The regs are trying to cover all possible designs, which rarely works. They updated ours recently to simply say that the receptacle must be purpose-designed for firearm storage
That would be preferable than trying to cover all permutations. Seems like they formulated the regs asking a boilermaker to make one from scratch. back in 1996
If you can punch the lock off the back of the door the pins are just held there by loose linkage rods
I still cant see how they would move the rods without cutting open a substantial hole to swivel in a strong earth magnet at least.
Not all safe doors are hinged, some have a separate door that lifts out, more common on floor safes and pistol safes.
OK. Given the absolute vast majority are buying commercial ready, long arm safes, then it's pretty safe to presume hinges on all. I've yet to see a lift door on a safe advertised as a pistol safe. Wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea if they'd had to move 5-10kgs everytime they opened a safe. I can't imagine it being popular.