Buying my first safe. Have questions.

[DFBrews]

I need a safe. getting to the point where i am running out of under the bed space. (I know I know not good practice but it is the reason for the thread)

I have been poking around a little looking for a 8-10 gun safe in the 600 dollar range. I really only see the stack on ones in this range. is anyone else making a decent safe this size and price point that is not left over sardine can lids in construction?

I really like the stack on junior executive. seems well built and i like the fact that is is decently short so it sit next to the dresser pretty well. another thing is i am renting so lag bolting it to the wall is out.

[JohnTRourke]

Safe people lie
a safe that is rated for 10 guns, holds about 5

that's true all the way up thru the big ones, a 50 gun rated safe holds about 25.

buy bigger than you think you need.

you should be starting at the 25 gun level.

[Lurch]

Costco just had some bigger safes on sale in that price range.

[Mazin]

Safe people lie
a safe that is rated for 10 guns, holds about 5

that's true all the way up thru the big ones, a 50 gun rated safe holds about 25.

buy bigger than you think you need.

you should be starting at the 25 gun level.

Yes Yes Yes do this!

I had a 45-50 gun safe that I had bought (Liberty) and I was ticked when I ran out of room.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[Musashi]

I have a Cannon and it is a good safe. A bit more but money well spent and besides you can always upgrade.

[BigNick73]

I got a small SentrySafe at tractor supply on sale for $200 a couple years back http://www.tractorsupply.com/sentry-reg-safe-10-gun-combination-lock-safe-4061927. It's not fire rated but it's a lot better built that my stack-on.

I like to just keep adding small 10-15 gun safes. They're easier to hide, easier to move, and any thieves will have to get into multiple safes instead of just one.

Lag it to the wall anyway, so what if it's a rental it's just a few small holes. If you're worried about it put some mud/spackle in them when you leave, they're probably going to paint anyway. I've done it at two rentals and neither had a problem with it, and I didn't bother to mud either when I left.

[Wakesurfer]

Yeah I was in the same boat two years ago. I went with the Liberty Centurian 20 close to that price range and I am now completely out of room. I am now saving for a FatBoy Junior. I will also agree buy as big as you can or you will be doing what I'm doing and that is just buying another safe that is larger sooner than expected. I have small kids in the house so it is an absolute priority to me to have everything locked up. It seems to me however many guns the safe is rated for, divide that by two especially with rifles. I can maybe fit 6 rifles in mine but plenty of pistols on the shelves.

[Daniel_187]

Save up, this is one area you don't want to cheap out on. Think about it, you are putting ALL YOUR GUNS(maybe some papers too) in it.

[Byte Stryke]

Call Opie011

Eric will go out of his way to help... even if you arent buying it from him.

[RYAN50BMG]

Let me echo what EVERYONE has said.Buy as big as you can afford (and move). A few hundered bucks can make a big difference. I had a big Liberty, sold it and built a 15x7 gun vault in the basement, complete with vault door.

[Longnecktipper]

Are you still looking for a safe ? If so , I have one I'd be willing to part with . I can send you pictures and dimensions if you are interested. Thanks , Jason

[Ashton]

Costco has one onsale decently sized.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11759401&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInC ategory

[anomad]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939460228/midwayusa-gun-sock-rifle-silicone-treated-polyester-blend-gray-with-black-logo-52

Buy enough socks for all your guns to keep them from getting knocked around.

[BigNick73]

I'm going against the grain and telling you to buy the smallest and buy multiples as you fill them up. Do you really want all your guns in one safe? Short of a bank vault most can be defeated with a skil saw with a diamond/carbide blade, they buy you time and keep the lazy criminals out. If you get one big one and they get it open everything's gone, if there's 3-4 its going to take a lot longer, especially if they are in semi hard to get to places like small closets where there's not a lot of room to manuver.

Be sure and bolt the damn things down too, floor, wall, whatever.

[Blockhead]

Love my huge Zanotti, but they're not cheap. Filled up way too fast.

[xring]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A-2ql9gOWzw

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[hammer03]

+1 for buying as big as you can afford/get in the house/get away with.

Especially if you planning on putting papers/computer/jewelry/heirlooms/ammo/whatever else in there. Never enough room if you want to keep ammo in there...

[DFBrews]

i posted this a while back, but here it is again. you think your stuff is safe without a TL15 or TL30 safe? guess again, and if you dont bolt it down, and the correct orientation, it is easy to pry it open.

watch the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPUrqStiSTQ

Damn


Thanks for the insight guys my search begins again.

Going to shoot opie a pm later this evening.

[opie011]

i posted this a while back, but here it is again. you think your stuff is safe without a TL15 or TL30 safe? guess again, and if you dont bolt it down, and the correct orientation, it is easy to pry it open.

watch the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPUrqStiSTQ

Anything under a TL-15 is really just a container. Problem is, most TL-15 and TL-30 safes are too heavy to put in people's homes and quite pricey. If you can't buy a true safe, then these smaller residential containers need to be placed correctly limiting thiefs from breaking into it. One tip is to put the safe in a corner with the hinge side away from the side wall so that crow/prybars won't have as good of leverage when prying the door.

[opie011]

Here's one of the coolest vault doors I got to play with. 18" thick and about 10tons[Tooth]
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/3a1ec773.jpg

[LiveFireArmory1]

I was looking at the Yukon from Browning at Sportsmans. It is the most solid safe I could find out there. Has great ratings. It goes for around $900 though. Since I got my FFL I decided against it and build at 250sq ft vault instead for about the same price. Now I am not limited and I still feel very secure considering I build secure rooms for a living.

[opie011]

I was looking at the Yukon from Browning at Sportsmans. It is the most solid safe I could find out there. Has great ratings. It goes for around $900 though. Since I got my FFL I decided against it and build at 250sq ft vault instead for about the same price. Now I am not limited and I still feel very secure considering I build secure rooms for a living.

What brand of door are you using?

[LiveFireArmory1]

That's Top Secret Dude!
just kidding, Sportsman's Crown Series VAULT DOORS

[theGinsue]

Let me echo what EVERYONE has said.Buy as big as you can afford (and move). A few hundered bucks can make a big difference. I had a big Liberty, sold it and built a 15x7 gun vault in the basement, complete with vault door.
If I may ask, how much did this cost?


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939460228/midwayusa-gun-sock-rifle-silicone-treated-polyester-blend-gray-with-black-logo-52

Buy enough socks for all your guns to keep them from getting knocked around.

+1. Socks protect from dings and scratches, help to keep moisture off the guns and buy your guns more time from a fire. A few years back I was talking to another customer at Sportsman Warehouse about safes and he showed me pictures of the gunsvhevhad in his safe when his house burnt down. The guns in socks looked good & he said they just needed a good cleaning but the guns that weren't in socks (the silicon impregnated ones made for guns) were totally destroyed. It sold me 100% on gun socks!

[babirl]

OP: Anything is better than nothing!

Heck, it's at least a deterrent to most of the scumbags/meth heads/gang bangers robbing/burglarizing around here... Harder is better than easier.

Save a bit more or just buy the best and then biggest you can now afford... Might have to prioritize. Definitely a big difference vs. laying around and as noted, ARs and scoped rifles are absolute space hogs.

B2

Welcome LiveFireArmory1! Always good to have some new FFL options in the area; hope all goes well for you.

Who is [B]Opie011 associated with? (That vault door/vault/fake rock wall is likely worth more than I'll ever be...ETA: In a GOOD way.)

FWIW, I had a dickens of a time finding a local "real" safe/RSC dealer worth supporting in the Springs region once I decided to upgrade a bit; much less one that even wanted to be in a semi-competitive price for my puny private order... Work location and time precluded ability to drive all over/meet business hours. (Ended up w/ custom-order AMSEC BF6636 from "The Safe Place" and couldn't be happier. I had it locally installed... Per usual, it's already full!)

REGARDLESS, Definitely worth knowing some local, real safe pros. I've found some locals through this process that I'll recommend and support if nothing else for MOVING, maintenance and maybe accessories.

[relichunter]

You may want to wait until thanksgiving or Christmas to pick up a sale safe.

I picked this one up last Thanksgiving for $700 at Dicks. http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/field_and_stream_32_gun_combination_lock_safe.html

It is small enough to move up and down stairs - the door comes off easily. Has a water resisitance that has helped me control humidity and it has a fire rating too.

It is rated at 32 long guns and it really fits about 20-25 guns.

I've got two safes. I like the idea of having the guns split up so I have them in different parts of the house.

[JohnTRourke]

You may want to wait until thanksgiving or Christmas to pick up a sale safe.
.

that's a good point
on Black Friday there are some AWESOME deals on safe's.

[SAnd]

I doubled the size of my safe using Rifle Rods. You can stack a lot more guns in the same size safe. They also make it easier to get to the guns in the back. You need to unstack less guns to get to the back.

http://www.storemoreguns.com/rifle-rods-3.html

Look at the pictures to see how they work. They show a dealer in Denver.

I also use the socks to protect the fancy guns I have.

I also advocate getting the biggest safe that will fit your circumstances.

Happy Hunting.

[RYAN50BMG]

@ The Ginsue: Sure, The door (Browning) 2k, construction company to build wall and set door 5500$, shelves,cabinets,lights, paint and other finishing stuff 1500$, so about 9k total.

[HoneyBadger]

@ The Ginsue: Sure, The door (Browning) 2k, construction company to build wall and set door 5500$, shelves,cabinets,lights, paint and other finishing stuff 1500$, so about 9k total.

I know you can do it cheaper than that, but I think that is every real man's dream. [Love1] Talk about a man cave, right? [Awesom]

[RYAN50BMG]

You may think 9k is a lot(ok,it is) BUT, I can justify the cost with one gun. As for the OP, you gotta start some where. Locking up your stuff is a gun owner responsibility, so good for him. I started with a Walmart gun cabinet.@ HoneyBadger, I have some "Haters" because of my gun vault.

[HBARleatherneck]

delete

[HoneyBadger]

You may think 9k is a lot(ok,it is) BUT, I can justify the cost with one gun. As for the OP, you gotta start some where. Locking up your stuff is a gun owner responsibility, so good for him. I started with a Walmart gun cabinet.@ HoneyBadger, I have some "Haters" because of my gun vault.

They hate because they are jealous like me! [Tooth]

I am renting a house right now, but when we decide to buy some land and build, it will certainly have a walk-in vault/shelter.

[RCCrawler]

I was looking at the Yukon from Browning at Sportsmans. It is the most solid safe I could find out there. Has great ratings. It goes for around $900 though. Since I got my FFL I decided against it and build at 250sq ft vault instead for about the same price. Now I am not limited and I still feel very secure considering I build secure rooms for a living.

So you say you built your vault for about $900, but they you say you used a $2,800+ door?

[CO-SpAr72]

Bought mine at CO Safe Outlet. Just an entry level safe. Supposedly has capacity for 22 long guns or 11 lg plus shelves. Thinking bout half that at best but has nice interior and haven't filled it...YET! Pm me if interested in their contact info

[CrufflerSteve]

I think I've mentioned Zannoti Armor before. At one point I thought I'd never move again but life happened and I've moved 3 times.
http://www.zanottiarmor.com/

A modular safe is great. It is easy to move and install. You don't have to hire strangers and your neighbors don't even need to know you have a gunsafe.

Steve

[DFBrews]

I think I've mentioned Zannoti Armor before. At one point I thought I'd never move again but life happened and I've moved 3 times.
http://www.zanottiarmor.com/

A modular safe is great. It is easy to move and install. You don't have to hire strangers and your neighbors don't even need to know you have a gunsafe.

Steve

Cost?

[CrufflerSteve]

Cost?

Damfino. I bought my last one about 15 years ago. It was comparable to similar safes. They offer a lot of options. The modular feature makes for cheaper shipping. It can be flat on a pallet.

Steve

[gos]

I got mine at Costco, Rhino Bighorn 19ECB, for like $599 delivered when it was on sale last year. Cheap, but is rated at 30 minutes of typical house fire protection. Won't stop any determined thieves but will prevent mishandling of them which was my main concern since family with kids visit from time to time.

Looks exactly as advertised. If you weren't storing paperwork or other valuables inside and used both sides for guns, you could comfortably get 10-12 long guns with optics inside, plus a bunch of handguns along the top.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11642080

Their 36ECB is on sale now too, $500 discount. Bring a few friends and a heavy-duty hand truck since it's 800 lbs.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11751434

If we ever move, I'll definitely do the door/vault method, I think.

[BuffCyclist]

I'm following along this thread closely, been talking about safes for a while now with my Fiancee. We own our own home and will be getting married next year with kids to follow. She doesn't want our kids to access my guns, and I want to get a safe to lock up my rifles, as well as personal documents and the like.

However, I haven't seen anyone comment on the locks themselves: combination or electronic? Additionally, the fire rating hasn't been commented on. Most are 30min at 1200*F.

I was looking at picking up a $400 safe at Lowes that is made by Liberty Safe, the Centurion 12 or 20. Then I found Mesa Safes and the MBF5922, a 7.9cuft safe (which is roughly 18-20 guns according to other safes of similar size) which seems to be amazing. They retail between $850-1000 including curbside delivery with the choice of an electronic or dial lock and has a fire rating of 60min at 1750*F. Are their safes REALLY rated that high/long or is it a marketing scheme? Do I really need something rated that high or are normal 30min at 1200*F enough for a typical house fire? (wood framing, concrete slab, 90%/10% stucco/vinyl siding)

http://www.mesasafe.com/models/gun-safes/mbf5922e/overview.html

For my use, I think I want to get a dial lock as my SD/HD/CCW will not be stored in it so quick access isn't necessary. And I've read (albeit briefly) that electronic locks can be more prone to wearing out sooner than a dial. I don't want to get a huge safe since our house isn't that large and the closet I will be putting it in will be used for other things as well. We have a concrete slab foundation so I will definitely be securing it to the floor, preferably with the hinge side away from the wall (for pry bar reasons as someone mentioned in the thread already).

Not purchasing soon, this is a 1yr or more research project and the safe will be purchased hopefully before the start of 2014.

[babirl]

I recently upgraded to an AMSEC BF to replace some lesser options after many years of deciding/putting it off. Regardless, that's not a "base" nor "economical" option but I can pass along some lessons learned:

- Anything is better than nothing!

- Definitely talk to a pro in the "gun safe/Residential Security Container" business; a few $100s can make a huge difference in what you get... Especially in the "budget" models. (There are huge differences in the bulk-built CH safes... Some are actually pretty dang good; some you might as well just buy a basic metal cabinet.)

- If no local dealer available or prices out of control. there are quite a few good dealers online that cover the spectrum from budget to "real" safes in the $100+K range. (I eventually went through "The Safe Place" and they were great and very knowledgeable... IM if you want some other ideas.)

- I've always opted for manual locks; partially because I'm old-school, partially because I've seen folks have hell w/ an electronic ones but that was years ago... I understand the reliability has vastly improved (Definite requirement is a UL listed lock).

- "Storage capacity" is always overrated; especially w/ ARs... Buy the best quality/biggest you can accommodate/afford and start saving for #2.

B2

FWIW, I've always had loaded/unsecured firearms in the house and my long-grown children knew, respected, and never had an issue... Same as w/ my dad, granddads, etc. It's the "friends" and thieves you have to watch out for!

[BuffCyclist]

I recently upgraded to an AMSEC BF to replace some lesser options after many years of deciding/putting it off. Regardless, that's not a "base" nor "economical" option but I can pass along some lessons learned:

- Anything is better than nothing!

- Definitely talk to a pro in the "gun safe/Residential Security Container" business; a few $100s can make a huge difference in what you get... Especially in the "budget" models. (There are huge differences in the bulk-built CH safes... Some are actually pretty dang good; some you might as well just buy a basic metal cabinet.)

- If no local dealer available or prices out of control. there are quite a few good dealers online that cover the spectrum from budget to "real" safes in the $100+K range. (I eventually went through "The Safe Place" and they were great and very knowledgeable... IM if you want some other ideas.)

- I've always opted for manual locks; partially because I'm old-school, partially because I've seen folks have hell w/ an electronic ones but that was years ago... I understand the reliability has vastly improved (Definite requirement is a UL listed lock).

- "Storage capacity" is always overrated; especially w/ ARs... Buy the best quality/biggest you can accommodate/afford and start saving for #2.

B2

FWIW, I've always had loaded/unsecured firearms in the house and my long-grown children knew, respected, and never had an issue... Same as w/ my dad, granddads, etc. It's the "friends" and thieves you have to watch out for!

Thanks for the tips, sadly I live in a town of 30k people and we dont' have a safe place. In fact, the only safe I can get here in town is a cheapo small "fireproof" safe at walmart or the $400 Centurion at Lowes (but they dont even know the combo to open it for me).

I'll check out The Safe Place and continue doing research, really curious on the fire rating of safes though. I think the Mesa 5922 is the biggest I can accommodate in our house.

Part of the reason I'm wanting to lock up instead of just continue hiding is that my Fiancee never grew up with guns, in fact her first exposure is through me carrying everywhere we go and at first she was VERY uneasy about it. Now she encourages me to carry. Still trying to convince her to get her CCW let alone let me take her to the range to shoot for the first time.

[babirl]

...
I'll check out The Safe Place and continue doing research, really curious on the fire rating of safes though. ...

Part of the reason I'm wanting to lock up ...

Best wishes and how the heck did you find a a trainable/cool gal in S NM? Congrats! [Beer]

Heck, I have a Canuck daughter-in-law that's learned!

Fire rating is a bit nebulous; particularly for gun safes/RSCs... Most of the "cheaper" ones rely on a layer/layers of sheet-rock/drywall that tend to out-gas w/ heat and also absorb moisture due to various or lack of treatment/mitigation (not a normal issue in CO/NM; however, it's worth having a desiccant). Lots of info out there, but if you can buy into 60 min good/90 min better.

Anyhow, you're in the middle of nowhere NM but you have some great options to research and get something 'way better" delivered.

B2

OK, I don't start "forum wars" , but here's one that's not "the hated ARFCOM"/relatively recent:  http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465833

I will say anything much heavier than 800# you start getting into dangerous/exceeding your average HD appliance dolly/3-buds & beer moving service.