Buying my first safe. Have questions.

[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]

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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!

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.