[rogerjames]

Here's a link... On sale for $699 delivered to door. Seems like a no-brainer as far as "value" goes.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11625662&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|114|3373&N=4042061&Mo=39&No=11&ViewAll=998&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3373&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I am not looking for a debate about UL fire ratings, "safe" vs "RSC", etc etc. and all the other locksmith/purist recommendations. I am primarily looking for an anti-theft deterrent and anti-child storage system. This is going in a closet and this safe has the absolute max external dimensions that I can fit.

I am not a safe/rsc expert but I have done enough research to understand what I get for the money. I fully understand that $2000 will get me into an AMSEC BF and if I had $$ I would do it.

I am primarily interested in any personal reviews of this particular safe, ie... internal shelf quality, lock issues, etc. OR... any other recommendations of similar sized/equipped/priced "gun safes" Thanks!

[bri]

I've had the Big Horn from Costco for about one year now, no complaints!

[KSDeputy]

I have two Fort Knox safes, and have been well pleased with them.

[Warp]

I have two Fort Knox safes, and have been well pleased with them.

Was one of them in the ballpark of $700?

[mgkdrgn]

Most of these "big box store" safe's are going to be pretty much the same in a specific price range.

For home/anti-kid security ... very adequate. Just don't forget to bolt them either to the floor or to a wall so your entire collection can just walk out on a hand truck.

[simonm2211]

I have this one. No problems. Realistically, it will hold more like 16 long guns if they are scoped but I have the same problem with all stated capacity on safes. It fits through closet doors. The shelf quality is fine and the lock has been flawless but I have only had it for a couple of months. Let me know if you want any more specifics.

[25cschaefer]

I just helped a friend move one, I think he owes me a few beers. Great safe and nobody is going to walk out the door with it.

[Vyacheslav]

I just helped a friend move one, I think he owes me a few beers. Great safe and nobody is going to walk out the door with it.

but they will pry it open and walk out the doors with all your guns. the truth about these costco, dicks, gander mtn, etc, safes is that they are only really good for keeping your guns away from kids and maybe for delaying a burglar

[Paris]

I've seen the Youtube videos from various safer makers showing how easy it is to pry open cheaper safes. I think the big thing is to make sure the safe is bolted to the floor from the inside of the safe and that it be recessed to a degree, maybe in a closet or have some walls built around it to limit access.

I haven't seen any videos where the door was able to be opened with the safe in an upright, bolted down position where access was intentionally limited for large pry bars. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you can take steps to mitigate the burglar's chances.

[SARDiver]

I have one, and I like it a lot. Would it deter a determined thief? Maybe not, but with the home alarm system to contend with, the bad guy would have a few minutes to muscle the safe open. It has eight solid door bolts, so I don't think a quick smash and grab style robbery can be accomplished all THAT quickly.

One thing: I got mine (the same model or very similar) for about $500. You might want to see if the price comes down a bit this fall.

[SARDiver]

but they will pry it open and walk out the doors with all your guns. the truth about these costco, dicks, gander mtn, etc, safes is that they are only really good for keeping your guns away from kids and maybe for delaying a burglar
Question: What is it about those safes that makes them inferior? I know the fire protection is a bit longer on the more expensive types, but I'm very comfortable with the value of the Big Horn.

[Warp]

Question: What is it about those safes that makes them inferior? I know the fire protection is a bit longer on the more expensive types, but I'm very comfortable with the value of the Big Horn.

What gauge/thickness steel is the body made of?

What lock does it have?

What is the fire material?

[SARDiver]

It's 10 gauge steel, 1/8" thick, electronic lock with a spring-loaded re-locker (if the lock is tampered with), and 1200 degree/30 minute fire protection, with an expandable door seal. It has a 1.5" thick formed front.

Fort Knox offers one with 3/16" steel (also 10 gauge), 1 3/4" formed front, and various other qualities that make it somewhat better. However, those are also three to four times the price.

Is it the very best? Nope. I concede that. But for the price and size, I don't think it can be beat.

[Warp]

What is the material used for that fire proofing?

Who makes the electronic lock?

You can do better than Costco without going all the way up to Fort Knox.

I don't have one yet. Maybe for Christmas. Still considering everything myself. Wish I could afford a Sturdy Safe. It would push $2k though.

[KingMedicine]

I have one, but off eBay as a scratch and dent model. Really really nice safe for the cash

[SARDiver]

Okay, Warp, so what would you suggest that is better than the Rhino/BigHorn gun safe model 6022, for $500?

[SARDiver]

Here's an AMSEC Teton model, with almost the same characteristics (although it has 12 1" bolts, not the 8 1" that I have).

http://www.gunaccessories.com/AMSEC/Teton.asp

Price? $1900.

Scroll down a bit and you can see one with 14 gauge steel, 5 locking bolts, thinner doors and steel, that goes for over $1000.


The Big Horn is, IMO, a good value.

[Warp]

Never said nor implied that there was something better on that budget. Go back and read the discussion if you don't understand.

[SARDiver]

I think that was uncalled for. I have read the discussion and understand the issues of the OP.

What you have said is that one can do better than the Costco safe, which DOES imply that one can do better on that budget. You did ask someone about finding a Ft. Knox for $700, I grant you. But I answered your question about the quality of the safe I have (and recommend). I challenged one to find a better safe for the money than the Big Horn.

Go back and read my posts if you don't understand.

[Warp]

You have a point, I see what you are saying.

For the money it may be a good choice.

[SARDiver]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

I am genuinely (and respectfully) curious if you have found a safe that is at least similar in price, but is superior. If it is a few hundred dollars more expensive, but superior in a key way, that would be excellent information to have. You obviously have good knowledge of the key aspects to look for in a safe. What do you recommend?

[Warp]

That is just what I am looking for but I have not found it. :(

Not new, anyway.

[SARDiver]

I'm not sure it's out there. I did a lot of research before I pulled the trigger on the Big Horn, and failed to see anything better myself. I would love to have had a Cannon or Ft. Knox, but when I balanced the price with the capability (and realized I could buy a couple more guns for the difference), it was an easy choice. I would not have ANY safe if this model had not been available.

I think what I need is more money. LOL

I got to the point where I realized that the money I had invested in firearms warranted the expense, but I still had to be budget conscious (since my money was tied up in guns!). Will the Big Horn deter anyone who really, really wants your guns? No. I would take the savings and get a home alarm, actually. That will likely reduce your homeowners insurance, be useful for other purposes, and add value to the home.

[peyton]

I understand cost is important here, what throws me off is the external hinges. I frankly do not know who builds a safe with interior hinges in the price range you are looking at. Any safe is better than guns being stashed in the closet.

[glock36]

Internal hinges only limit how far you can open the door and does absolutely nothing for the strength of said safe. It is just a marketing ploy.
Good luck
God bless

[Walkalong]

External hinges are better, especially when you get into heavy gun safes when having to move them. You can take off the door to get them where you need them, then re-install it. And, as posted, the door will open further, which can be helpful.

The question of what gun safe, RSC, or real safe is a tough one to figure out. Many adds tell nothing about the units.

IMO, you want a Group II S&G or equivalent. (What is equivalent? I don't know)
You want at least a 1/8" body and a 1/4" door, minimum. More is better. You want external hinges if you can. You want solid locking bolts with reinforcement so they can not be pried out of line easily. (Pull the cover and look inside the door at the mechanics) Many have no real re-enforcement.

If folks break in and put a gun to your head, you will open the safe, so it doesn't matter what you have. If burglars break in while you are gone, you need something the average smash and grab folks cannot get into easily. Leave DVD players, laptops, TV's out where they can steal them quickly and get out. They do not want to spend a lot of time in your house.

[rklessdriver]

I've had my COSTCO Big Horn safe for 1 yr now. I have no complaints. I knew I was buying a fairly low end RSC and I knew what it was capable of when I got it. It was actually nicer (fit and finish) than I expected.

It's not an AMSEC or anything real safe dealers are going to consider/think of as a safe. It's an RSC and if you don't know the difference there are plenty of right ups on the site that explain the differences. Do the reasearch like I did and know what your buying.

Just my opinion but for the $$$ your not going to find something as nice. In this price range, options are extremely limited.

I also considered the base model Cannon Safe that Tractor Supply Co (TSC) sells, but when comparing the Big Horn to the Cannon, the Big Horn won out for me because the lock and bolts were about the same, the metal thickness seemed about the same but the interior and exterior paint both seemed nicer on the Big Horn (and it was a little cheaper).

One more option in this price range - if you can still find one.

Last Christmas my mom wanted to get my dad a new safe. I recomeded the Big Horn or the Cannon at TSC. She didn't want to order online - so we drove down to TSC to buy one of the Cannon Safe's they had. We get there and they also had a Winchester, that was a dead ringer (other than the Winchester logo) for my Big Horn (both are made in China so I'm betting they are the same factory). The electronic lock was a little different as well but the metal thickness, bolt config, and interior (right down to the smell) was the same. Being able to compare them side by side - she bought the Winchester Safe.

I have my Big Horn Safe configured with long guns on one side and shelves for factory boxed handguns on the other side with the shelf above for unboxed (but in gun rug) hand guns. I also have 2 hand guns in the holster pockets attached to the backside of the door. I have 45 firearms (10 of them long guns) currently stored in this safe comfortably.
Will

[ball3006]

I have one of these safes and I like it. Granted, it is not as fancy as other more expensive safes but I bought what I could afford. It has decient fire prevention compared to other safes. I doubt if any thief will have a chance to either get past me, I am retired, or have enough time before the alarm brings the cops to crack this safe. Besides, who is going to want a bunch of 100 dollar milsurps anyway? Besides, half of the safe is stocked with ammo cans so the chance of carrying it off are slim to nill, and, it is bolted down and the room it is in has a hardened locked door that has to be breached first. chris3

[monet61]

I intend to get another safe. I saw the Costco ones but until today, didn't know anything about them. Thanks for the info. I have a Yukon Gold from Sportsmans Warehouse and if somebody can get that heavy, bolted down
bi#%h out of the closet and out the door, they can have it!

[Walkalong]

Do bolt it down. One man and a hand truck can remove a 450 Lb RSC fairly easily. 600 to 700 starts to get tough for one person. But do they have a friend?

[mythree]

I bought the Cannon 60x40 for short money, electronic entry, delivered and placed in my garage it was on sale and I forget what I paid but it was under $1000 and a great buy, on a great safe. Cannon makes a nice safe and they stand behind their products safe is warrantied for LIFE...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mythree]

Do bolt it down. One man and a hand truck can remove a 450 Lb RSC fairly easily. 600 to 700 starts to get tough for one person. But do they have a friend?

One man and a hand truck can move it agreed - but to where...? Not far that's fer sure...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bergmen]

I understand cost is important here, what throws me off is the external hinges. I frankly do not know who builds a safe with interior hinges in the price range you are looking at. Any safe is better than guns being stashed in the closet.

Mine (Browning) has external hinges and there is no security compromise with them. The hinged portion of the door has fixed locking pins that prevent door removal if the hinges are cut off. Not sure if the Bighorn does but I would be surprised if it didn't.

I can provide pictures if need be...

Dan

[Awsomepossum]

Costco also has an cannon scout 48 gun safe for 800 delivered. I dont think thats installed but its delivered. Are these safes good for the money.

[Hanzo581]

These safe discussions are all the same, someone posts an inexpensive safe they can afford and fifty people post ones hundreds of dollars more. I think we all know you get what you pay for, but some people just want something that keeps their kids out and your average crackhead that breaks into your house for some loot to pawn.

And in that case most safes will fit the bill. Will it stop a professional thief with experience and time on their hands? No...but then again any safe is crackable.

[heeler]

I can more than understand a persons cost constraint decisions on a gun safe.
And even though that BigHorn is no rock of Gibralter it's not some marshmellow box either.
And since the OP is placing it in a tight fitting closet and bolting it down unless someone comes at it with power tools it aint going to give up it's contents so easily placed as he has stated.
The only complaints I have read about them is that Chinese sheetrock that is placed in it for fire protection insulation.
Some have complained the odor is more than just bad and for a long time.
Perhaps they have made a change in materials since that time.
One thing I noticed at both of my FFL guys places of business is the fact that the safes they use are large 12 gauge Cannon's or a large Sentry.
Frankly I am supremely happy with my Amsec BF but I had to spend three times the amount the OP is willing to pay to step up to that type of gun safe.
To the OP, check out the Hollon series of gun safes as well.

[FAS1]

I don't really understand why people will settle for something that is "good for the money". YOU should buy what YOU see the value in. Why settle for something that you don't have the confidence in? If your budget is $700.00 but what you really see the value in is $1000.00 why not just eat at home a dozen more times instead of going out to eat and get the one YOU really want? I'ts not that hard to save a few hundred dollars more to get something YOU feel is worth having.

[heeler]

Perhaps he sees value in what's good for his money.
And we really dont know the value of what he's trying to lock up.
I myself looked at so many ill made 12 gauge gun safes that I too find it hard to put my money on a product like that but I was locking away many thousands of dollars worth of firearms and optics.

[FAS1]

I am not a safe/rsc expert but I have done enough research to understand what I get for the money. I fully understand that $2000 will get me into an AMSEC BF and if I had $$ I would do it.

That's alot of money for most people to justify unless they have a substantial gun collection, but if that's what you see as the one of your choice.......

Dave Ramsey can show you how fast you can save a $2000.00 and get what you really want :)

[stonecutter2]

but they will pry it open and walk out the doors with all your guns. the truth about these costco, dicks, gander mtn, etc, safes is that they are only really good for keeping your guns away from kids and maybe for delaying a burglar
That's why I went with the $150 gun cabinet (yes, screwedd into studs, not just sitting on the carpet). I saw no reason to invest more money in simply keeping honest people honest and kids from snooping. I will eventually invest in a true humongous safe when my wife and I are in a house that we intend to retire in.

[bergmen]

Here's another perspective. I bought a Browning safe several years ago for the principle purpose of safe guarding my firearms and ammo. The good thing is that this safe has taken on the role of protecting important personal valuable and irreplaceable possessions and documents that we were not safely storing previously.

This includes heirloom jewelry, home deed documents, passports, pilot and parachute log books, pink slips for all vehicles, rare family photographs, savings bonds for the kids, cash money, etc., etc. the list goes on.

It is one of the most valuable items in our home for all of the reasons stated above. It has been well worth the expense and will continue to have a positive return on investment because of the irreplaceable value of items mentioned above.

Dan

[kyhuntsman94]

We Love Dave Ramsey!!

[KingMedicine]

Bighorns have external hinges, but have door pins so it wont matter if the door is locked. Locks up pretty tight.

[rogerjames]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the comments.

My condo is so small that my whole bedroom set has to be disassembled for me to get the safe in to the closet. Once it's all back together, there is no way to remove it unless it is carried and lifted and twisted.

Possible but not probable.

[gym]

Aren't there a lot of used safes for sale in this economy? We were talking about that the other day, I will ask my friend who is mover. He gets so much free stuff because he is a big mover of commercial business, and residential, "large homes". So they throw away more usable things because it's cheaper than moving it. It's amazing stuff he would bring home for free. Almost new computers, furniture, I am sure there is a safe or 2, as I hope to be needing one soon also, He moved Stallone and Estafan, made some good friends over the years. A lot of people unfortunatelly have to move these days.

[SSN Vet]

If any of you gents find the Costco safes to be too flimsy or not cost effective, please feel free to off load one on me.

I'm frequently amazed how often I hear the "just skip a few dinners out and you'll be able to save up the extra $200" comments.... which makes me wonder if either they (or I) am living on Mars.

In the world I live in, I know a lot of people for whom $200 is a very large sum of money, and who haven't taken their wife out to eat at a resturant in 5 years.

[ball3006]

Another reason I got the Costco safe is FREE DELIVERY. The trucker helped me put it in my garage. I then moved it into the house. I could have bought a larger more expensive safe but I am moving next year and I needed to factor moving into the size/weight into the safe. I am not too concerned with fire because there is a hydrant in my front yard and the fire station is a mile down the street. It was a move up from the stackon cabinets I had been using. Buy what you can afford and don't be swayed by the fancy paint and interior furnishings....chris3

[SSN Vet]

I had never considered the cheap China drywall out-gassing in a gun safe.

This was a huge problem following the Katrina re-building efforts. US drywall manufacturer's couldn't produce enough panel fast enough, so distributors started importing it from China, only to find later that the China gypsom had a high sulfer content and it was making people sick in their homes.

[357Shooter]

Tractor Supply has a Winchester, 22.5 Cu Ft, 24 Gun, 30 min @ 1200 Deg, 507Lbs for $699, very nice safe. Maybe check it out online...
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/safes/winchester-reg-gun-safe-24-gun-capacity-1043297

[FAS1]

If any of you gents find the Costco safes to be too flimsy or not cost effective, please feel free to off load one on me.

I'm frequently amazed how often I hear the "just skip a few dinners out and you'll be able to save up the extra $200" comments.... which makes me wonder if either they (or I) am living on Mars.

In the world I live in, I know a lot of people for whom $200 is a very large sum of money, and who haven't taken their wife out to eat at a resturant in 5 years.
My point is rather than spend your money on something you don't really want is to save a little longer and buy something worth spending your hard earned money on. I have done that since I mowed lawns in middle school when I was a kid. Then when you buy it, take care of it and it will last you a long time if it's something of quality. It's not about how much money you make or don't make. Most of us blow a lot on things like cell phones, cable, expensive cars, etc. If there's something you really want you can usually achieve it with a little restraint and patients.

[ball3006]

My costco safe meets my needs just fine. I don't live in an area where I will be burglered any time of the day. I don't expect my house to burn down either. Besides, I am retired and home all the time. They have to get by me to get to the safe.....and......why do they want my small collection of 100 dollar surplus rifles anyway.....chris3

[joepa150]

Not to get off track but once you get your safe to your house, how do you all move it to its location. I prefer to put it in my master bedroom closet but would a 500lb safe be to heavy to put upstairs? How the heck do I get it up the stairs?

[bergmen]

Not to get off track but once you get your safe to your house, how do you all move it to its location. I prefer to put it in my master bedroom closet but would a 500lb safe be to heavy to put upstairs? How the heck do I get it up the stairs?

In my case I got my son to help, rented a refrigerator moving hand truck and took the door off to lighten it up.

Personally, I would recommend a downstairs peripheral location because of the chances of damage or loss due to fire.

We have a single story slab foundation house. We put ours in our master in one of the outside corners.

Dan

[ball3006]

Costco has a big Cannon safe on sale right now for 800 bucks. chris3