Let's talk gun safes!

[funkfool]

So, gun safes. I need one.
I'm looking in the under $1000.00 range.
At least 24 gun...
Preferably at least 30min fire rating.
Waterproof?
Anyone have advice?
Safes to stay away from?
Good manufacturers?
Quality/Value?
I'm looking at this:
http://www.gunsafes.com/Winchester-T...Fire-Safe.html?

[gnihcraes]

I have an old browning prosteel - seems well built. I'm not sure I'd like the new fancy electronic keypad locks on the brands out there today. I like the S&G (sargent and greenleaf) lock set/combination. my2cents.

[twitchyfinger]

Manufacturer web site:
http://www.libertysafe.com/safe_centurion.php

[kwando]

will be buying one soon, has anyone used that gunsafe.com site??

twitchyfinger - you are the second person that has said that lowes/home depot has good deals, will have to check them out.

[theGinsue]

Okay, before one of the guys in the "safe" business jumps in and educates (translated: chastises) you for your terminology, what you are really looking for is officially a security container, not a safe. Apparently, "gun safes" don't measure up to the criteria required to be an official safe.

Now, I have 2 of those exact Winchesters "safes".
Heres the first one I acquired: (3 yr old pic)


I'm very happy with mine.

[Ak47Ar15Glock26]

i got my safe at walmart of all places. its a sentry safe with digital keypad (faster to get in, battery operated) and i fit 2 ar's, 2 ak's, and 2 mossberg pistol grip 12 ga's at once, with a shelf that holds most of my ammo and handguns. even comes with lag bolts to bolt to the floor and wall. best $200 ive ever spent

[coop68]

well from my experience i like a dial lock than a electronic just cause i don't have to deal with batteries and such going out and also most come with skeleton keys so if it does die you can still open your safe i would rather just remember a combo than have to hide or buy another safe to put the keys in!

i work at Dick sporting goods part time we sell stack-on products!

i own the stack-on 24-gun safe i bought mine two years go for 430 dollars got a heck of a deal at the time since it was a 600 dollar safe and i bought it on family night where i got extra off! my safe is the older model elite 24 with one handle not typical three spokes. the newer one weighs less i guess cutting cost cause of materials i think and is a little shorter which explains the loss in weight! things i would keep in mind are:

weight: at least 450 pounds if not more unloaded the more the better less chance of it walking off and bolt it to the concrete if you can!
door hinges: on the out side for fire proofing and multiple point locking system!

water proofing: is a simple task all you are paying for is the fact it says its water proof and some rubber oring or disk for the two bolt holes on the bottom of the safe and rubber/door sealer going along the the door and right next to the fire proofing plastic strips. you could buy this at a hard ware store if you really think you need it. might save you a little if you find a good safe with out water proofing!

fire rating of course as well! mine is i think 30-45 min i cant remember of the top of my head and the temp either i would have to check!

Another thing to consider where are you going to put it? basement upstairs ect... the question is how you going to get it there if it weighs XXX number of pounds. what ever you do don't use the delivery service at dicks its out sourced and they charge basically half of what you are paying for the safe just to get it to your first floor. i bribed my friends with a steak dinner and borrowed my friend truck and filled it up with gas coasted me 100 bucks give or take with food and gas to get it where i wanted it.

my .02 coop Note: theGinsue im to lazy to type out "security containers" as you are correct i like how "Safe" is only four letters!

[funkfool]

Okay, before one of the guys in the "safe" business jumps in and educates (translated: chastises) you for your terminology, what you are really looking for is officially a security container, not a safe. Apparently, "gun safes" don't measure up to the criteria required to be an official safe.

Now, I have 2 of those exact Winchesters "safes".
Heres the first one I acquired: (3 yr old pic)
(pic deleted for space)
I'm very happy with mine.

Well - then I suppose I better revise my previous statement and say "Let's talk 'security containers'!"

[funkfool]

i work at Dick sporting goods part time we sell stack-on products!

Another thing to consider where are you going to put it? basement upstairs ect... the question is how you going to get it there if it weighs XXX number of pounds. what ever you do don't use the delivery service at dicks its out sourced and they charge basically half of what you are paying for the safe just to get it to your first floor. i bribed my friends with a steak dinner and borrowed my friend truck and filled it up with gas coasted me 100 bucks give or take with food and gas to get it where i wanted it.

my .02 coop

Thanks coop... more things to think about. Saw Dicks has a few on sale in the ad this weekend...
Do you happen to know if the Field and Stream model is really a stack-on product?

[theGinsue]

Now, once you decide on a "safe" for your firearms, consider keeping them all in silicon gun socks. They will actually increase the protection from moisture as well as fire.