Lets Talk Safes

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10-06-2008, 11:55
Sucka

Lets Talk Safes

So i'm in the market for a middle of the road safe. Looking to spend $500-1000ish, but could be persuaded to spend a bit more.

What is the best source for safes in Colorado? I would be willing to drive to get the right deal.

I would love fire protection, but if that puts it out of my budget i guess i can live without it.

Me and the wife are living in an apartment, so size is a major concern. Looking for ~10 rifles and a few handguns + space for mags and some ammo. Room to grow = good, but this safe is more of a stop gap between now, and when we move into an actual home.

So what say you folks? I know very little to nothing about gun safes, so steer me in the right direction.

Thanks!
10-06-2008, 13:40
mbl

Check out Costco. I got a Centurion by Liberty last year. They have specials every so often with good prices. For some they offer in home delivery for $200, where they will take it up or down 1 flight of stairs. It was worth the extra $$ to have them take it to my basement.

I have been happy with the Liberty, I am working as hard as possible to fill it and not piss off my wife!
10-06-2008, 13:41
ssf467

Walmart has a Winchester safe for under $600 Made in The USA believe it or not
10-06-2008, 15:39
cowboykjohnson

Murdochs has centurion safes for a good price, find one with a scratch or something and you can haggle the price down too! We got a 24 gun, fire rated one for 600$
10-06-2008, 16:02
Sixgun

Liberty safe's at Gander MTN. $899, awesome safe. Enough said. Keep it out.
10-06-2008, 16:38
86k10

i got a 21 gun ( i think) safe a dicks sports for $500 with instant rebate with 1400 degree fire protection @1/2 hour, 5 live bolt, 3 dead bolt. the right side converted for pistols if you dont need extra rifle storage. good safe for the money. i looked for 2 weeks everywhere before i decided on this one. best bang for the buck in my opinion

it is a Stack On Elite
10-06-2008, 16:54
Sucka

Thanks for the suggestions fellas, i didn't know Wal-Mart and Costco even stocked safes.

What is Murdochs? Never heard of that place, do they stock a lot of safes?

Anymore suggestions welcome. I've been meaning to head to Gander and Bass Pro, they are the only two places i know that have them in store. Are their prices fair to what i could get online after shipping?
10-06-2008, 17:28
cowboykjohnson

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sucka

What is Murdochs? Never heard of that place, do they stock a lot of safes?

it's a farm and ranch store, used to be wheelers, then big r, then ranch wholesale, now murdochs and ya they usually have 10 to 12 or so in stock big to small they've got em all! What'll it take to get you to drive home in a new safe today![ROFL1] sorry it reminded me of a car sales pitch
10-06-2008, 20:03
Sixgun

I just came from sportsmens warehouse, they have sale on really nice safes.
10-06-2008, 20:35
car-15

I got this one from big r if you watch they have them on sale all the time, iirc I only paid $599.00 for it.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/101_0608.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/101_0610.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/101_0609.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/101_0676.jpg
10-06-2008, 20:40
RYAN50BMG

Let me wade in here. I had a very nice Liberty, then I sold it and built a full on vault. Be ready to spend more like 1500-2000$ for something that you will want to keep around for a while. I seeyou are still in an apt. so maybe a couple of low buget Wal-Mart safes with barrel keys would be ok for now. My point is, a good AR-15 with the usual stuff will run into the 1000-1500$ range, so don't cheap out on a safe to keep it in.
10-06-2008, 21:05
Sixgun

Car-15, I did this to my safe, I can get more guns in it and easier access.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_14301.JPG,
Not hard, let me know if I can help.
10-06-2008, 21:07
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYAN50BMG

Let me wade in here. I had a very nice Liberty, then I sold it and built a full on vault. Be ready to spend more like 1500-2000$ for something that you will want to keep around for a while. I seeyou are still in an apt. so maybe a couple of low buget Wal-Mart safes with barrel keys would be ok for now. My point is, a good AR-15 with the usual stuff will run into the 1000-1500$ range, so don't cheap out on a safe to keep it in.

I would love to get a nice big one i can have for life right now, but living in a one bedroom apartment has its drawbacks to be sure. If i can get something decent to last me ~2 years, i'll be happy. That is sound advice, but we just have no place to put the larger, more expensive ones.

car-15: That's pretty much exactly what i'm looking for! Thanks for the pics. Looks like i might take a ride down to Murdochs.
10-06-2008, 21:08
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgun

I just came from sportsmens warehouse, they have sale on really nice safes.

Any specific ones catch your eye? I'll have to stop by there, i've never looked at their safe selection.
10-06-2008, 21:11
car-15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgun

Car-15, I did this to my safe, I can get more guns in it and easier access.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/100_14301.JPG,
Not hard, let me know if I can help.

that would be a great improvement over what I have now, it is a real pia to get them in and out as it is.
10-06-2008, 22:15
theGinsue

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sucka

Thanks for the suggestions fellas, i didn't know Wal-Mart and Costco even stocked safes.

What is Murdochs? Never heard of that place, do they stock a lot of safes?

Anymore suggestions welcome. I've been meaning to head to Gander and Bass Pro, they are the only two places i know that have them in store. Are their prices fair to what i could get online after shipping?

I got one @ Sam's Club (they had it in stock) about 18 months ago. It's a 12/24 gun Winchester and cost me around $650. I need another safe of the same size (any bigger and I wouldn't be able to get it into my basement - it was hell as it was). While I like the mods shown in the pics in the earlier post, it wouldn't let me squeeze in (figure of speech - not actually taking chaces with the guns) what I've got.

No matter what option you go with you absolutely MUST purchase either a moisture absorbing crystal pack or a de-humidifier - even if you've got the guns well oiled and in silicon socks.
10-07-2008, 14:13
pickenup

Quote:

Originally Posted by car-15

I got this one from big r

Who is "big r"?
10-07-2008, 16:41
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickenup

Who is "big r"?

From a few posts up, appears to now be called "Murdoch's".
10-07-2008, 19:38
car-15

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickenup

Who is "big r"?

http://www.bigr.com/locationsother.htm
10-07-2008, 20:10
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgun

Liberty safe's at Gander MTN. $899, awesome safe. Enough said. Keep it out.

I went to Sportsman's, Bass Pro and Gander today. I found the Timber Ridge by Liberty safe at Gander for $899. Size was perfect, specs on it seem good, price is a bit high, but doable.

I went and read over on THR like twitchyfinger suggested, and the comments were hit or miss. Found a few threads on it, a few older ones. Seems like it's a lower end safe, but a decent enough one. Those in the "know" seem to advocate safes well out of my price range, so i'm not sure what to make of it.

Would it be ill advised for me to go this route?

Does anyone live near Murdoch's who wouldn't mind swinging by there to see what they have + prices? It's over an hour from me, if someone is close a recon mission would be great!

I'm more or less looking for short fire protection, and protection from smash and grab type robbery, it seems this safe from Gander may fit the bill?
10-07-2008, 20:18
Gman

The Littleton store is only a couple of miles away. Murdoch's website really sucks. I can't find the store hours anywhere on it. If it's open after work, I'll try and do a drive-by.
10-07-2008, 20:57
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman

The Littleton store is only a couple of miles away. Murdoch's website really sucks. I can't find the store hours anywhere on it. If it's open after work, I'll try and do a drive-by.

If you could that would be awsome! I'll check back tomorrow evening for a potential report.

Thanks.
10-07-2008, 21:10
Sixgun

They are 1000 times better then walmart's. If you are going to have class 3 stuff then you better get an 800lb+ safe. I have alot of money in Winchester's and I think the $899 safe is well worth the money. also would get a dial not electronic. A dial will always work. If someone Wants your guns they will put a gun to your head and say OPEN IT OR else. The most expenisive safe, can't help you there.
P.S I have 2 safe's, My 1st is from walmart, It work for years but as my collection grew, I needed more room and safer housing. It house's my ammo and cheap stuff now.
Good Luck and if you want to talk let me know if I can help.
..............Sixgun
10-07-2008, 21:14
Sixgun

I found that Murdoch's safes(Liberty) were good but pricey.(1299 and up) They told me not much room for discounts. 10%
This was my experience.
10-07-2008, 21:39
Sucka

Thanks for the reassuring words Sixgun.

The Liberty safe from Gander you're talking about is the "Model 23"? They had 2 of them, one had a granite finish and was $999 while the glossy green one i was looking at was $899.

Size was perfect for my needs, i just wanted to make sure it was a good safe at that price point. I might pull the trigger on this safe this week unless i hear of something better.
10-07-2008, 21:53
Sixgun

Glossy will scratch, my 2cents.
10-07-2008, 22:49
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixgun

Glossy will scratch, my 2cents.

But a $100 extra bucks worth? [Tooth]
10-08-2008, 08:08
twitchyfinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sucka

Thanks for the reassuring words Sixgun.

The Liberty safe from Gander you're talking about is the "Model 23"? They had 2 of them, one had a granite finish and was $999 while the glossy green one i was looking at was $899.

Size was perfect for my needs, i just wanted to make sure it was a good safe at that price point. I might pull the trigger on this safe this week unless i hear of something better.

Also Sam's club has the Liberty Centurion Vault - 23cu.ft. (same as model 23) for $688. Have to search by store for the and see who has it in stock but I did find one at the south store on Wadsworth or at the one in Loveland I do not know where you are at. This is the one that would have been my second choice. The only thing I don't like about them is the electronic lock though it is a top of the line lock I am just not a fan of the electronic locks.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...=5&item=404819
10-08-2008, 10:55
Sucka

Thanks twitchyfinger. You give me a lot to think about.

I had looked on Craigslist a few weeks back and didn't find anything, it's just one of those things you need to be lucky enough to be looking while someone else is selling. I'm looking to purchase this week, so we'll see if anything comes up.

That unit from Sam's Club looks nice, but as you mentioned the electronic lock is a negative. From what i gathered they should be avoided. That price sure is appealing though....

Good advice on the placement, hadn't given that much thought. Unfortunately, being in a 1bdr apartment at the time being, my options are extremely limited, as to maybe 2 different spots. Wife is already iffy on the whole thing, but when i got done explaining that by spending $900 now, we save the several thousand dollars worth of stuff that will be in the safe later. She quickly got the picture and hopped on board.

Decisions decisions...
10-08-2008, 16:17
twitchyfinger

Sucka

Just popped up CL I am pretty sure that is an AMSEC LP5924 Good deal for $200 they cost around $800 new. Looks like it has the manual lock but can't tell for sure.

http://denver.craigslist.org/spo/871747264.html
10-08-2008, 17:08
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by twitchyfinger

Sucka

Just popped up CL I am pretty sure that is an AMSEC LP5924 Good deal for $200 they cost around $800 new. Looks like it has the manual lock but can't tell for sure.

http://denver.craigslist.org/spo/871747264.html

Good find, i just left him a message to find out if it's fire rated. For that price, that could be the perfect stop gap safe for me.

Thanks.
10-08-2008, 17:16
twitchyfinger

No prob here are the specs for that safe:

Specification:

* Weight: 478.00 lbs
* Outside Dimensions (HxWxD): 59.25"x24.00"x18.00"
* Inside Dimensions (HxWxD): 57.25"x22.00"x15.25"
* Gun Capacity: 8-8-16

Features:

* Black textured finish with bold zinc die cast polished brass logos, a rich velour back cover and fire walls with durable American Oak wood finish interior.
* Brass Spy-Proof dial and "L" handle.
* External hinges easily provide full access to your safe.
* The LP6032, LP6030 and LP5924 offer fire protection of 1200°F, for a period of 45 minutes. Designed to maintain an interior temperature of less than 350°F.
* Palusol door seal expands up to 8 times its original thickness when exposed to high temperatures sealing safe contents from harm.
* High strength unitized 12 gauge solid steel body.
* Massive 13/4" recessed door constructed of a 1/4" solid steel plate and a fire insulating material.
* Equipped with a Group II, key-changeable combination lock with brass spy-proof dial and ring.
* 3-way boltwork with 5 active 11/4" diameter chrome-plated steel locking bolts and three 11/4" deadbolts.
* Each safe offers 4 precut anchor holes and 1 precut electrical access hole.

I just did a search for the AMSEC LP5924W

Here is a link to American Securities website: http://www.amsecusa.com/gun-safes-LP-main.htm

The thing that I like best about AMSEC safes is that they use 2" of "DryLight" poured in concrete-type fire insulation between the inner and outer walls offer greater structural strength and superior fire protection than typical sheet-rock panels found on other safes.
10-08-2008, 18:47
twitchyfinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sucka

Good find, i just left him a message to find out if it's fire rated. For that price, that could be the perfect stop gap safe for me.

Thanks.

WOW that one went fast hope it was you who got it!!!
10-08-2008, 19:23
theGinsue

Twitchyfinger - I followed the link you posted & it looks like a nice safe (okay, "security container"), but it doesn't list the price.

How much do those run?
10-08-2008, 19:30
twitchyfinger

That particular safe runs about $800 online "sale prices" but you have to keep in mind shipping costs too from an online company. National Safe Outlet in Aurora is a AMSEC dealer and I talked with them today and was told they will be having a huge sale on safes in December if you are not in a dire hurry.

If you do a search online for the model number you can find online prices like the:

AMSEC LP5924W
10-08-2008, 19:52
Gman

Sorry, Sucka. I just left the office at 7:15. Maybe I'll be able to escape earlier tomorrow.
10-08-2008, 20:45
Sucka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman

Sorry, Sucka. I just left the office at 7:15. Maybe I'll be able to escape earlier tomorrow.

NP, if you can, great. If not, no biggie.

Thanks.
10-09-2008, 19:57
Gman

Like Sixgun said, Murdoch's aint cheap.

Freedom Security by Liberty;

Centurion
-17 CF--$749.99
-20 CF--$799.99
-23 CF--$949.99

Patriot 23 CF
-Green--$1199.99
-Black--$1399.99

They also had a StackOn Security Plus '16-gun' w/ electronic lock for $399.99. It wieghed 182lbs and had no fire rating.

They're running a sale that is $100 off safes over $1K and $200 off safes over $2K. They had some expensive monsters but I figured those were 'out of scope'. ;)
10-09-2008, 20:13
Sucka

Thanks Gman!

Much appreciated.

Now comes decision time. PanamaDave gave me info on a guy who does the Tanner shows and i contacted him about the safe that closest met my budget as well as needs, but the one downside was it was an electronic lock. Maybe i'll head there this weekend and see what he has to offer in person. This is becoming a tough decision.

And that safe twitchy posted for $200, the guy never called me back. I'm assuming that's gone.

Thanks all of those who contributed so far [Beer]

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