking Bolts: At the end of the day, three sided locking bolts are not as good as four. But let’s remember one thing; this safe still received the UL RSC rating, so it is by no means easy to open. Nonetheless, as I will point out below, you may be able to have your cake and eat it too.
2. Steel Thickness: The steel thickness is 11 gauge. This is not awful, but I like to see a little higher.
3. Price and Accessories: The current 2010 retail pricing is as low as $2,109. Not bad.

Bottom Line

I like this gun safe, but I think you would be better served by going with the Lincoln 35. The cost difference is approximately $500. You get the dehumidifier rod with the Lincoln 35, better fire protection and locking bolts on all 4 sides. The Lincoln is slightly smaller inside (1″ height and 1 less gun capacity); however the differences are minimal.

As noted, prices will vary depending upon when you read this. Also, sometimes the accessories (e.g., dehumidifier and lighting) is included or not included with the various models. The purposes of pointing these pricing issues out are that you can often get a better deal if you are paying attention.

Liberty Franklin 35 – By the Numbers